We have this holiday but once a year, and as we bow our heads at our festive meal in remembrance of the harvest we have the opportunity to reflect deeply on all we’re given in life.

Thanksgiving Day is a reminder to be ever grateful for the gifts of the earth put here to nourish us as we care for our planet in return. The raw resources may be abundant but it is up to us to be custodians of what is exhaustible so future generations will continue to benefit.

Thanksgiving Meditation

Find a time to sit quietly in front of your altar. Light a new candle in autumn colors of yellow or orange. Light incense if you wish, I prefer sandalwood. If you are sitting on a cushion on the floor bend your legs in and sit up straight. If you are sitting in a chair, sit up straight, place a cushion at your lower back for support if needed and place the soles of your feet firmly on the floor for balance.

Fold your hands in your lap or place them face up or face down on your thighs. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and slowly release it. Then begin even and regular breathing such a one count to breathe in and one count to breathe out. Do not hold your breath at any time. Keep up the rhythmic even pattern throughout your meditation. You don’t need to say the counting aloud.

Turn your thoughts to thanksgiving for all you have in your life. When we feel appreciative we feel relaxed and fulfilled and don’t need a continual parade of physical acquisitions to renew our happiness.

Beyond having the basics for survival, real peace and harmony is attained by an even state of mind infused with bliss. Bliss comes and stays as we immerse ourselves in appreciative attitudes and kind actions.

Turn your attention to following your breath in and out. You are as the observer when paying attention to the flow of breath. Remain steady in your mind as your life flows in daily rhythms for survival. Hold onto your internal peace when external events change.

Finish your meditation by taking a deep breath in and slowly release it. Open your eyes and stretch out. Take the peace and harmony of feeling thankful for all you have into your daily living.

I invite you to join me in a world-wide cyber meditation every day of the year. Click here to read about it.

Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults by Susan Kramer
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 116 pages.

Article and photo of grape harvest by Susan Helene Kramer. The grapes remind us to be thankful for tasty and nourishing gifts of the earth.

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