Experiencing divine Grace begets a natural state of gratitude, even as a sense of gratitude brings about a feeling of closeness with our Creator. To have a day set aside for giving thanks is a wonderful idea, but with feasts, football and family is there even a moment set aside for honoring the spirit of the holiday? Sri Yoganandaji advocated a time for both a social Christmas and a meditative spiritual Christmas, likewise we can take time to honor the spirit of Thanksgiving with family, and by taking time to deepen our inner communion with God.
Reflecting the news-media, our minds can become fixated upon the things that are troubling about the world. However there truly is much to be thankful for. In the year Mother Hamilton was born, 1904, the average life expectancy world-wide was 32 years, 20% of newborn children did not make it to see their first birthday, and the average income was $2,000 a year (in today’s dollars). Flash Forward a hundred years: global life-expectancy is 70 years, first year deaths have been reduced to 3.6%, and the average person now makes $10,070. Even in the last twenty years global poverty has fallen by half (when they poll people about this one fact, only 5% guessed that is was cut in half, the rest thought it had marginally improved, was the same or worse). Another improved area in the U.S. is in polluting emissions, which have dropped 70% since 1970, while the economy has grown 240%. There is much to be grateful for.
While material improvements in health and prosperity are important, they are incomplete in themselves. Without the core of deepened spirituality these outer improvements are hollow, the sounding of a thin tin bell. Only through deepened communion with the Almighty does that sound become enriching—a beautifully toned bell reverberating for all the ages. The gift of spiritual awakening is the ultimate gift for which we are grateful. Just getting started on this path to Self-realization is of great import; how many darkened lifetimes have we spent in ignorance and suffering with no spiritual understanding?
To be given the quality tools for realization and the guidance from an extraordinary lineage is reason enough for giving profound thanks. However, like the negative popular news about this world, you can focus on those things in life you do not like about yourself without acknowledging the progress you have made. Giving gratitude brings about balance in your perspective; looking at all the ways you have grown, advanced, and become more empowered. Taking legitimate pride for what you have done circles you, the sincere aspirant, right back to the source of your accomplishments—your life in God.
On this day of thanksgiving I have gratitude for having a body in good health, which is remarkable after what has occurred in the past year. Thanks to your support, loving thoughts and sincere prayers, as well as excellent medical care, I am still very much here. Which leads to another area of gratefulness. When I first started this spiritual journey, I had no compatriots in Spirit. Over time Mother drew me to herself, and through her to so many sincere aspirants—as kindred spirits upon the path, you are my treasured gifts. God has given us each other to make spiritual progress and to give mutual support—what a tremendous gift that has been in my life. For that, and for all the unbounded grace God gives, I am deeply grateful. I wish you deepened connection with God and Gurus as you mindfully keep your own day of thanksgiving.
Note: If you would like, send me your thoughts on what you are grateful for, I would love to hear from you.
Additional Note: I am in for a CT/PET scan on Monday, December 5 as a scheduled follow-up.