Great-Fullness

In the spirit of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s Ohenton Karihwatehkwen or “Words That Come Before All Else”, I have written my own personal thanksgiving address….

I give thanks for the people in my life, those who are in it now, those who filled it in the past, and those who will make it up in the future. For my cheerleaders, teachers, witnesses, caregivers, and role models, too many to name; for those who trust me, look to me for inspiration, and say yes to my support; for companions and playmates; for deep wells of love, synergy, and magic; for music, dance, laughter, yoga, words, art, and infrastructure. I am so grateful for the people.
 
I give thanks for the Earth. For providing me solid ground and refuge for as long as I can remember; for astonishing beauty; for wonder; for keeping my heart true and open; for modeling generosity, perseverance, and resilience; for supplying me everything I need; for massive rocks, sensual contours, and palpable silence; for being my very favorite planet. I am so grateful for the Earth.

I give thanks for the water. For supporting life on Earth; for hydrating my body and cleansing my spirit; for over and over inviting me to dive in; for oceans, lakes, rivers, hot springs, rain, glaciers, clouds, snow, and fog; for freedom of movement and wild abandon; for awe and delight; for vastness, depth, and flow. I am so grateful for the water.
 
I give thanks for the plants and the trees. For diversity of size, shape, texture, niche, and color; for nourishing my every cell with nutrients and oxygen; for stabilizing the soil; for tools, medicine, shelter, and habitat; for peace, stillness, and magnificence; for never holding back; for abundance; for fruits, roots, and flowers; for delicious fragrances; for strength; for a thousand shades of green. I am so grateful for the plants and the trees.
 
I give thanks for the fungi. For decomposing even the most hideous stuff; for helping me be healthy and for teaching me new things; for other-worldliness; for keeping me on my toes; for nurturing the trees; for balance. I am so grateful for the fungi.

I give thanks for the animals. For filling my life with joy and amazement; for modeling wildness, self-sufficiency, acceptance, and surrender; for bellows and songs, growls and snorts; for increasing my capacity for empathy; for providing food, clothing, and support; for keeping me humble and deeply in love; for naked self-expression. I am so grateful for the animals.
 
I give thanks for the wind. For caressing my skin and making me feel vibrant and alive; for purifying the air; for rustling the grasses and leaves; for sowing seeds; for waves and power; for keeping me appreciative of safety and protection; for being the messenger of change. I am so grateful for the wind.
 
I give thanks for the moon and the stars. For reflecting to me my own wholeness and light; for steadiness and clarity; for bringing out the bats, owls, and coyotes; for keeping things in perspective; for helping me stay oriented; for igniting passion, curiosity, and lofty visions. I am so grateful for the moon and the stars.
 
I give thanks for the sun. For powering life on this planet; for warmth and light; for seasons and for cycles; for vivid color; for dappled shadows on the ground; for sunrises and sunsets; for reliability and longevity; for fire. I am so grateful for the sun.

I give thanks for the ancestors. For those who tended the Earth so that I may live today; for those who protected lands, planted trees, and cared for soils; for those who worked in service of a far-reaching life-giving vision at the cost of short-term personal gain; for those who passed down essential stories, teachings, and traditions; for those who loved and mentored the children. I am so grateful for the ancestors.
 
I give thanks for all the offspring of all species yet to be born. For providing me a constant source of motivation; for giving my work in this world purpose and meaning. I am so grateful for all the beings still to come.
 
I give thanks for the Creator/Spirit/Truth/Universe (I’m still searching for the right name!). For the gift of Life moving in, as, and through me simply and mysteriously; for being in control; for being trustworthy; for meeting me on my growing edge; for being an ever-present silent space to rest in; for being fierce, wise, and indifferent; for grace; for expressing through me with creativity and enthusiasm; for waking up within me; for loving me madly. I am so grateful for Life.