THANKSGIVING

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life. — Rumi

When I was a youngster there was always heightened anticipation around Thanksgiving Day. Among memorable events of that season was when my parents packed me and my three older brothers in the car with carefully wrapped items, our contribution for festive meal. We drove 53 miles east to Mt. Vernon, OH to visit my grandparents, aunt and uncle and other relatives on my father’s side of the family.

The drive from the city on winding roads, hilly terrain, passing ponds with ducks floating on the water was a fascinating exploration in the country. My nose pressed against the car window, I could not get enough of the natural world during these excursions to the country. On some visits a light snow glistened on the multi-colored blanket of leaves protecting Mother Earth. We drove past barns and farms with livestock finally arriving at the driveway of the one-story house with red wood siding. I was the first to practically leap out of the car freeing my legs and stretching my body from the cramped back seat. I’d run to the open arms of my grandparents and other adults, as chickens scurried about, Bruce and Leah barked, and Lily, the cat wrapped herself around my legs. Cows lazily grazed and the pure, cool air accented by the aroma of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes and hand-prepared rolls floating into the outdoors was intoxicating.

With those wonderful memories drifting through my mind I realize that there was a truth we were being taught. The beauty of simplicity spoke loudly and that was enough, nothing more was needed—just the embrace of loving arms, sharing a meal, safe travels, health, joy, and laughter were bundled together in subdued abundance. I realize how lucky I was then and now, though differently.

The fact that gratitude has grown into a daily practice is no surprise. As a dancer, the gift of movement is essential to my ongoing creative expression, as is being surrounded by creatives in a variety of expressions: listeners, writers, readers, poets, musicians, healers, fabric and visual artists who sustain me with compassion and understanding. Each day the opportunity of recognizing the precious gifts of human beings, food, nurturance, peace, safety, and health are no mere extras, but a treasure trove of fulfilled promises from the divine.

The sacramentality of life flowing everywhere so much so that I’m inclined to feel an overwhelming sense of humility that lends itself to a softening in my heart. These memories with moments to reflect on how precious life is serves as an antidote to the other end of the spectrum of chaos and disorder.

So, to you dear readers, thank you for reading my posts and sharing them with others. May you know both simplicity and abundance this Thanksgiving.