The Expression of Gratitude, with Laura Solly
The Expression of Gratitude, with Laura Solly
November November November … the month of GRATITUDE. With the crisp leaves under our feet and snowflakes/birds soon flying in, it truly is a splendid time of year to reflect, give thanks, and explore the virtue of gratitude. What better way to do this than hearing from a local legend and yogi: Laura Solly. Let us hear from Laura about the practice, reflection, and exploration of gratitude.
What is Gratitude? Laura reflects for a moment, then says, “Gratitude is having value, appreciation and respect for the very little things in your day to the big things, which include tragedies, and big picture items.
Why is the practice of Gratitude so important? Laura voices, “I think that eventually when you can come to a place of gratitude in times of grief or in times of life stress, you can access and find a place of fulfillment. I do not believe that gratitude is always there, however, when you can arrive to it, it can bring forth happiness in your life. When you can be grateful for all life lessons - the good and the bad - you can find a place of genuine fulfillment.
Can the practice of Gratitude activate increased levels of happiness or decreased levels of stress? Laura ponders, then states, “Gratitude really is more about fulfillment. We always have some level of stress. Gratitude just creates a deeper appreciation for “our own stuff,” as well as a profound appreciation for what other people are going through. The art of practicing gratitude is about building and growth. The more you can come back to gratitude and come back to it, the more you have access to it. I think it is like a loop, the more you go back to it the more and more you can loop back around to it. The same thing happens to negativity, which unfortunately can suck you into a rabbit hole.
“The practice of gratitude is a process. You are not always spontaneously grateful or happy. When you are under the base of heavy stuff/stress/life stressors/trauma/suffering, you can’t always access gratitude, however, it can be something you loop back to. Once you set the stage of gratitude in your life, it doesn’t go away … wait a moment, pause, it is there. ”
What are some examples of practicing Gratitude? Laura says, “Cliché as these are: writing down 3 things to be grateful for, at the end of the night is great practice. This is a practice families, kids, and adults can create and participate in together. Journaling is another practice that can be so helpful. Meditation and yoga are also great examples. Just being appreciative. Vocalizing gratitude/appreciation can be hard for people. However, the impact of saying who or what we are appreciative for can be very impactful.
“Kindness is also a powerful anecdote. If you are being kind to people in the general public, you just do not know how much an impact that can have. You do not know the ripple effect of your kindness towards another. You do not know how your kindness can influence another person’s practice of gratitude. Kindness can only come back ten fold.”
Laura Solly is a yoga practitioner, guide, and fellow yogi who teaches classes at Warrior Fitness in Ellicottville, NY. She offers Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning classes at 8:30am at Warrior Fitness throughout the fall and winter. Sign-ups for any of these classes can be accessed on the StudioBookings app.
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She currently works for CCA-Connecting Communities in Action and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.