Thanksgiving Service of Gratitude

Rev. AndreaGrace of the BeLoved Inclusive Catholic Community, co-created and led this service with Rev. Theresa Crisci – TLC Ceremonies & Unity Center of Norwalk; Jane Mahltora – Founder, WHIMM - Washington DC House Inclusive Monthly Mass and Rev. Mary Kay Daniels  - All Saints Inclusive Eucharistic Community.

Fun fact: AndreaGrace treasures the verse: Thank You for the gift of friends, Who know everywhere I've been, And love me back home again :)

Gratitude: The Currency of The Gift Economy

Our first passage today is from Robin Wall Kimmere – a mother, scientist, author, professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, from her book The Serviceberry. She explains what is called “the gift economy”, an approach to life based on gratitude and relationships.

In a gift economy, the currency in circulation is gratitude and connection rather than goods or money. A gift economy includes a system of social and moral agreements for indirect reciprocity, rather than a direct exchange. So, the hunter who shared the feast with you today could well anticipate that you would share from a full fishnet or offer your labor in repairing a boat in the future. The prosperity of the community grows from the flow of relationships, not the accumulation of goods.

When the natural world is understood as a gift instead of private property, there are ethical constraints on the accumulation of abundance that is not yours to own. Gifts are not meant to be hoarded, and thus made scares for others, but given away, which generates sufficiency for all.

HOLY PAUSE: What is resonating in you? What is drawing you in or what do you want to explore more?

Neuroscience of Gratitude

Gratitude is a spiritual practice that is woven into many faith traditions. Now, there is a lot of research happening on the transformational power of expressing gratitude. Victoria Petch recently summarized some of this on her Instagram account, herhappymind,

Gratitude isn’t just being thankful. It’s neuroscience. When you take time to notice what you’re grateful for, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two neurotransmitter slinked to happiness and wellbeing. Studies show that consistent gratitude practice can rewire natural pathways, shifting your baseline mood and even improving sleep, relationships and resilience. 

HOLY PAUSE: What is resonating in you? What is drawing you in or what do you want to explore more?

Practice of a Gratitude Waterfall

Take a deep breath connecting with Spirit. Envision that you are talkin to the Holy One - The God of Your Understanding. Spend one minute (set your timer) thanking the Holy One for things in your life, in your year.

Consider doing this at your dinner table or at a meeting with others. It is so powerful to your gratitude list aloud. It is also very powerful to witness someone else's list!

Blessing from the Judeo-Christian Scriptures

Sirach 50:22-24

And now, bless the Creator of all,who has done wondrous things on earth; Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb and fashions them according to Divine will! May our Creator grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; May goodness endure for you

And deliver you all your days.

Amen.

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