Rituals

The Thanksgiving holiday approaches here in America. While the Democratic Party politicians may have a lot to be thankful for this year, the rest of us are struggling to figure out just what this ritual means in a fragmented society where even the sanctimoniously touted extended family is an anachronism. Yes, there is always a place for a party, a pot luck dinner, or a brunch among friends and relations. But, the commericalization and indoctrination associated with these end-of-year holidays seems more and more hollow each year. Perhaps this is a good thing. Our human attachment to the past is constantly being challenged. As population and survival pressures increase, due to environmental deterioration of the planet, it would do the species well to snap out of it and tend to what is important for the future. Perhaps the erosion of the overestimated family values, organized religions, national identities are all symptoms of an unconscious human adjustment to what is actually happening to us on a basic natural level. I hope so. For my part, it will require special attention to my practice to get through this holiday season with balance and emotional well being.