At this time of year, many of us here in the U.S. celebrate a fantastic feast day known to all as Thanksgiving. Families gather together at the dinner table to enjoy all the tastes, smells and warm feelings of this special occasion.

Many of us also offer our time and energy to our communities by volunteering at churches, schools and non-profit organizations. This is in keeping with the essential Yogic teachings.

Asanas are a vital part of Yoga, and for most of the world they are the visible results of studying Yoga. Yet the underlying spirit of this art is to tone and shape our mental attitude and continue to grow as a spiritual individual.

In this article I will be discussing types of Yoga that require introspection and contemplation - along with taking positive action in our community. At this time of giving thanks and taking stock of the blessings we have, Yogic philosophy can play an important part in enriching the joy of our celebrations.

These Yoga styles include: Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. All of these are used as part of a meditation session and can promote meaningful subjects to focus on mentally, while moving our bodies.

BHAKTI YOGA

The name of this type of Yoga is from a Sanskrit word, "bhaj", meaning "to serve". Bhakti Yoga calls upon us to become more giving and selfless in our daily lives.

Practicing Bhakti Yoga involves devotion to a Divine Being, though it does not tell us what religion to practice in particular.

This graceful and fluid form of Yoga usually includes singing, chanting, dancing, rhythmic swaying, praying and sometimes combining all of these together.

Bhakti Yoga is particularly appropriate at the Holiday Season, when religion plays an even more important part in the lives of many of us.

KARMA YOGA

The familiar phrase "what goes around comes around" is a good way to sum up the idea of Karma, and that concept forms the basis of what this style of Yoga teaches us.

Karma Yoga involves how we interact with others due to our knowledge and practice of Yogic teachings. Giving without thought to reward is the main principle, and performing selfless acts of generosity is how we, as students, demonstrate our dedication to this gentle Yoga style.

Meditating on how we can accomplish this through at least one action each day should be the aim of the Karma Yoga student. Whether the act is small or large, giving of oneself is how this style is expressed.

At this time of year especially, volunteering in our community is one way to put Karma Yoga into our lives and share the joy of life with others.

KRIPALU YOGA

Inspired by Kripalvananda, Kripalu Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word, "kripal", which means "compassion". This type of Yoga stresses the importance of a person's mind and body being treated equally.

Approaching the Yoga practice with an attitude of prayer and devotion, Kripalu teachings tell us that through gaining greater awareness of ourselves through achieving not only a balanced approach to Yoga but to our lifestyle at large.

The concept of giving/receiving in equal amounts is a type of balance that can be associated with Kripalu Yoga , even if these two are not on the same plane. For example, we may donate time to cooking at a free meal center, and receive the joy of giving freely to others in return. In that way, the scales are balanced.

Kripalu Yoga has three main stages of progress to pass through. First, focusing on alignment and breath during asanas. Second, using meditation to concentrate as we maintain our pose. In the third stage, we allow ourselves to move freely from one asana to another following our inner voice or instinct.

JNANA YOGA

Jnana Yoga is the yoga of wisdom and philosophy. From the Sanskrit word meaning, "knowledge", Jnana Yoga requires study and reflection as the main requirements.

One of the primary objectives of Jnana Yoga is to learn the difference between what is real and what is not; true or not true. With so many myths and legends surrounding the Holiday Season, Jnana Yoga reminds us to spend time focusing on the reasons why we observe these special days and bring a spirit of gratitude to our celebrations.

Jnana Yoga can be associated with passing down our Holiday traditions to our children, and teaching them to always remember why we celebrate at this time of year.

Incorporating one or all of these Yoga styles into our usual practice gives us the chance to become better acquainted with ourselves - and the many reasons why we have so much to be thankful for!

Namaste