GRATITUDE MONTH: DAY 23: “Gratitude paints little smiley faces on everything it touches.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich
So, I think about my daily gratitude letter. It is addressed to that Power that grants me ongoing recovery from debilitating addictions and my screaming purple monkey-mind. There are new things each day, because I do not feel the gratitude so deeply when I am writing by rote. This happens, of course, over time, but I strive to keep my writing fresh each day.
I also have a beautiful Indigenous American prayer hanging in my kitchen that I received from my mentor/Medicine teacher many years ago. I read it out loud each morning when I get up. I am going to share it today, because it is a good prayer of Thanksgiving to use for the holiday, especially this year as I sit in support with those in North Dakota.
“Greetings & Thanks
to each other as people
to The Earth
mother of all
Greetings & Thanks
to all the water
Waterfalls & Rain
Rivers and Oceans
Greetings & Thanks
to all the Fish Life
Greetings & Thanks
The grains and greens
Beans & Berries
as one we send thanks
to Food Plants
Medicine Herbs
of the World
and their keepers
Greetings & Thanks
to all Animals
& their teachings
Greetings & Thanks
The Trees
for shelter & shade
fruit & beauty
Greetings & Thanks
To All Birds
large and small
joyful Greetings & Thanks
and from the four directions
The Four Winds
thank you for purifying the air
we breathe and giving us strength
Greetings
The Thunderers
our grandfathers
in the sky
We hear your voices
Greetings & Thanks
And now The Sun
for the light of a new day
and all the fires of life
Greetings & Thanks
to our oldest grandmother
The Moon
leader of women
all over the world
And The Stars
for their mystery
beauty & guidance
Greetings & Thanks
To Our Teachers
from all times
reminding us of how
to live in harmony
Greetings & Thanks
And For All
The gifts of creation
for all the love
around us
Greetings & Thanks
and for that
which is forgotten
WE REMEMBER
We end Our Words
Now Our Minds Are One.”
Dolphin Hug 