The Gratitude Diary 

 

 

by Marion Thornley

 

I first came across the idea of a gratitude diary a few months ago.

During a one-to-one therapy session with one of my students who is acutely ill, she mentioned that she had been given a special notebook by her daughter, who had suggested that, each day, she write something she feels grateful for. This seemed such a simple and good idea that I tried it too, and I have found it to be something that has not only become an invaluable part of my life, but has actually had a profound effect on me.

The idea is that you commit yourself to writing at least five things (or it could be more, or less) which that day you have found yourself to be grateful for.

Leafing back through my diary I have found that some days were especially bountiful in things to be grateful about. One memorable day was when I was presented with a necklace, made especially for me, by one of my yoga students. This necklace consisted of stones which she felt reflected my nature, and indeed, it contained "legal ivory" from culled elephants and trade stones from Africa. My student knew that elephants are close to my heart, and that all the proceeds from yoga classes go to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which does fantastic work saving baby elephants. This beautiful necklace was made for me by someone in gratitude for some help I had given her. This gift, given in gratitude, made me feel very grateful and was the first item in my diary that day.

Only days later, I had cause to feel grateful for the the skill and bravery of the pilots and firefighters who battled to keep our homes safe during the terrible wildfire which swept through the forest on both sides of the border. Today, as I walked the dog along the mountain paths behind our home, I felt grateful for the mist snaking its way down the mountainside to moisten and nourish the trees and plants around us.

The point is that, however large or small, being grateful for something changes the quality of the mind. And the discipline of writing something down each day, over a period of time, changes the way we think, so that we actually start to look for something to be grateful for.

This might be simply the fact we are alive and well enough to experience another day on this wonderful earth, or we might feel grateful for the love of children, partners or parents. Over time, we experience a profound change in our attitude to life, and we start to look on the bright side, maybe a bit more than we did before. Instead of being "glass half empty" people we become "glass half full" optimists. And as the saying goes, "as you think, so you become". Being optimistic helps us to go forward in life with courage and an open heart - something else to be grateful for!

This autumn I will be running a series of six classes geared towards a therapeutic approach to yoga. The problems currently catered for range from cancer and Parkinson’s disease, to a bad back, but if you can breathe and follow simple instructions in English, the class will be suitable.

The emphasis will be on very gentle movement, combined with use of the breath, relaxation and mindfulness. This block of six classes, which are on Thursday afternoons from to 3 to 4 o’clock at my home (Mas Pallagourdi, Ceret), will run during September and early October, so if you are interested, please send me an email to book a place (email: marianthornley@hotmail.co.uk). 

There will also be a block of six Yoga for Fitness classes on Thursday mornings 10-11.15 for those who are reasonably fit.

The classes are open to all and free of charge. However, if people wish to, they can give a donation to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, directly or through me. This charity is based in Kenya and is famous for its work saving orphaned elephants, as well as general conservation work.

Marian teaches yoga and chanting in the tradition of Desikachar in both England and France. Yoga classes are free of charge and any donations made are given to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. For more information contact Marian on marianthornley@hotmail.co.uk.

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