unite in gratitude

Photo credit: Ruth Grohman

Last year, a friend presented me with an unexpected gift.  A beautifully written book, “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.  Unlike some books that I race right through, I savored this book.  There are parts of it that deserve to be reread on a regular basis, specifically, the chapter “Allegiance to Gratitude,” where the author shares the Thanksgiving Address of Haudenosaunee peoples.

In the Thanksgiving Address the many parts of the natural world are named and the support they give us is recognized—from the earth itself to the water, plants and animals, the wind, the sun, the moon, and the stars.  Naming and appreciating the world around us and the people we are related to, puts us in the mindset of abundance and requires recognizing reciprocity—each being is bound to others.  Each time we recognize that we receive from another we have a responsibility to reciprocate.  In the case of the natural world, giving back, means protecting it, using only what we need.  The way in which Wall Kimmerer presents these ideas brings to mind the yogic concepts of ahimsa (non-harming of other living beings), aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and especially, santosha (contentment).

The Yoga Sutras state, from contentment—recognizing and appreciating all the ways that we are supported and connected—one experiences unsurpassed joy. No wonder Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!  For well over 20 years now, I’ve started Thanksgiving Day by gathering with students for a fun practice.  On a day that asks for us to recognize and give thanks, I can’t think of a better way to cultivate the mindset of gratitude and abundance than to direct one’s efforts toward and receive the benefits of yoga.  I hope you’ll consider joining me!

November 24, 2021