Sometimes it’s hard to give thanks. Sometimes what the universe offers feels more like punishment than gifts. Sometimes it’s hard to find the light, even when you know it’s there.

At these times, a good dose of perspective can guide the way. Imagine that we were living in the most affluent country in the world, with our homes and our cars and our families. Imagine that our energy, not needed for basic survival –food, shelter, safety – was available for pursuits of spirit and pleasure.Imagine having access to teachers, guides and healers who provide us with tools, methods and practices for personal development, health and joy fulliving. Of course we don’t have to imagine these things – they are part of our reality.

And yet, we suffer. The pain of loss, disease and death appears to strike us to our innermost layers. I feel it – sometimes so strongly that it nearly knocks me over. But it’s really only a dream. The truth awaits as soon as I wake up,however difficult that may be sometimes. The strength comes from knowing what is to come. Gratitude, like brushing your teeth, getting on the mat, and every relationship you have, is a practice. One that can only be experienced by the doing of it, not just once, but over and over again. Even when life brings us to our knees, it shows us the solidity of the ground below us.

I’ve come to believe that the act of giving thanks is the means to rising from the dream and seeing that grace is all around. I learn (and have to relearn every moment) that there is always room for gratitude. I experience that the darker the situation, the greater the need to share the light. The challenge lies in trusting the universe enough to open your eyes and remember to see the light, feel the grace and live the blessings.

I am blessed to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday with some of the people I love most in this world. I am blessed to have found the means to express what is inside me, and share my gifts with others. I am blessed that so many of you have shined your light on me. I am truly blessed to have shared some of my time on this planet with my sweet baby brother. PLEASE take this opportunity to know your blessings, share your blessings, live your blessings. Embrace this moment with everything you have. Within it lies all you need.

Sending you my deepest gratitude,