The Yoga of Savoring: Presence, Contentment, and Gratitude
As the pace of the year quickens and the world invites us into busyness, yoga reminds us to slow down—to savor, to breathe, and to be present. This Thanksgiving week, let’s explore how true gratitude isn’t something we force, but something we feel through embodied awareness and mindful presence.
The Yogic Roots of Gratitude
In yoga philosophy, the concept of Santosha—contentment—is one of the Niyamas, or ethical practices of yoga. Santosha invites us to accept and appreciate what is, rather than constantly striving for what could be.
It’s easy to take our daily lives for granted—to stop seeing what’s right in front of us. But when we pause long enough to truly see, feel, and receive what surrounds us, gratitude naturally arises. Contentment isn’t complacency—it’s the deep peace of saying, “This moment is enough.”
Letting Go with Ishvara Pranidhana
The season of autumn mirrors another Niyama: Ishvara Pranidhana, or surrender to the divine. As the leaves fall and nature releases, we’re invited to release, too—to trust the greater rhythms of life.
This surrender isn’t passive—it’s a conscious alignment with the flow of change. Letting go allows space for grace, reminding us that we are part of a larger cycle that holds us even as things shift and fade.
Practice and Acceptance: Abhyasa & Vairagya
From the Yoga Sutras, Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (non-attachment) remind us that mindfulness itself is a discipline. We practice showing up in each moment and then release attachment to what happens next.
Presence is the practice.
Letting go is the grace.
Together, they create the balance that sustains inner peace.
Pratyahara: Turning Inward
The fifth limb of yoga, Pratyahara, means withdrawing from external stimulation—a practice especially helpful during the overstimulation of the holiday season. This week, try creating small moments of inward retreat:
Turn off notifications for a day.
Step outside for quiet reflection.
Limit media or news intake.
Sit with a loved one without distractions.
The gift of presence is one of the greatest we can offer.
The Science of Savoring
Modern research echoes what yogic philosophy has long taught: slowing down and savoring improves well-being, reduces anxiety, and increases life satisfaction.
When we savor, our nervous system shifts from sympathetic activation (fight or flight) into parasympathetic regulation (rest and digest), especially through the ventral vagal pathway—our system for safety, connection, and joy.
Even mindful eating—pausing to taste, smell, and appreciate our food—has been shown to lower stress and improve digestion. Gratitude truly begins in the body.
Embodied Practices for Thanksgiving Week
On the Mat
Choose slow, mindful practices like restorative or yin yoga.
Explore forward folds and heart openers to invite both grounding and openness.
If you’re in Kansas City, join us at True Love Yoga for one of our special Thanksgiving classes centered around gratitude and presence.
Off the Mat
Take a mindful walk outdoors.
Savor a cup of tea or coffee without multitasking.
Light a candle and pause before eating.
Practice mindful eating—notice texture, taste, and gratitude for the food’s journey.
Journal with the prompt: What am I rushing through in my life, and what is asking me to slow down and savor?
Honoring the Full Story of Thanksgiving
It’s important to acknowledge that Thanksgiving carries a complex history—especially for Indigenous communities. As we give thanks, may we also hold space for truth, compassion, and awareness.
Consider offering a moment of silence or prayer for the original stewards of the land you’re on. You can find this information through Native Land Digital. Honoring the past allows our gratitude to become a bridge between awareness and respect.
Sacred Simplicity
Gratitude isn’t a checklist or performance—it’s a state of being. You don’t need to earn your food, overextend yourself, or write a perfect gratitude list. Simply being in your body, your breath, and your awareness is enough.
This week, choose one thing to truly savor—without distraction or guilt. Whether it’s a bite of pie, a deep breath, or a quiet moment with someone you love, let it be your yoga.
From my heart to yours, thank you for being part of this community. May you rest in presence, find peace in simplicity, and remember that savoring life is an act of gratitude.
Explore more reflections and teachings at Deepen Your Yoga Practice and True Love Yoga.
Om Shanti, Om Peace.
