The notion of toxic positivity and its negative effects on mental health has long occupied the wellness arena, but toxic gratitude is a closely related problematic concept that has lately permeated the yoga community.
Toxic gratitude, or gratitude shaming, is defined as “the act of criticising others for feeling negative emotions while lacking gratitude that the perpetrator believes [are warranted]” (White, 2022).
Countless scientific studies have proven that genuine gratitude has a plethora of health benefits. However, like positivity, forced gratitude has the potential to become a toxic catchall unintentionally weaponised against victims of trauma and mental illness. This is why we as yoga teachers must be careful not to push this emotion onto our yoga practitioners, especially if we are not aware of their backgrounds.
In a recent article in a popular US magazine, the author listed mantras, affirmations and pieces of advice that her yoga teachers had offered during classes throughout that yearto yourself without comparison to others” and “it’s okay to have a bad day and not judge yourself for it” are empowering and inspirational.
