T'was the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house,
everyone was stirring, except a mouse. After the family carried their food dishes to the car with care, Mother asked, "Did you remember your pajamas, your toothbrush and clean underwear?" With giggles and excitement they settled into their car, Brother began to sing, "Over the river and through the woods," When sister rolled her eyes and said, "I hope this isn't far!" Thanksgiving is a time to remember the blessings that are often overlooked with the busyness of life. It is a time to retell stories of years gone by, that somehow includes silly shenanigans most of us have done. It is a time to enjoy favorite foods that are packed with calories, yet delicious to eat. We can "justify" the extra calories as being cordial to our family members that created the dishes, and if all else fails, we excuse our overindulgence as "fueling up for the winter!" In my book, a good meal shared with loved ones needs no excuses; it's food for our soul! As you gather around the family table, take a few moments to look in the eyes of each person. There's no need to stare, just a glance will do. My hunch is you may notice something that has changed about them. It may be the same face, same hair, same tone of voice; but something "feels" different. It is that energy that is important to notice. The circumstances of our world has offered many challenges the past several years that have effected each of every one of us in some way or another. Perhaps this Thanksgiving, you might suggest each person state one or two things for which they are grateful. It just may shift the energy in the room to notice what good things have happened rather than discuss the crazymaking going on. We're changing, and with change comes a bit of discomfort, if not down right pain. Let this Thanksgiving be the year everyone around the table mentions something positive they have noticed and/or experienced. With that, I wish to say, "Thank YOU," for seeking the goodness in life, for stretching beyond your "comfort zone," and participating in events that support your growth. Just as important, for your willingness to share your life, your experiences so others may glean wisdom from yours. Remember the words of Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world!" And from book two, the old woman's words, "When we are grateful, we free our hearts to create new dreams and visions for our lives and for the world!"
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This is a reminder our last Wisdom Circle for 2022 is Thursday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please join us as we share the stories that inspired and moved us along our Sacred Walk in 2022. With Thanksgiving next Thursday, we will also speak of the things for which we are grateful. If we take the time to look around we will notice all the abundant gifts available for us to enjoy. Some of those gifts may not have been purchased in shopping malls, online, or through social media. It may have been outside your front door, or at the local park in your area. How about today, you step outside your door, pause and look up! Notice what birds fly above you, and the clouds that form various sizes and shapes. Wednesday was a day to notice the different stages of precipitation that fell from the sky and offered moisture to your face. If you missed it yesterday, today may be another opportunity to receive those gifts from above. My experience is snow brings out the child within that remembers the wonder of such simple, free gifts from above.
Join us for our last Wisdom Circle for 2022, and share the many gifts you received this year that cost you nothing but your time and attention! There's a new movie coming out this month titled, "Devotion." The movie is based on a true story, my favorite type of movie. To me, it's worth seeing something that tells a story based on actual events. No doubt some of the story is tweaked to add a bit more interest; however, overall the basic storyline is factual. It certainly looks very heartwarming, it might be something to check out on a cold, damp day this month.
The word, Devotion, felt like the perfect one word descriptor for the month of November. Many events this month require devotion. Webster uses, "loyalty" as the key word to describe devotion since it is something you "give time to." Tuesday, November 8 is Election day. That certainly is something to give your time and devotion to; otherwise, you can't really complain about who gets in office. Oh, sure, you can complain, but that only pollutes the air and makes you a hypocrite. If you ignore voting, you're really saying, "I don't care who gets in," because to not vote is to vote for the person you may distrust or really not respect the most. And, speaking of November 8, we'll have the Full "Beaver Blood Moon" that evening. It is referred to a blood moon since a lunar eclipse will also occur making the moon appear red. It is unlikely to be visually spectacular as the total lunar eclipse is set to play out in the sky hours earlier. It will be another two years before our next blood moon on March 14, 2025. What is a blood moon? It is when the moon, Earth and sun align in such a way that the moon, in its full phase, passes through the Earth's shadow. The Earth's atmosphere refracts ( bends) the sun's light, causing the moon to take on a copper red appearance. As every Full Moon offers; it is a good time to surrender to a heightened sense of emotionality and close or end a habit, cycle, or relationship. It also provides an opportunity to release negative or stagnant energy. Friday, November 11 is Veteran's Day. It makes my heart most happy to see the recognition and respect given by the citizens of this country to those that honored the call of duty to serve and protect our country. Just as important is the devotion of those brave men and women who were willing to sacrifice so people in other countries can become free from the tyranny and control of those in power. Let's also remember, the military men and women who help during environmental disasters and domestic chaos. Truly they deserve our utmost respect! And, of course, Thursday, November 24 we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day with those we love. Again, my heart is full of love and respect for the many men, women and children that help feed the hungry. It is those random acts of kindness that assures me we are a nation of loving human beings. And, that we are teaching our children to be grateful for what they have and to feel compassion for those less fortunate. Even more importantly, they are learning, that action is how we show compassion! In 2020, President Trump proclaimed November as National Native American Heritage Month which recognized the "self-determination and economic self-sufficiency of the nation's 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes." On October 31, 2022, President Biden also signed a "Proclamation recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month." It is good to see a President from each party demonstrate the same respect and Devotion to a peaceful coexistence. Since Thanksgiving Day represents the peace agreement between the new foreign settlers and the indigenous people of this land, it seems like a very appropriate and long overdue recognition. No doubt it has taken much forgiveness and Devotion to this country to acknowledge an injustice that is finally being addressed. There are still many wounds among the people migrating to this country and our citizens; my hope is we will find a way to heal those strong beliefs on both sides so that our country can become a cohesive "Melting Pot!" The Wisdom Circle will meet on Thursday, November 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. This month we will share what we considered in October about the "applied learning based on sensible judgment," or Wisdom, we have gleaned from our life experiences. This will be the last Wisdom Circle for 2022, so come and join us as we bring the teachings we received this year. I am confident the experiences you have had this year will enrich your sense of Devotion to the path you have chosen for your life. Walks Tall Women is the Clan Mother for the month of November. She teaches us how to "Walk our Talk." Read about her on our website and learn ways to call to her for assistance with "Walking the Truth" in your life. As we began this blog, it takes Devotion to live your life with focus and clear intention to truly be a trustworthy, responsible person of integrity. Many blessings and much gratitude for each of you! From my heart to yours, Vicky |
Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
December 2024
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