Where Do YOU Plan To Spend This Thanksgiving Holiday?

By Burton M. Fischler, M.A., Certified Life Coach

As I considered the CDC's suggestion to limit our Thanksgiving family gatherings, due to the high rate of coronavirus infection spread, several thoughts came to mind.

First, with respect to finding a safe space in which to celebrate Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of one of my favorite Hilary B. Price "Rhymes with Orange" cartoons: The Quest. It depicts a Zen Center storefront with a sign that reads: "Seeking Enlightenment? Inquire Within." A passerby turns to an apparently enlightened person seated on the sidewalk in a cross-legged yoga position and asks, "Where's the door?" He responds, "No door." So, the safest place to go this Thanksgiving is inside yourself.

Second, what would Thanksgiving be without guests? Rumi's spiritual poem, The Guest House, offers a timely answer — welcome every emotion as an unexpected visitor, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Third, what would a Thanksgiving celebration be without a food feast? Derek Walcott's beautiful poem, Love After Love, reminds us to greet ourselves arriving at our own door, and to sit and feast on our life.

Fourth, what would Thanksgiving be without a gratitude prayer? Brother Steindl-Rast reminds us that "the root of joy is gratefulness… It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful."

Fifth, what would Thanksgiving be without giving? Arianna Huffington reminds us that giving is the most powerful form of self-care. She calls it a self-care miracle drug. So, be sure to give generously to yourself during this holiday season. And, be sure to give generously to others, too.

My fellow humans, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe, be well, and take comfort in knowing this: by taking personal steps towards self-acceptance, self-awareness, self-love, and self-care, we are better prepared to combat the coronavirus or, for that matter, anything else.