Gratitude is the foundation of joy. It is the bedrock upon which we build our hearts calling us to awaken to our natural way of being in the world free of greed, selfishness and self-centeredness. It is our way to hear and acknowledge our deepest yearnings for peace, tranquility, ease.

Gratitude opens us up to receiving love. It propels us to step fearlessly into the waters of life untethered to the need to have more, be more, get more.

Gratitude is essential to finding ourselves at home in our hearts.

When I begin my morning with statements of I am grateful for… I open myself up to gratitude’s inherent power living within me. In gratitude, I become richer, fuller, more balanced and grounded in every way of my being present.

Today is Thanksgiving Day for my neighbours to the south.  Today I give thanks for them. I give thanks for their constant journey into democracy, their willingness to see darkness and still step into the light, their unwavering commitment to truth, liberty, freedom.

As they travel these new times, I am grateful for the hearts that beat so wildly to freedom’s drum, the minds that know so clearly freedom’s ways, and the voices that call so strongly for freedom to have its way.

I am grateful for you all.

May you gather together at the millions of tables to be set this weekend and remember the love that binds you is stronger than the differences that separate. May you be surrounded by family and friends sharing joy, love, laughter and above all thankfulness for the ties that bind so strongly.

Happy Thanksgiving!