As December approaches, I continue to tread one breath and one day at a time. That's about all I can handle. I'll wake multiple times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and check to make sure everyone's breathing. Walks with the dog have been my saving grace, moments to quiet my mind as I trek mesmerized by the leaves swing dancing in the autumn breeze before they kiss the path and sail into the softly babbling creek.
During our Thanksgiving morning trot at the lake, remembering those who have walked these lands before us too as well as those we keep in our hearts, we picked up some twigs for our traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, where we write our blessings on leaves and hang them on the twigs: N. is thankful for her dog, A. is grateful for health, family and learning, and I am thankful we have flourished wellness- and homeschool-wise this far into the pandemic. Patiently awaiting until it's much more manageable. We've gotten our covid boosters, and N.'s scheduled to get her second vaccine dose next week in hopes for a smooth return to school in person and extra protected in the new year. In the meantime, we've decided to lay low through the holiday season.
while we wonder at the anxieties
that we confer within us
may we feel compassion
for ourselves and others
for ourselves and others
most magnificently
in the sweetness of our response
in the sweetness of our response
To heartful thanksgivings in the year ahead.
