I appreciate you.
I am grateful and today is a complex day for those of us living in the United States.
Here I sit on the stolen land of the Ohlone tribe in Oakland, CA. I’m waking up even more to the truth about the history of this day and the sorrow it brings to Indigenous communities. For those of you reading who are Native American, I am sending you love as you navigate such a complicated and heartbreaking day.
As a little girl, I always loved Thanksgiving. I relished the idea of a holiday that wasn’t about consumerism and gift buying, but instead about gratitude and gathering with loved ones and breaking bread.
But, like many, I’ve woken up more and more to the atrocities that are woven into the fabric of this country since its inception. So today feels deeply conflicting to my heart.
If you’re looking for how to honor today, here’s a few things I am doing, that I hope can inspire you:
Discover the history of the land you’re on by researching where you live on websites like this one https://native-land.ca/
Learn more about the true history of Thanksgiving and share it with your loved ones. I especially like this short 3 minute video from NowThis. https://youtu.be/qy1tvor1mRw
Indigenous cultures face so many challenges, including being disproportionately hit by the pandemic. Here is an article with resources of organizations you can donate to. https://www.purewow.com/family/native-american-charities?
Sign the Good Relations Pledge created by my beloved friend and collaborator, Shiloh Sophia. This pledge is in honor of the incredible, late Carmen Baraka, Indigenous Elder and Teacher. I had the honor of having Carmen do ceremony at retreats I’ve led with Shiloh and I miss her dearly.Thank you for staying with me and being on this journey as I learn, un-learn and share. I appreciate you. https://www.change.org/…/citizens-of-the-united-states…
I know 2021 has been a year with so much hardship. In my family, we’ve had challenges beyond comprehension. The contrast of so much pain, makes hosting a gathering of 13 of my family and chosen family that much sweeter. I’m deeply, deeply grateful. I hope that today you can gather safely with your loved ones, and find the nuggets of gratitude where you can.
YOU MATTER
Today I also am continuing my annual tradition of sharing my Gratitude Meditation with you. It’s a 20-minute appreciation journey complete with piano from my husband, Rob, that’s been listened to thousands of times by people from around the world.
I invite you to find a quiet, cozy spot and sink into this meditation and enjoy. https://m.soundcloud.com/…/gratitude-meditation-from…
May your table be surrounded with love and may we continue to heal the many injustices in this country and the world.
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Amy
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