A Practice in Gratitude

I went to Barr Lake last Wednesday when the weather was perfect. We’ve come to that time of year when the absence of leaves reveals all the hidden nests tucked high in the branches and if you’re lucky, you catch a glimpse of a proud, regal bald eagle perched like a guardian in the trees.

The colors were incredible. Deep siennas, warm golds, rich browns—all creating a stunning contrast against the glowing white snow-capped Colorado mountains and the blue, sparkling water. The air was the perfect temperature. We passed only one person the entire walk, which made the rest of the time feel even more sacred.

It was just me, MJ, the crunch of leaves beneath our feet, and the occasional cry of a hawk circling above.

In that spacious quiet, I was filled with absolute gratitude.

Gratitude for nature.

Gratitude for the season.

Gratitude for the time with my dog.

Gratitude for moments of simplicity that bring me back to myself.

And that feeling stayed with me long after the walk ended.

Lately, I’ve found a rhythm in my schedule that allows me to show up on my mat more consistently. Every time I carve out space for movement, my whole life feels steadier—more easeful, more connected, more grounded. Yoga continues to remind me that when I make my practice a priority, everything else seems to fall into place with a little more grace.

I carried that same sense of gratitude with me into dinner with my son the other night. We shared one of those deep, unhurried conversations—the kind that doesn’t always happen in daily life. I found myself soaking up every moment.

My brother is visiting soon from North Carolina, and my heart is already full thinking about having him here. And as the holidays approach, I’m especially grateful for the time I’ll spend with my mom—making our traditional recipes, laughing in the kitchen, creating the memories that anchor this season.

Gratitude is a practice.

A presence.

A way of seeing.

So this week, I invite you to bring gratitude onto your mat with you. Let it be gentle. Let it be honest. Let it be yours.

✨ What are you grateful for right now, in this moment?

✨ What softens you when you think of it?

✨ What part of your life feels meaningful, even in its simplicity?

✨ What does your body feel grateful for today?

Let your practice be a place where gratitude lives and breathes; where it settles in your bones and reminds you that you’re held, supported, and connected.

Wishing you a week filled with presence, warmth, and gratitude.

With love,

Jessica