Today starts November, a month closely associated with the Thanksgiving holiday, a time when we gather our friends and family around one of the most important aspect of our lives, food. It’s a time to slow down and be grateful for what we have instead of what we lack.
In the Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, on page 695, is a simple prayer by one of the bhakts, where he is praying for lentils, grain, shoes, clothes, a cow, buffalo and a horse, and a good wife to take care of his home.
When I first read these words, my first thought was, how can this person be a true bhakt, a true follower of God, since he’s asking for material things. But on further thought, it makes sense, one cannot pray and be thankful if the basics are not met. One has to be a really enlightened personality to show gratitude on an empty stomach.
The second thought, closely following the first was, life was so simple then, approximately 500 years ago. Now the basics include an I-phone, a good internet connection, cable t.v., a car to replace the horse, easy access to a grocery and a mall where we are spoilt with the choices available, and a well adjusted spouse who contributes at least somewhat in home maintenance. And of course a good job to pay for all of the above.
This month, this year, I want to reflect on all the gifts bestowed upon me, major and minor, which make me grateful for this life. I will not be able to count all the blessings, there are too many, but I can try.
Being grateful, being thankful has been shown by scientific studies to be good for ones mental health. It creates a feeling of abundance instead of a feeling of want, or lack.
I have realized over the years that it does not matter how much one has, we all desire more. There is always a sense of going to the next level. Even though I am satisfied with regard to material things, I crave time and opportunity for the intangibles. Things like more time with my family, more time to read, becoming a better cook, becoming more organized. Sometimes I doubt if I am spiritual enough, am I praying enough, am I a good daughter, wife, sister, mother, am I enough?
This is the month to reflect and try be grateful for where I am in time and space. This is the month to say ‘Thank you’ with all my heart.
