The Indigenous People's Orientation on Giving Thanks

I grew up in Iceland, where we don't celebrate Thanksgiving as we do here in the United States.

After moving to America, I quickly learned about this festive celebration of abundance and harvest, literally and figuratively. 

And I learned to cook the perfect Thanksgiving meal that we shared with family and friends. 

I came to love this time of year, as it invites you to stop your daily activities, spend precious time with your loved ones, and reflect on the abundance in your own lives. 

Even during trying times of chaos and crisis, there is always something to be grateful for. 

Neuroscientists tell us that we rewire our brain to create stronger mental states of joy and happiness by cultivating our gratitude practice. 

Who doesn't want that?

One thing I learned living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the perspective of The Native People who not only give thanks for the fall harvest and relationships with other humans but focus their gratitude on life, the creator, and all living beings.

For centuries the indigenous peoples have known how to respect the Universe we live in? Something that most of us have forgotten.

We would be wise to look to them for guidance.

With the traditional Thanksgiving Address, the Native People speak to the creation and thank her for all the blessings she has bestowed upon us.

Listen and watch (video above) the wisdom keepers sharing with us the origin of the Thanksgiving Address >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uDMS-5JeEo

We can learn something from them about holding reverence and respect for life while being reminded that we are not alone.

In reverence...

Happy Thanksgiving!