For a 'busy' yoga teacher, the inclination to hurry off after class and move on to the next task is strong. However, over the years, I've come to understand that staying a while at the end of class and chatting with students is often the most important part of being a 'good' yoga teacher. Asana is important, but connection is the cure for students facing life’s challenges.

“Asana is important, but connection is the cure for a student facing a life challenge.“

Over the years, I’ve talked to countless students about a range of difficult topics: unhappiness, helplessness, job loss, separation, depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. The path back to happiness and a smile usually involves shifting focus from the perceived 'problem' to the remedy: gratitude.

Cultivating a sense of gratitude and integrating it into daily life is one of the easiest ways towards a happier existence. It requires no more than setting aside time each day to reflect on things others have done for you.

Part of my morning ritual involves sitting in bed with a cup of coffee, mentally revisiting the people in my life, remembering for what I am grateful for. Starting with my parents, I progress to my teachers, family, and friends. Although it's more challenging, I occasionally reflect on people who have upset me and what I can learn from those experiences.

Gratitude has carried me through some of the most devastating incidents and traumas of my life, such as the death of my brother. Instead of allowing the heavy, overwhelming grief and pain when my brother was taken too early, I learned to be grateful for the time we shared.

A key aspect of nurturing gratitude is its ability to dissolve the inflated lower self (ego) – a trap and illusion many of us have encountered, especially in the realm of yoga on social media. My Lama often playfully reminded yoga teachers with a cheeky smile, "Everything of value has been taught to you by someone else. There's no news, only olds."

He also emphasized to every Yoga Teacher Training student that "obsession with the self has historically been recognized as the problem, not the solution, when it comes to finding happiness in life."

Fostering gratitude extends its benefits both on and off the yoga mat. It aids in:

• Navigating life changes

• Becoming a more empathetic, intuitive yoga instructor

• Becoming a better yoga practitioner and student

• Finding a path through depression and anxiety

• Coping with loss

• Fostering a positive outlook on the future

• Developing a deeper, enduring sense of contentment and happiness

• Being a nicer person to be with

• Potentially enhancing our outer attractiveness to others

We can make a difference in the world around us. Starting with gratitude is one easy way to do so. I look forward to discussing these ideas with you through the gratitude challenge. Remember, it's not happiness that makes us grateful, it's the gratitude that makes us happy!

I express my sincere gratitude to you, dear reader, for considering this challenge. And my everlasting gratitude to my Heart Teacher, Lama Marut, for all the years of wise and witty guidance, and to so many others who've taught, supported, and put their trust in me on this path.

To conclude, I leave you with a quote from the Buddha. It is said that he recommended it as the daily affirmation: “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.”

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful."

-Buddha

In metta,

Sanna

ABOUT SANNA

Sanna is a highly accomplished yoga teacher who began her journey in 1990 with Ashtanga Yoga. She received her Guru's suggestion to start teaching much later, after progressing well into the third series. Since then, Sanna has taught countless classes, workshops, retreats, and YTT's worldwide.
In addition to her extensive yoga expertise, Sanna holds a diploma in Buddhism from Asia and was authorized by her Lama to teach 'Tibetan Heart Yoga,' an ancient system that blends strength and softness, philosophy, mantra, and meditation with breath control. Her signature classes reflect her philosophy of having a soft heart and a strong mind, making her an exceptional and sought-after yoga teacher

21 DAYS OF GRATITUDE WITH SANNA

Discover the magic of gratitude with Sanna in our 21-Day Gratitude Journaling Challenge starting September 3!

Embrace daily journaling, invigorating yoga, and calming meditation with our online community. Complete the challenge for a chance to win a mini-series of your choice!

Download the free 21-Day Gratitude Journal to start today.