But there is one constant that I have found needs to remain in my Thanksgiving tradition and plans. It is where I take a moment to focus my thoughts and attention on something that I love and appreciate. It is during that moment where I commit within my heart, mind, and soul a moment a true connection to being thankful and appreciative. It isn't just words. It isn't just a gesture. It is something personal and true to me.
For example, the moment could be where I just “be” and ponder the beauty around me and soak in nature. This is easy to do if I'm having thanksgiving at the beach. Or it could be where I pause and feel the love for each person sitting around the table. I can verbalize it or just feel it. In that moment I truly feel something change within me and feel that love energy grow.
Or it can be creating a little ceremony in a redwood forest where I take a small treasure that means something to me and verbalize a message of love and appreciation while I scatter or bury the organic treasure in the earth. It is during these times it is as if I am fully connected to that moment in time as well as mother nature.
This year I will be taking something from my son’s wedding and a piece of twig art created by my daughter. I will share these little treasures in a little appreciative ceremony at the beach. I am also going to take some seeds to scatter along a hiking trail as a representation of new opportunities to take root and grow for next year.
For me, these small acts of personal appreciation have become the core for my Thanksgiving tradition. No matter what change is going on in my family dynamics, or the economy, or work/school schedule, this little act that focuses my thoughts &/or actions to be appreciative seems to help me connect to the heart of this holiday. It keeps the experience personal and for a moment, seems to change what I feel.
It has become a way to help me step outside of what is going on around me, and just for a few moments, be encompassed with a feeling of pure thankfulness that becomes seared within my heart.
