It’s the thankful time of year again

The last couple of years have been really hard for a lot of people, including me. In the U.S., where I live, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Its roots are not without controversy, and its essence is about acknowledging and giving thanks for the blessings of the previous year. I’m drawn to its seasonal intention of honoring the bounty (historically of food) cultivated throughout the year to sustain the slower, quieter winter months. It stands as a reminder there are bright, abundant periods, and dark, solemn periods.

This Thanksgiving, I invite you into a practice you can use in any dark solemn period to establish warmth within you. This practice is adapted from Rick Hanson and focuses on the abundance of connection and care rather than the abundance of physical goods.

I invite you to take inventory of five to 10 moments over the last year where you felt:

Included. You were part of a team or community. You shared a cause with others.
Seen. You felt acknowledged for who you are at your essence.
Appreciated. You feel respected, valued, chosen, wanted or held in gratitude by someone.
Liked. You felt someone’s friendliness toward you. You shared a laugh or healthy affection.
Loved. You felt cherished and held in loving regard.

Some of these may be hard to identify, and that’s OK. Noticing that is a clue to tune up your awareness of that type of being cared for and to challenge yourself to look for those moments in your life.

With time and if done repeatedly, this practice will generate warmth within you and cultivate a sense of compassion for and warmth toward others.

Many blessings to you,

Alicia