“The appearance of things changes according to the emotions, and thus we see magic and beauty in them, while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves” – Kahlil Gibran.

 I made the decision to launch my new business as a Domestic Detox consultant and yoga teacher after 5 wonderful years as a full-time mum. I didn’t realize just how valuable the lessons I’ve learnt through a practice of yoga and gratitude would be in supporting me as I prepared for a new chapter in my life.  These practices enabled me to connect and work from the heart and not from the mind.

With my authentic self strengthened through regular practice, I pushed through moments of fear and before I knew it, I was getting ready for my official launch party. Using my own experience as an example, this article shows you how harnessing the power of yoga and gratitude can help you on the path towards creating the life you have always wanted.

Staying grounded with the launch party approaching

In the weeks before the business launched things got very busy and my yoga and gratitude practice became essential. For me, yoga is about having an open heart, trusting and letting go. As a control freak this is sometimes quite difficult for me. Having trust was essential during this time. There was a lot to do for the party, preparing the venue, goody bags, writing a speech and making sure everything was perfect. I had to let go or I would have failed to enjoy this magical experience.

Increasing my yoga and gratitude practice towards the event helped me to still my mind, become more present and enjoy the journey, while realizing that what really matters is my decision in pursuing this new life work, the calling of my authentic self.

An evening to remember - the launch party

The foundation of a regular yoga, meditation and gratitude practice meant that, unlike previous special events, I was able to keep my emotions under control, stay present and truly enjoy the evening. This was, after all, a celebration of wanting to help and inspire others after my own four year journey.

As the night progressed, there were guests that were a no-show. This would have normally negatively affected me and my ability to enjoy the evening. But I trusted that the presence and support of those who were there was what was really important. Once I surrendered to that realization, the night could not have been more perfect.

And when it was time for my speech, something magical happened, which I can only put down to the inner strength gained from my daily practices. I was able to truly speak from my heart, control my emotions and speak with conviction and confidence. Unbeknownst to my guests, I’ve spent many years being afraid of public speaking.

I’ve learned from my yoga practice that with every breath things change; with my daily gratitude practice, every day is unique with its own blessings. So, unlike other life-events when I didn’t have these practices, I was able to make the conscious effort to really be present for the whole day and evening. I truly feel like I did just that and it was wonderful!

How to use yoga and gratitude to ground you before and during a big event

• Don’t allow organizing the event to take over, make the time to relax and practice yoga. You will feel better, I promise.

• Just breathe. Your guests are there for you, they believe in you and whatever it is you choose to do in your life.

• On the day, let go and trust that God, the Universe (or however you define it) has your back. It makes the day so much more enjoyable and really takes the pressure off everything being perfect; it is meant to be this way.

• Be thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. A gratitude practice has the power to truly create abundance – ‘magic’ - in your life.

After the launch – What have I taken from this journey?

Now the launch is over, I have had time to reflect, and I can truly appreciate just how powerful yet grounding my daily yoga and gratitude practices have been throughout this chapter in my life. Yoga connects my body, mind, and spirit, giving a foundation of calm from which I can draw and move forward confidently as an entrepreneur. Yoga isn’t something we do, it’s something we live.  And it’s in the stillness that we find the answers, our intuition, and our sense of being.

My daily gratitude practice, gained from participating in SERENE’s Get THANKFUL Challenge, gives me permission to identify all things in my life that I am grateful for, including this new path I have taken. Daily gratitude also helps to remind me how far I’ve come, in this case from initial business idea, to launch and now growth.

Something I’ve noticed which is cultivated through yoga and taking the time to be grateful is, that if you look for the positive then positivity you shall find. This, in turn, will attract better experiences and help you to recognise that you have the power to co-create your own life and happiness.

By staying grateful and positive, you open yourself up to the wonderful opportunity of finally making your dreams a reality.  Daily gratitude and yoga have the power to help you shed your insecurities and let go of your ego, while instead trusting that the universe will provide you with what you need - all to serve your true, authentic self. It’s in our practice of yoga and gratitude we find the peace to give; it would be selfish not to practice.

If you liked this article and would like more inspirational tips on health and wellness visit my site and sign up for my newsletter. Also watch this space and stay tuned for the launch of SERENE London coming this Spring!

With Love and Light,

Leslie Saglio

Editor’s Note: Millana is hosting another GetThankful challenge August 31st. Book here or for more info email [email protected].