Back in summer of 2023, I wrote a post here about Gratitude. Gratitude is an essential practice throughout the year. And, we often focus on gratitude specifically at this time of year as part of our Thanksgiving celebrations.
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I was thinking about gratitude this morning as I completed my morning run. Since it’s a Sunday, and I have more time, I drove to the lakefront and ran along the shores of Lake Michigan. Being in beautiful or awe-inspiring places definitely cultivates gratitude. As I pushed myself to keep going, I was encouraged by the sound of waves lapping against rocks and the gentle swaying dance of prairie grasses along the shoreline. I felt gratitude for the wind at my back, the pale blue sky, and the wispy clouds. I felt connected to it all.
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When our children were little, we had a “seasonal tree” in our craft/homeschool room. It was a large, bare branch with many smaller branches - perfect for decorating. We anchored it in a jar weighed down with glass marbles. We’d decorate it for different holidays and seasons, marking the turning of the year. In November, we’d write our “things we’re grateful for” on colorful construction paper leaves and hang them on the tree. It was a visible reminder of the abundances - big and small - in our lives.
Including gratitude as part of our routines and rituals helps us keep thankfulness - and attitudes of abundance - at the forefront. I won’t get too much into the “how to” aspect here. That’s been written about plenty. If you’re looking for some tips, I recently stumbled across this concise and helpful article: “How to Be More Grateful For the Good Things in Your Life” on becoming minimalist.
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It’s striking that often the people who already have the most, continue to want more and more. Greed. Perhaps as they accumulate, they never feel a sense of enoughness, of connection, of belonging. I think our society’s tendency toward “rugged individualism” and competition also contribute to these types of feelings. Whereas community and connection can bring a deeper sense of abundance and gratitude.
We’re certainly in community with and connect with other human beings. What about connection with ALL beings? We can find connection and healing and wisdom in nature. Recently, I was once again listening to the Ten Percent Happier Podcast on my commute to work. Robin Wall Kimmerer was the guest. (I’m unable to link to the specific episode, because I had early access.)
Some of you may have heard of Dr. Kimmerer or read her book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. As her website states, she is “is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.” Kimmerer has a new book coming out this week, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. I look forward to reading it. We can learn a lot from Native American people and traditions about attitudes of abundance, gratitude, and connection.
In the podcast episode, Kimmerer talks about gratitude for the breath. She says:
“I am breathing in oxygen that just moments ago was breathed out by a plant...
…My life is completely contingent on the life of plants.”
She then goes on to talk about the amazing process of photosynthesis and all who make it possible - sun, wind, trees.
“In the breathing in, I’m sending gratitude to all the beings who make that breath possible.”
Isn’t that lovely? We can practice gratitude, just by taking a breath.
Kimmerer further talks about the exhale and how the carbon dioxide that we breathe out is taken in by the plants. She speaks so eloquently about the sense of reciprocity, belonging, and gratitude among all beings. Definitely check out her writings or interviews if you get a chance.
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As we enter the upcoming holiday season, as we navigate a fractured world, let’s consider these ideas.
May we think of the ways we are connected with all beings.
May we express gratitude to those we meet.
May we look for abundance in our lives.
And may all of these practices help us to advocate and work for the belonging, community, connection, and generosity that make the world a better place for ALL.
With my own heartfelt gratitude to YOU for reading my words!
Mary
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P.S. Speaking of gratitude, I want to thank an anonymous donor who’s been supporting me regularly over on Buy Me A Coffee. I haven’t had success reaching out to the person. Whoever you are - please know that I deeply appreciate your encouragement! It means so much.
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Hi again!
I just listened to The Antidote to Not-Enoughness on Ten Percent Happier. I'm sure I'll listen again. Morning time or afternoon. The thing that is sticking with me the most after this first evening pass is the idea of not accumulating. Sharing. The gift economy. Relationships sustaining us. Cooperation. Collaboration. It reminds a lot of The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee (I'm sure there was a podcast, years ago, about it.) It also reminds me of the idea of mutual aid. I recently signed up with mutual aid SF. I'm waiting to hear back and see where it goes.
I also loved the reference to The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger. That book is on my 'to read' list. I had gotten it from the library but didn't get to read it before it was due and had someone else waiting on it.
I'm sure there was more but I'm just to sleepy to recall....
Robin Wall Kimmerer! I loved braiding sweetgrass. I especially love the section called Thanksgiving Address. And I am so excited to read her new book, too. Maybe a we'll read it together. :-) Thanks for the links to the interview on Ten Percent Happier. I'm going to give it a listen, for sure!
I'm also very intrigued by the phenomena of the wealthiest among us wanting more and more. I think it is symptomatic of people who look for happiness and security outside of themselves, who believe that owning things is path to fulfillment. I also think the phenomena is associated with fear. If you've never had a bunch of money you don't miss it. If you are used to having material wealth, you may fear the day when it no longer exists. I think this has also been proven true for generosity. Those with the least, proportionately share the most. Maybe. It's a working theory I have. I am curious about it.
In Clair Brown's book Buddhist Economics, she seems to agree with your analysis of the situation. She shares "Once we replace 'maximizing our own income and status' with 'being connected to and caring about others;' once we let go of desire and attachment and focus on how fortunate we are; once we surrender our ego wit its incessant demands, then we realize the beauty and joy in our lives."
Thanks again for a very thought-provoking and inspiring post! I always come away with a renewed spirit.