Giving Thanks

Fallen brown-orange leaves on the ground with a stick

In the United States, the end of November means Thanksgiving. There's a lot of history behind this (a brief overview can be found here), but I'd like to focus on the metaphorical aspect of the harvest. Thanksgiving is rooted in the seasonality of New England. It is this time of year that we are focused on the end of the harvest season.

The harvest cycle begins in Spring, when we awake rejuvenated with insights and ideas from our Winter slumber. With these insights, intentions are made for the year and plans are put into place. Summer sees these plans in action. By the time Fall arrives, the work that remains is to bring them into a place of fruition and possibly completion. At the end of Fall, we decrescendo our efforts and energies.

The nights arrive early, the air is cold, and we gather with loved ones to nourish with favorite dishes. It is at this time we see the transition of fall come to a close and all things have either died or entered a slower hibernation state. The main harvests of the season have been completed and as such, we celebrate this by feasting on the fruits of our labor. It is time to give thanks because we have come to the end of the growing cycle. This is the turning point into winter.

Here are some journal prompts to center on quieting down and gratitude:

• How has the year played out compared to my expectations and intentions set in the Spring?

• What does the end of my harvest cycle look like? What have I accomplished and completed? And how can I express gratitude for this harvest?

• Even though this the beginning of a time of hibernation, it is also a time of year when many people are busier than ever. How can I embrace all the beauty that comes with this special time of celebration while prioritizing slowing down? Which seasonal activities feel like obligations that deplete me and which feel nourishing?

Ritual Ideas for the end of Fall

1. This time of year is our last opportunity to get fresh and seasonal produce for many places in the United States. To physically manifest how the harvest will sustain us through winter, try your hand at food preservation! It can feel intimidating, but after some practice can be surprisingly simple. From turning cabbage into sauerkraut, using apple scraps to create vinegar, or making a jam - there are countless ways to preserve your food. Whenever you dip into that jar of jam or use a bit of sauerkraut to add dimension to a dish this winter, you'll be reminded of the work you did this past Fall to prepare yourself for a restful and bountiful winter. For more info on fermentation: Cheryl Paswater of Contraband Ferments is a great resource to learn more about food preservation through fermentation.
   

2. Once a week until the winter solstice, hand write and mail a thank you note to someone in your life. It could be as simple as repurposing an old postcard and writing something short and sweet like, "thanks for being my friend". While this idea may seem like a huge effort, the challenge is to find a way to make personal and heartfelt expressions of gratitude feel quick and easy. This is a time of year for generosity as well as gratitude. The more vulnerable acts of gratitude are practiced, the more natural they become.

If you're interested in working with me to create rituals or ceremonies for you or your organization, drop me a line!