Thanksgiving Nourishment

In this week of Thanksgiving in the US, I am grateful for you, and everyone in this community.

May we enjoy the bounty of this time of year amidst the heartbreak going on in our world. It's a poignant time to be alive, and simply being a human each day can feel challenging. During this time of discord, may we weave together our blessings and abundance with grief and loss, in order to be present and cultivate peace where we are.  I encourage you to reach out to someone who might be struggling and offer them some nourishing connection during the week ahead. May we cherish the way food and friends nourish us!

Here is a fun poem in celebration…

“The Vegetable Prayer” by Rev. Max Coots

Let us give thanks for a bounty of people.

For children who are our second planting,

and though they grow like weeds

and the wind too soon blows them away,

may they remember fondly where their roots are.

For generous friends with hearts as big as hubbards,

and smiles as bright as blossoms;

For feisty friends as tart as apples;

For continuous friends, who, like scallions,

keep reminding us that we’ve had them;

For crotchety friends, as sour as rhubarb and as indestructible;

For funny friends, as silly as brussel sprouts

And serious friends, as complex as cauliflowers and as intricate as onions;

For friends as unpretentious as cabbages and friends, like parsnips, who can be counted on to see you through the winter;

For old friends, nodding like sunflowers in the evening-time

And young friends coming on as fast as radishes;

For loving friends, who wind around us like tendrils and hold us, despite our blights, wilts, and witherings;

And, finally, for those friends now gone, but who fed us in their times that we might have life thereafter;

For this bounty of friends, we give thanks.

*******HOLIDAY THRIVAL TIPS*******

Here are a few little ways you can support yourself amidst the hustle, bustle, rich foods, and hours of visiting (extroverted energy during the introverted time of the year). See if you can do at least one of these things each day this week and notice how you feel:

•  Hydrate with 2-4 cups of warm water first thing in the morning. Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you'd like. 

•  Go out for a walk to get some fresh air and connect with nature. Bonus points if this is as the sun is rising, first thing in the day!

•  Drink ginger tea between meals and try not to snack so that your belly gets a break and your digestive fire can stay kindled and healthy.

•  Let people in your friend and family group know if you have any special intentions around habits during the holidays so they can support you.

•  Lay on your left side for 10 minutes after eating and let your digestive system be supported. Then move around a bit or go for a short walk.  This supports your digestion and assimilation. 

•  Give yourself permission to not do EVERYTHING! Take breaks, schedule downtime, and speak kindly to yourself. If you get stressed, ask yourself, “how easy (or fun) can I make this (whatever it is) for myself?”

What are your favorite Holiday Thrival Tips?

For now, please know how grateful I am to be connected with you, Heartfelt. May your Thanksgiving be filled with ease and grace. 

Much love and light,

Hannah 

pps- Want to join me at an in-person retreat in 2024? Check out more info HERE!