I can have mixed feelings about holidays. I don't like the vapid consumerism that is encouraged, or the way christmas has stretched out to dominate most of the season. I understand that in the Celtic tradition, that Yule lasted a whole season, and they stretched the holidays out to bring some cheer to a harsh and cold winter.
This year my Thanksgiving was very out of the ordinary, and wonderful. We had so many veggies: squash, potatoes of several varieties, leeks, broccoli, eggplant.... I spent the morning carmelizing a pan full of onions to be put on everything! Then lots of friend and a few surprise guests popped in with donated desserts, a turkey breast and lots more veggies! My favorite was a new creation of mine: coconut creamed acorn squash! It's just squash and coconut cream with seasonings to taste, and gives a new spin on traditional creamed veggies.
I also spent some time updating my Amazon wish list for the season. I've been into a lot more board games this year, and more books for study.
And of course...no Thanksgiving post would be complete without a list of gratitudes. And I find the more I list, the more I can recognize. To start: I'm very thankful for this pathwork; that it has been healing for myself & my clients, and that it continues to heal. I am grateful for the gifts in this lifetime that allow for this amazing pathwork, and the enlightenment it brings. I'm thankful to have my chosen family around me, and to have so many voice of support. I can't be thankful enough for my partner and the depthful resonance I feel with him.
I am grateful for this year's challenges too. They have been like the tempering of a sword, and have taught me much about myself. I have a better grasp of my own shadow, a better idea of what it means to love my demons, and the freedom of self it unlocks.
I'm grateful for all my meaningful coincidences, and the unleashing of fire. And for the wide stretch of adventures ahead.