Gratitude

Thanksgiving is always for me a time of reflection, how it’s never too late to start again or to turn over the garden and refresh the spirit(ual life). It’s also a time to refocus on all I have to be grateful for; the large and small blessings in my life and the lives of those around me, past and present. My Metta practice reminds me daily to perform acts of loving kindness and wish others well. This can be applied at every encounter, and is the discreet Bodhisattva’s way of blessing and cherishing every single sentient being, day to day, moment to moment, whoever you may encounter along the path. I encourage you to practice daily thanksgiving as well; it heals the heart and opens the spirit.

Thanksgiving may be turkey time in this country; but let’s not be turkeys ourselves by forgetting to feel grateful–for the good in our lives, at the very least. Let’s try to be mindful of our blessings. But let’s not stop at that. Why not take it to the next step – to a deeper level, by practicing gratitude. This is mindfulness in action. Share in some way. Think about what you have with deep appreciation and rather than just giving in to greed, wanting more of this or that, or the next this or that– Just Give. With so much need in the world – all around, in each of us, and in all of us, just give.
There is justness and righteousness in it.

My Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank you Lord for this our day
For this our life
For all your wonders and delights
For this our breath
For this our light that thrills us with joy day and night