text: Happy Canadian Thanksgiving – happinessandjoylessons.com
  This week I have two new resources for you. The first is a radio interview James Baraz and I did with KPFA, in San Francisco. Our host, Kris Welch, had questions that ranged from, "How can I bring Awakening Joy For Kids to my grandchild" to "What is one simple way I can bring a gratitude practice into my home?" Kris was an absolute delight. Depending on your mood, grab a cup of soothing cup tea or invigorating coffee and have a listen.
  http://www.happinessandjoylessons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Awakening-Joy-for-Kids-Interview.m4a
  I also created a little video with two wonderful people, Lizzy, a past student of mine currently in grade four, and her mother, Sarah. Kids and teachers love doing the practice of "Sparkles." I wanted to film an example of "Sparkles" as a gratitude practice. We have a whole section of our book, Awakening Joy for Kids, on this practice. I think the video is an absolute delight and we are sending it to the family program at Spirit Rock in California, as they are getting ready for a weekend of camp at the end of the month. If you are able to attend, it would be a gift to you and your family.
  Teachers may enjoy this gratitude spinner I created last year with my grade three class. It is easily adaptable for all grades. You can even do it at home.
  http://www.happinessandjoylessons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sparkles.m4v
  So, as a practice for yourself in this moment, can you stop for a minute and put your things down? Can you bring your attention to this moment? Check inside your body for any tight spots or emotional holding and simply give thanks that your body gives you so much amazing information, if you listen. I know right now I am thankful that it has cleared up enough so that I can walk my dog on this overcast morning. I am grateful my body moves me from one spot to another with relative ease. I heard on a podcast this morning that if it is hard to be grateful for something, simply be grateful for what is "not" happening. I am grateful for NOT having a toothache.