Preview
Our November issue includes a reflection on Thanksgiving, descriptions of several upcoming retreats you may want to participate in, information on regional and technical resources to support contemplative practice, and insights from Thomas Keating, James Finley, Ram Dass, and Nick Bostrum.
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Giving Thanks
by Jack Lloyd
Unlike Christmas or Easter, this week’s holiday isn’t linked to a pivotal event in religious history. Instead, we’re told, Thanksgiving began on an ordinary autumn day when two tribes – Native American and English – simply decided to come together to share food, drink, and a peaceful moment of pure spiritual gratitude.
In that moment, somehow, they were fully awake to the fact that our existence on this Earth is pure grace. It’s a gift we don’t have the power to give ourselves. Naturally, this awareness made them feel grateful, and they found a beautiful way express their thanks. To this day, at its best, the tradition of Thanksgiving carries this deep meaning forward, and gives us a chance to feel it and express our gratitude, as well.
So, this Thursday, I hope we can keep in mind our ancestors’ wisdom and courage as they faced a difficult future together. And I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!