Taking Time for Gratitude

We are constantly on. If we’re not moving, we’re not doing – right?

In our current world, we are always rushing to get to the next thing. Brené Brown, the University of Houston professor who studies vulnerability, explains:

“…there’s no stopping and celebrating or acknowledging the accomplishment of anything. Instead of feeling pride or recognition, what everyone is instead made to feel is, “Thank God, I can get to the next thing on my list.”

One thing that I think really makes a difference is simply to stop, recognize and offer feedback.” -Brené Brown

You can see the full article here:

There have been so many times where I’ve found myself moving on to the next thing without acknowledging all of the hard work I accomplished. I am too focused on checking off the next thing on my to-do list.

However, during summer, we tend to slow down. The kids are out of school, the days are longer and the sun is shining bright! It’s the perfect time for celebrations, feelings of fullness and completion. And of course, lazy days by the pool.

At Vikara Village, as our program year comes to a close, I notice we’re turning our focus to the year ahead without taking time to celebrate our wonderful accomplishments! Just this year we’ve done so many wonderful things:

  • We re-branded our organization and updated our mission, vision and values
  • We incorporated as our own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
  • We started Safe Space Yoga, offering trauma-informed yoga to adolescents
  • We have served over 200 students through our three programs
  • We raised almost $1,700 from individual donors

Today, with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, it is a great time to focus on gratitude and reflecting on your accomplishments from the previous season. That’s what we’ll be doing – taking time to celebrate and recognize all that we have done this year!

Share with us how you’re celebrating the Summer Solstice on our Facebook page!