A Different Kind of Thanksgiving
I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.
Henry David Thoreau
In just a few days it will be Thanksgiving in the United States, but many families won’t be celebrating in the traditional way. The world is a different place than it was a year ago, and a large number of families are scaling down holiday gatherings or putting them off entirely. Although the 2020 version of Thanksgiving might be disappointing, that doesn’t mean that you can’t feel connected with loved ones on this special day and share in the feeling of gratitude.
I feel like I’m especially qualified to talk about the fact that distance has no effect on the powerful energy of love. For decades, I’ve been connecting loved ones who are separated by a lot more than a few earthly miles. As a spiritual medium, when I deliver a message from the other side of the veil, the love comes through loud and clear – and it means everything to the people receiving it.
This year, rather than feeling like you’ve lost something if you’re forced to scale down your holiday celebrations, focus on what you can gain by the experience.
Here are some suggestions for having a light-filled, social-distanced Thanksgiving:
- Rather than dwelling on what you’re missing, set your intention to be grateful for the people in your life, on Thanksgiving and every day. Your thoughts have power, so start the day by counting your blessings and repeating a positive affirmation. I suggest “Wherever I am, I am always connected to the people I love.
- Plan in advance to “see” friends and family. If you decide to share your day virtually, do something to make the occasion special. Upload old photos onto your computer and share a slideshow, or come up with thought provoking questions to discuss. If your usual tradition is to play games after dinner, there’s nothing to stop you from finding some zoom-friendly games to enjoy together. Make the day special, and you just might forget the distance. After all, love and gratitude transcend time and space!
- Reach out to someone who needs your help. I say this again and again – because it’s true! It’s impossible to feel lonely or disappointed when you’re bringing joy to others. Send flowers to someone who needs cheering up, or drop off cookies for local seniors. Leave a pie for a neighbor, or drop by the animal shelter to talk to the dogs and cats (you might even find a new friend to adopt).
- Make Thanksgiving 2020 the day you start your own gratitude vortex. I always make it a point to send a silent prayer of gratitude and love to the people I come in contact with. I talk to so many students, friends, and staff members every day, in person, through social media, on the phone, and on Skype. That’s so many opportunities for soul-connections! This exchange of positive energy creates what I can only describe as a “gratitude vortex” an ever-expanding energy field that attracts more things to be thankful for.
To experience your own gratitude vortex, try starting the day with this visualization. You might try printing it out and propping it on a bedside table, so it’s the first thing you see when you wake up. It won’t be long before this ritual becomes a habit, with no reminders necessary!
Infinite Gratitude Mind Journey:
Imagine a swirling circle of light with beautiful colors, all blending into one another. Picture the colors, the green of the heart chakra, the deep indigo of the intuitive third eye, the beautiful violet of the crown chakra.
As you watch, the colors continue to blend and expand in a stunning kaleidoscope.
Now picture the people in your life and your pets, and think of the things you look forward to doing in the upcoming day – exercising, walking in the park, having a cup of tea, meditating, greeting your co-workers. As you create each happy image in your mind, say a silent thank you.
Imagine these positive events becoming part of your swirling circle of light. Realize that they are infinite – they will always be with you – they are a part of your energy field.
Now imagine this beautiful swirl of colors surrounding you as you go about your day. As you connect with other people, they too are surrounded by this field of light, love, and gratitude. The beautiful energy grows and expands.
Now imagine your dreams, goals, everything you want in your life. Picture them becoming part of your beautiful gratitude vortex.
Give thanks for what you have, and for the infinite gifts the universe has in store for you.
I hope this exercise ignites the power of gratitude in your soul.
I wish you love, light, health and happiness today, during the holiday season, and throughout the upcoming year! I’m honored to be a part of your life, and I’m grateful for every member of the JVP Community.