Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace & Gratitude
You don't have to be grateful for everything that happens to you. But even in life's hardest moments, there may be something worth noticing, receiving, or savoring. This reflection explores the relationship between gratitude and resilience.
The blog article follows this announcement!
An Invitation to Catch Up With Us
All week long, I’ve been studying the life and music of Javier Mendoza (aka Hobo Cane). In my long talks with him, I’ve learned some things about what a Creative means when they start talking about their “Process.” We will, no doubt, be unpacking that concept this afternoon. Another thing I know we’ll discuss is the relationship between resilience and creativity.
Another thing that I know will come out of our conversation this afternoon? There’s a profound countercultural dimension to this man called “Hobo Cane” that’s worthy of some deep reflection. He practices a kind of intentional, defiant commitment to authenticity. This, in the face of a leveling AI culture that rewards clicks and prompts and pseudo-intimacy. This artist is not about to bring forth a product manipulated by a record label, an agent, or an AI algorithm! The great twentieth-century mystic, Thomas Merton, once said, “The most important spiritual practice is to be yourself.” I believe that Javier and Thomas Merton would have been good friends if they got a chance to hang out together.
This morning, I’m just hours away from taking the stage with Javier. I feel like my kids when they ran track in high school and college. I remember all that pent-up energy right before the starting gun sounded…all that bouncing in the starting blocks…all that desire to…GET GOING! That’s how I feel today. I can’t wait to hear what the audience, Javier, and I will co-create together this afternoon.
For those of you who can’t join us this week, be sure to keep an eye out for the podcast that my producer, Logan Janis, will record for you. You ought to be able to find it right here in the next couple of weeks.
Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace & Gratitude
Hey! Who Stole This Week’s SMC Article?
Just before these SMC gatherings that we’ve been hosting, I’ve noticed how time has a funny way of giving me the slip. I didn’t get a chance to develop a new reflection for this week. Instead, you’ll see that my social media director, Julia, has reposted a podcast from exactly one year ago. As you will hear, it was produced from another November SMC gathering. It anticipates a holiday that’s coming back around in a few weeks: “Grace and Gratitude.” Speaking of which… Thanks for listening. Thanks for reading. You are a grace to me, and I’m grateful for you. I’ll see you next week!
Want to listen on the go? This event recording is also available on the podcast! Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Reflection Questions
Tell the story of a challenging time that you have been through…. What did you learn from that time? What were some practices that got you through? Was there a person, or people who were a blessing to you during that time? Looking back, what was something you learned about yourself during that challenging period?
Tell the story of a challenge you are facing right now. Is there any wisdom you picked up in past difficult times that you can use in this situation?
Gordon Lightfoot, that great singer/songwriter from days gone by, wrote a song entitled, “Rainy Day People.” That song describes people who come closer when times get harder. When and where have you been a rainy day friend for somebody?
Please share with the SMC community your thoughts and/or reflections in the comments below.
Comments