A Prayer for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a holiday created by the United States government that became established in the early 1900’s. (Abraham Lincoln declared an official Thanksgiving holiday in 1863.  It took a while for it to become the widespread celebration we know today).

Thanksgiving was declared at a time when the country was becoming a “melting pot” and the diversities/differences between the peoples called for a common bonding to strengthen the ties. (See this link.) The story of Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Native Americans developed within the official start of this holiday. It is a story of history, myth and omissions. The truth that remains is that for three days the new settlers (Pilgrims/Puritans) and the Native American people feasted together in relative peace.

What I have gleaned from this more accurate telling of the history by Chuck Larsen with an ample bibliography to support it, is that, this holiday is really more about a Nation trying to find commonality, a common celebration in order to come together, to unite, peacefully.

There are certainly many significant and good holidays. However, Thanksgiving is one of my favorites. I love nothing better than to join with friends, family and at times, strangers, to share a meal, to raise up gratitude and to share. This is personal-ism at its best. And what could be more appropriate and deeply needed for our country at this time?

So, with humble gratitude I share my prayer of Thanksgiving with you:

God of Love, Wisdom and Compassion,

Now with joy and gratitude, we gather here and thank you for this home (or shelter), this family, and this Thanksgiving meal. We call to mind the water, air, earth, animals and people who labored and sacrificed to bring this meal to our table. Please bless all of them and their families, as we offer our grateful reverence for each one. We call to mind those who have no home, who have no means, who are alone, ill and those who are suffering. We ask for your blessing and compassion to be upon each one now, with your healing and abundant love. In this world and nation, there are countless diversities and differences between us; yet today, we raise up our connection with all life as family, and we are truly thankful. As we gather here with love and appreciation, may each moment now, draw all life closer and further into love, goodness and peace.

Amen.

Mitakuye Oyesin

And Now For…Thanksgiving

With a new spirit of hope, democracy and opportunity before us, it truly is thanksgiving. Today,I return to the lessons of Masaru Emoto and water, and invite you to the water as well.

The Pacific Ocean is overwhelmed with plastic pollution, and life there is suffering and dying because of it. This effects all. Let us pray then, for new efforts and solutions for the dire issue there, and the dire issue and need for clean water to be made available for all life at no cost. Let us support those who would work for these important fundamental and pressing issues. May we now participate and practice daily mindfulness for these needs regarding water.

Let us pray love and thanksgiving into the water that washes our hands throughout the day, that cleanses our bodies in the bath and shower, for the water that washes our dishes, foods and vegetation; to the snow, rain, marshes, lakes, rivers and oceans. May we greet one another and all the bodies of water around us with an awareness and a deep rooted response of love and thanks. Let us give love and gratitude to our very selves as well. May we remember the evidence of the water crystals as to the power of our intentions and actions.

May we resolve to be instruments of peace and healing. May we embrace and live in the eternal spring of living water offered to us.

with peace, love and gratitude,

Chan

“A New Spirit!” with Collective Healing and Tears of Joy

“So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.” -President Barack Obama

(Listen to beautiful “Yes We Can” Obama song by Will.I.Am)

We start this new day with a new leader and a new spirit, with President Elect Barack Obama. The acceptance speech President Obama delivered at Grant Park in Chicago last night was one of the most beautiful and profound –as Maya Angelou said this morning, “majestic” moments in our history. I cannot remember a more healing moment on a collective level in this country (and in the world), than what we shared last night and step into today.

I, like many others my age and older, found it hard to trust that all would turn out as it has. And still this morning disbelief is mingled with marrow deep joy and goosebumps of healing. Now I stand more proudly-with great esteem, knowing all the world can hear our true voices, no longer silenced by a Machine of fear and hatreds. I know now we truly have a chance to work hard for the common good in a way we have never been able to before.

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer….It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.” -President Elect Barack Obama on November 4th, 2008

My daughter is nearly eight years old now and has never known any leadership in this country other than the one that will soon be leaving. She holds a passion in her young heart for President Obama, for the Common Good he seeks, believes in and upholds –her gentle smile this morning was joined with millions of other tender little smiles taking in the new life we have embraced and begun.

The irony in this deeply healing historic achievement is that we face some of the greatest challenges and hardships ever to be handled in this world, right down to the survival of, not only peoples, but the planet herself. President Obama does not ignore the dire straits we are meeting, rather, he presents us with honesty, realism and optimism at the same time. He places responsibility, hope, the Common Good and gratitude squarely on our shoulders, collectively.

What was more beautiful than seeing all the peoples celebrating and crying together for joy in the accomplishment of our voices, our choice manifest and our “Yes we did!” ? What was more beautiful than seeing and hearing President Obama telling us all that is on the line, that it won’t be easy at all, outlining the myriad of crises we face, and still the crowds responding, “Yes we can!” ? What surpassing beauty of soul we witnessed last night as children of all colors and creeds were given a most precious gift of liberty, opportunity and healing. What majesty of goodness blossomed as President Obama spoke to those in the world who feel invisible and forgotten with words of comfort and solidarity! A new spirit is upon us. This is truly thanksgiving!

“And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down — we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security — we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright –tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.” -President Elect Barack Obama accepting his presidency in Chicago

Read President Elect Barack Obama’s acceptance speech in it’s entirety at the Chicago Tribune.

Watch President Obama’s acceptance speech in Grant Park, Chicago from CNN.

See a map of the 2008 Presidential Election results here.