Gratitude, Meditation & Breathwork

Class begins with a reflection on what we can be grateful for in our current circumstances. Zen Master Myodo will ask three short questions to help you get in touch with gratitude. Myodo will lead a guided meditation, and the class may experiment with different lengths of breath and patterns of breathing to help the mind and body relax.
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES: something to write with and something to write on, in case you wish to journal on the reflection questions.
45 minutes.
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES: something to write with and something to write on, in case you wish to journal on the reflection questions.
45 minutes.
“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”
~ Meister Eckhart
~ Meister Eckhart
Gratitude Benefits

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude:
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.
- Gratitude improves physical health.
- Gratitude improves psychological health.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
- Grateful people sleep better.
- Gratitude improves self-esteem.
- Gratitude increases mental strength.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart,
it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Meditation Benefits
Here are just some of the clinically proven benefits of meditation:
- Builds focus and concentration.
- Boosts cognitive function.
- Builds self knowledge.
- Helps relationship satisfaction.
- Increases compassion.
- Improves empathy.
- Improves depression.
- Physically changes the brain – for the better.
- Reduces loneliness.
- Cuts emotional reactivity.
- Fosters a healthy body image.
- Eases stress and anxiety.
- Helps sleep.

Ven. Dr. Myodo Jabo (Sandy Gougis) is a Priest and Zen Master in the Five Mountain Zen Order. A meditator since 1998, she began teaching meditation in 2008. She is the Guiding Teacher of an ever-growing number of Zen Centers in Southern California.
A yoga practitioner since the late 90’s, Myodo is a graduate of the Open Door Yoga Teacher School. She is a Reiki Master, breast cancer survivor, lover of good books and hot tea, and a rescuer of stray animals. Her motto, like that of her Zen Order, is "How may I help you?" You can find her frequently neglected blog at myodojabo.com.
A yoga practitioner since the late 90’s, Myodo is a graduate of the Open Door Yoga Teacher School. She is a Reiki Master, breast cancer survivor, lover of good books and hot tea, and a rescuer of stray animals. Her motto, like that of her Zen Order, is "How may I help you?" You can find her frequently neglected blog at myodojabo.com.