Gaze at the sky, river, animals, insects, the trees, mountains, earth, stars for thousands of years. Night and day. In each original culture the thankfulness for these is expressed and celebrated in wondrous ways. A bow to honour the other person, with hands together or not, holding the arm of one another, placing a hand on ones heart. Looking and sensing into the eyes in recognition to meet as humans and as part of the universe of cosmic forces. Seldom in haste. Very often with music, aligning with breath, responding to emotions, chanting, song, beat, repetition……as nature repeats.  

Music, resonance and rhythm are closely alive within our human being and sounds of nature; in the same way birds speak with one another. This is a wondrous spectrum and I believe beyond words. As is the smile that having greeted one another with initial recognition (of what we share) lights the face, the eyes as if magic and the grace and gratitude radiate with humility and trust and humour  

Consider some of the graceful, exquisite dances of birds, fish, animals….for me this gratitude of the deepest form. Yeah, then the hard work of family comes along and whether human, penguin or lion what a clear demonstration of love/gratitude for their/our offspring and in my view, it can continue in society or help society continue, when it is recognised as truly powerful.    

To know that naturally healthy children can be born and how to grace and thank the spirit if on occasion they are not, the inner knowing and trust a soul will return.   

To be able to grow foods and care for, treasure even, every natural flow, wellspring and drop of water to feed the plants and ourselves. Grace and gratitude in the skill developed to build thoughtful irrigation systems to direct the water without waste, to make pots and containers out of clay soil using fire to strengthen them. To celebrate full moon, harvest, seed planting, life, the passing of it; with dance, chant, singing,   sharing of rhythm for hours – each person in the group repeating the same step and centre stage (for gratitude from all)   

  With these natural forces and observations humans have crafted forms of healing, toning by music, touch, knowledge of plants and movement to use as medicine. Over thousands of years and still in a few precious communities today it is a time to give profound thanks with humble prayer and celebration, for being able to catch an animal for food, using each tiny part and to store, and keep warm beneath the hide or fur. For me this is an indication of subtle, extraordinary reverence and gratitude for nature.   

  “We are the children of the earth and removed from her our spirit withers. I never knew a man go for an honest day’s walk for whatever distance, great or small, and not have his reward in the repossession of his soul.”

By GM Trevelyan. 1906 – 1996.

“The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measure. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers. It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of life and death, in ebb and flow.”

By Rabindranath Tagore