Ease the Stress, Embrace Gratitude, and Honour the Land
Originally posted October 2023 - Revised October 2024
Welcome to Deeply Seen, where Thanksgiving becomes more than a time to gather and feast. It’s a moment to deepen our gratitude, meaningfully connect with each other, and acknowledge the land and its history. Join me as we reimagine this holiday with a mindful approach that honours its true essence.
Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
In the rush of holiday preparations, it's easy to lose sight of the heart of Thanksgiving—gratitude. This season is an invitation to pause and reflect on the abundance in our lives: the relationships that sustain us, the health we cherish, and the everyday joys that surround us. But how do we keep gratitude front and centre amid the whirlwind of activities?
A Calm and Connected Thanksgiving
For many of us, the pressures of creating a perfect holiday gathering can drain the joy from the day. That's why I’ve created a special downloadable guide to help you step into Thanksgiving with ease. This guide offers simple, actionable steps to reduce holiday stress and foster deep, authentic connections. Whether it’s through mindful preparation, heartfelt conversations, or moments of stillness, this resource will help you stay present and enjoy the day to its fullest.
[Download Your Curating Thanksgiving Guide Here]
Honouring the Land and Acknowledging History
Thanksgiving carries a complex history, intertwined with colonialism and the displacement of Indigenous peoples. As we come together, it’s important to acknowledge this truth and honour the land we live on. By bringing awareness to these deeper layers of Thanksgiving, we create space for healing and connection that transcends the holiday table.
Here are some ways to integrate land and history into your Thanksgiving celebration:
- Learn and Share Indigenous Histories: Take time to educate yourself and your guests on the Indigenous cultures and histories connected to your land. Share these stories at your gathering to foster understanding and awareness.
- Support Indigenous Communities: This year, consider supporting Indigenous-owned businesses or artists in your local area. It’s a meaningful way to give back.
- Sustainable Celebrations: Opt for eco-conscious choices like minimising food waste, sourcing local ingredients, and using reusable tableware to honour the earth’s gifts.
- Offer a Land Acknowledgment: Begin your Thanksgiving by acknowledging the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land you now gather on. Expressing gratitude for their care honours both the past and the future.
Embrace Gratitude, Ease, and Connection this Thanksgiving
This year, let’s shift the focus back to what matters most—gratitude, meaningful connections, and honouring the land. By downloading my Curating Thanksgiving Guide, you’ll discover practical ways to make this holiday simpler and more mindful, while also honouring its historical context. Together, we can co-create a Thanksgiving that’s rooted in love, respect, and intentional action.
Download your Curating Thanksgiving Guide today and let’s embark on a journey of gratitude and connection, bringing the true spirit of Thanksgiving into our homes.
Land Acknowledgment
As we gather this Thanksgiving, I invite you to join me in acknowledging that we are on lands that have been cared for by Indigenous peoples for generations. Wherever you are, take a moment to reflect on the land beneath you, its history, and the stewardship of those who came before us. This land has stories, traditions, and wisdom held by its first inhabitants, and by honouring these truths, we deepen our connection to the earth and each other.
For those of us residing in the Canadian Maritimes, I would like to specifically honour the Mi'kmaq people, who have been the traditional custodians of this land for over 13,000 years. The Mi'kmaq Nation’s deep relationship with the land, waters, and ecosystems continues to inspire resilience, wisdom, and respect for the environment. Today, we express our gratitude for their care and for allowing us to live, work, and gather on these ancestral lands.
