Thanksgiving

It is hard for me to be cheerful about a holiday which was begun as a commemoration of genocidal religious zealots. In fact, I find the tradition somewhat offensive. It is the epitome of WASP narcissism, the victor gloating over his spoils.

I practice mindful thanksgiving on a daily basis. I cherish many things which the luckier take for granted. I could innumerate them here, but I will not. Sappy Thanksgiving Day lists irk me more than the basis of the holiday itself. They are often woven with an unconscious weave of competitiveness and superiority.

The daily practice of thankfulness is another matter. It does not entail surveying treasure brought by circumstance. It entails being connected with other human beings wherever I am. It entails truthfully and intentionally thanking the young woman who holds a door open for me as we are leaving a building. Noticing what she looks like and making sure to make eye contact in that moment. It entails acknowledging the personal effort extended by a friendly cashier who is making a lousy wage to stand on his feet all day to serve me. Making it personal and friendly in that moment without holding up the line.

Thankfulness when practiced intentionally throughout a normal day is an affirmation of our human dignity and human relationships, especially with strangers. It has nothing to do with eating too much or having things. It has everything to do with humanism and integrity. Thankfulness is an acknowledgment that we live in and depend on a civilized human society to be happy and at peace.