Let’s Revisit Giving Thanks

November is traditionally the month of Thanksgiving. Giving thanks is a custom that has spread through the entire month, with daily gratitudes posted on social media. Or at least, it has been the case for the past few years. In 2016, not so much.

After the awful election season, many chatty social media personalities have gone quiet, some saying they were weary of the nastiness between family and friends with opposing viewpoints over politics. Some on the right said those on the left have been calling them names and painting them with a wide brush as deplorables. Some on the left said those on the right have been openly spewing hate, making personal attacks against anyone who questioned their views. From my vantage point, I have seen plenty of both. Name calling, personal attacks, and outright abuse replaced the gratitude lists that filled my page last year. 

But so what? What have we lost?

Do a mindful exercise with me for a moment, and come to your own conclusion: Take a moment and call up in your mind something that makes you angry, disappointed, upset, or disgusted. Maybe it’s politics, or an old grudge with a particularly unpleasant family member. Whatever it is, think about it. Recall how past events have made you feel. Really dig into the feelings, and sit with them as present in your mind as you can muster. Recall a specific moment from the past, or imagine a future moment facing this situation or person. Now scan your body, starting with the top of your head and working your way down. What do you feel in your forehead, your face, your neck and shoulders? What sensations do you detect in your back, your spine, your chest, and your belly? How about your thighs, legs, and then your feet? Sit and notice this for a few moments. Isn’t it amazing how emotions can alter your body posture, muscle tone, and your body’s set points?

Now repeat the exercise, but this time, call up something that brings you a feeling of gratitude, joy, or love. Maybe it’s the cherubic little face you had the joy of being with over the holiday break. Or maybe a frail grandparent you had the pleasure of sitting next to, reminiscing about holidays past. Or perhaps it was time spent with family, laughing over a game of cards after dinner. Whatever makes you grateful and loving, think about it. Notice how this memory makes you feel. Really dig into your feelings, and sit with them as present in your mind as you can muster. Recall a specific moment in time, or imagine a future moment in this situation or with this person. Now scan your body, starting with the top of your head and working your way down. What do you feel in your forehead, your face, your neck and shoulders? What sensations do you detect in your back, your spine, your chest, and your belly? How about your thighs, legs, and then your feet? Sit and notice this for a few moments. Isn’t it amazing how emotions can alter your body posture, muscle tone, and your body’s set points?

For the remaining holiday season, can we return to giving thanks? Can we each go out into the world carrying with us feelings of love and joy, rather than anger and fear? What difference will it make if we do?

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Melissa Deuter.