As mentioned earlier this issue, Thanksgiving is a time that, ideally, is about all the qualities/feelings you see to the left. Yet, it is often a time where stress levels go up (along with waist lines), dread comes up, and a lot of you just end up going through the motions to “get through” the holiday (at least until you can get to the ski slopes).
there’s an enormous relief of pressure and distress when you turn your attention to the well-being of others…it makes you more well.
May I abide in well-beingIn freedom from afflictionIn freedom from hostilityIn freedom from ill-willIn freedom from anxietyAnd may I maintain well-being in myself.May everyone abide in well-beingIn freedom from afflictionIn freedom from hostilityIn freedom from ill-willIn freedom from anxietyAnd may they maintain well-being in themselves.May all beings be released from all sufferingAnd may they not be parted fromThe good fortune they have attained.When they act upon intentionAll being are the owners of their actionAnd inherit its results.Their future is born from such actionCompanion to such actionAnd its results will be their home.All actions with intention,Be they skillful or harmful,Of such acts, they will be the heirs.
If you were to not only say this every day, but were to think of it, and invoke its sentiments, whenever you’re finding yourself irritated at your partner, one of your kids, or a family member, pay attention to what happens inside to the negative feelings and thoughts. It just may fill you with both relief and deeper love that can come from letting go of believing you’re responsible for how anyone else is feeling and/or doing, and embracing that you have the gift of blessing them for their experience and owning your own as an equal opportunity blessing.