This is a special holiday to really reflect on all we have to be grateful for and not to dwell on the shortcomings. Thanksgiving Day is a time to show care and share with family, friends or those less fortunate by donating groceries or serving at a shelter.

Thanksgiving is a time to extend our borders of self to consider that we are part of the large family of humanity. Reflecting on our interwoven lives feels satisfying, because we start feeling our interconnection with others.

We can extend the Thanksgiving Day feeling by smiling as we walk down the street and with those we interrelate with during the day. For example, I know the grocery store checkers feel the warmth of a smile. I've observed how they relate to kind and cranky customers, and it's different.

Thanksgiving Day Meditation

To begin: choose a quiet place, and if you have a meditation altar it would be appropriate to light an orange or yellow candle for it cheeriness. Burn some incense if you like and set out a plant or flowers.

Facing your altar, sit on a cushion on the floor with your legs folded in and back held straight. Or, sit on a chair with your back held straight and your hands clasped in your lap or palms facing up or down on your thighs.

Close your eyes and begin breathing evenly, such as one count to breathe in; one count to breathe out; one count to breathe in; and continue this pattern for a minute. Then, let go of the counting but keep up the rhythm for the rest of the meditation.

Now, think of at least two things you are grateful for, thankful for in your life. You could include family, your job, your health. Reflect on how you can add to someone else's joy by being kind during your regular day.

Take some time to send caring thoughts out to your family, friends, community, world, universe. Allow yourself to feel expansive while feeling part of the larger whole.

Finish your meditation by taking a deep breath in and slowly releasing it. Stand and stretch and go on with your day, feeling whole and refreshed. If you keep a meditation journal now is the time to write any new insights that came to you during the meditation. Later you can go back and review them.

Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Holy Father, Beloved Mother
Thank you for what I've been given
Teach me how to be gracious in living
That I may expand my love
With all I know
And share Your love wherever I go.

Meditation and prayer by Susan Helene Kramer

For offline reading

God Speaks through the Holy Spirit
More than 100 spiritual relationship topics with a reflective meditation to bring you into personal contact with the Holy Spirit. Uplifting to the goal of meditation, communion with our Creator, Sustainer. 198 pages.

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.