It's that time of year... again. The season of more time with family and friends, the season of giving gifts — and getting them, too. Yes, it's the holidays: For some, it's the most wonderful time of year... and for others, not so much. No matter where you fall in that spectrum, there's one thing that can really elevate your state — and it's gratitude.

Practicing mindfulness of gratitude can lead to feeling more connected to life — and yourself. It gives you perspective on your personal progress and that your personal story is still unwritten. Here are some ways to practice thanks this holiday season.

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Of course we're grateful for what we've got, but sometimes we need the reminder. Writing a list is an easy and impactful way to appreciate and acknowledge everything you've got.

· Ask yourself: What have I been grateful for? Who am I grateful for? What am I grateful for today?

· Think: Who or what makes my current experience and situation possible?

Start there and write the list. This visualization is meant to help put things into perspective and be a reflective meditation. Using this mindfulness can hopefully help us look beyond the superficial and connect with a deeper experience of your life.

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· In a "bad" situation how can you find the positive in the negative? For example: You are running late for work. It's stressful, yes. But rather than focusing on the stress of an unfortunate situation choose to find the good. Find the thanks for the job you have and the transportation you have to get there. When you flip the switch, you may find perspective on what really matter — and maybe that can lead to ease.

· Celebrate the good. Find joy in the wins, happiness in your privileges, and feed them your energy. Celebrate yourself. But, beware, and don't disproportionate your attention between the good and bad. Let the good always win.

· Don't judge yourself. Rather than looking at your situations with judgement, how can you use the situation to give you motivation.

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Share the love! Tell someone how grateful you are for them. Write them a text, send them an email, or tell them in person. Share the joy and let them know how meaningful they are to you. After writing your list, this practice is very simple, and can be accomplished with just two small words: "Thank you."

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If you're going to pass on the gratitude to those around you, you've got to include yourself too. Give yourself some self love with these yoga poses that embody gratefulness.

Humble Warrior

Humbly bow down and surrender — and let go of everything that no longer serves you.

· From a lunge position, bend your front knee and stack it over your ankle, and point your toes forward.
· Straighten your back leg and seal your heel to the ground. Your toes should point forward, but slightly to the right.
· Interlace your fingers behind your back and pull your arm down and lift for chest up for a chest expansion.
· Hinge from your hips and bring your shoulder to the inside of your front knee.
· Let your head hang heavy, and breathe into the pose. Repeat on the other side.

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