Thanks and gratitude

As many in the US prepare for some form of Thanksgiving celebration (it is, I understand, the holiday for and on which more people travel to be together than any other, and the purpose is, ostensibly, to give thanks), I find myself reflecting on the theme of gratitude and thanks in general.

The practice of Naikan comes to mind, a practice which invites us to reflect on what we have received, what we have given, and what 'troubles and difficulties' we have caused. To quote from the Naikan site: It’s as if, standing on top of a mountain, we shift from a zoom lens to a wide-angle lens. Now we can appreciate the broader panorama - our former perspective still included, but accompanied by much that had been hidden. And that which was hidden makes the view extraordinary."

Another way we might put things in perspective is with Billy Collin's poignant poem, Have a listen to The Lanyard, read by Garrison Keillor on Poetry Everywhere. It invites me to reflect on what I have given and received in the course of my lifetime, or in a day, a week, or from a particular person. And you?

As I recall my experience with Naikan, and feel into the sentiments of The Lanyard, I find myself full of gratitude, for the gift of life, of love, for the chance to celebrate the bounties of the earth together, for time alone, for the crystals of snow on the mountain tops and gracing the window, for the dark time of year, the warmth of bodies, grandchildren, joined hands, open hearts....

Blessings to you and yours this holiday season.

Perfect for groups and circles!

Do you belong to a discussion group of any kind -- spiritual, women's, church, book, study, support? Consider Becoming as your next book or topic. The topics touch us all.

it's nice to read by yourself, but the larger potential of the book emerges in groups. Deepening connections, broadening, even therapeutic insights, good fun, laughs and tears -- these can all occur when a group chooses Becoming as its focus. The format, short 3-5 page essays, and the questions for reflection mean it is optimal for your group, and just right, ready to use.

Becoming is available in several convenient modes, on line or in person. Your bookstore may also be able to order the copies for your group.

Check my website for the ordering options. I'd be pleased to hear your comments if your group chooses Becoming for its focus.

Inspiration, insights, connections

Last week I was invited to a women's group which had chosen my book, BECOMING, for their evening discussion. It was a rich and beautiful inquiry and sharing, leading to individual insights, provocative questions, warm connections. Such a gathering and format is a perfect place for the book to be useful, provocative and inspiring.

If you know are part of any such gathering, please keep BECOMING in mind!

The book is very easy to get now because it is available on-line: at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in the UK.

Want to be inspired? Check out this posting about women, writers, activists gathering with synergy and dynamism: Christina Baldwin's Storycatcher blog Read about her conversations with Gloria Steinem, Isabel Allende, Helen Thomas, and dozens of incredible leaders doing great work in the feminist world.

In these challenging times, "Let us try to remember the precious nature of each day." The 14th Dalai Lama.