The holiday season is quickly approaching, the end of the year when the season of lights – that time when darkness slowly darkens and gives way to the light at the winter solstice – arrives, day by day. In the Bay Area, I often have to work hard to give myself a winter-cozy experience in this season. But this year, the heavens are in tune with the season, days of rain welcoming us to the longer nights.
When I sat to write this piece, I was thinking that I am not one given to focusing on giving thanks. Over the years, I’ve studied with healers and shamans, and teachers of all kinds – many of whom would say that a grateful heart, a grateful attitude, is a good thing. Necessary, even. But in my own temperamental way, giving thanks does not come easily. If I’m to fill the journals I’ve started over the years (Oprah says that if I write down 5 things I’m grateful for every single day, my life will change…), I’ll have to be more disciplined about the practice of giving thanks. All change begins with practice, in my experience. Practice, practice, practice.
But today I’m grateful for the beautiful tree that accompanies me here in the house on View Place – the birch has been a faithful companion as long as I’ve lived here, and I’m grateful for a cozy house as the season of holidays approaches. A quiet house, a place of comfort in a world that is often crazy-making. Today we’ll welcome a 4 year old and her parents to join us for a week, and the house will not be quiet, but filled with laughter and fun – and tears, I’m sure. The cat has taken to sitting with me on the sofa where I have my morning coffee and chat with Jeff. She seems to live a grateful life.
On Thanksgiving Day, we’ll join a bunch of Bahlerts at their little house on Potrero Hill in San Francisco, where the sound of little ones running past us will fill us up as much as the lavish meal. I’ll bring the pies: cherry – two this year, by special request – apple, and pumpkin. I remembered to buy whipped cream before the store runs out.
And if I remember, if I stop all the busy-ness that’s inside of me for a few moments, I can be grateful, too, in honor of the holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone!
Photo by Mary Elyn Bahlert, View Place, November, 2024
