"We are aware that real happiness depends primarily on our mental attitude and not on external conditions, and that we can live happily in the present moment simply by remembering that we already have more than enough conditions to be happy." - The Seventh Mindfulness Training
A Moment for Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a holiday for renewal and connection within ourselves and with our loved ones. This week, we have the opportunity to collectively reflect on all that we have been given, and renew our relationships to ourselves, our families and Mother Earth.
In this spirit, we at the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation would like start off by thanking you, from the bottoms of our hearts, for all that you have made possible through your donation. Each day, we are awed by the incredible support of this community, who continue to make possible profound transformation in people around the world, rippling across communities and generations. Thanks to you, people from all walks of life are gaining the skills to act mindfully and ethically, building community, healing Mother Earth, and touching true peace. As practitioners and as humans on earth, we are so grateful to you. Thank you.
As a community, we will join you this week in enjoying concrete practices to dwell in gratitude and renew ourselves and our relationships.
Practice 1: Five Contemplations Before Eating
With the energy of mindfulness, even eating can become sacred. We have a chance to get into deep contact with the miracle of food, and the people surrounding us.
Looking deeply, we can see that a simple cup of tea, some stuffing, or a piece of bread are nothing less than an “ambassador of the cosmos.” Eating with the energy of mindfulness we can experience our interbeing with the planet that is nourishing and sustaining us, and heal our feelings of loneliness and disconnection. We can become fully aware of the miracle of our body – the taste buds in our mouth, and our body transforming food into energy and vitality.
Before we begin our Thanksgiving meal, one person at the table can read the Five Contemplations Before Eating. This will help support our gratitude, mindfulness, and togetherness:
1. This food is a gift of the earth, the sky, numerous living beings, and much hard and loving work.
2. May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive this food.
3. May we recognize and transform unwholesome mental formations, especially our greed and learn to eat with moderation
4. May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that reduces the suffering of living beings, stops contributing to climate change, and heals and preserves our precious planet.
5. We accept this food so that we may nurture our brotherhood and sisterhood, build our Sangha, and realize our ideal of serving all living beings.
Practice 2: Take a Walk in Nature on Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to extend our practice of gratitude and enjoy living on Earth. Rather than watering your seeds of acquiring more material possessions, we invite everyone to connect with ourselves and our families by taking a walk in nature.
“We want to be connected. That is the meaning of love, to be at one. You do anything for the benefit of the earth, and the earth will do anything for your wellbeing." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Remember to enjoy your mindful steps!
