Approaching Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is commonly associated with the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together for a peaceful feast in 1621, which overlooks the darker aspects of history. The arrival of European settlers to Turtle Island resulted in the displacement, marginalization, and eradication of indigenous communities, and it's important to hold these truths in mind as we prepare to celebrate.

Agenda:

1. Plan an acknowledgement

2. Support Native Communities

3. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

4. Proaction and reciprocity plans

5. Make pies

1. Plan an acknowledgement:

In order to celebrate Thanksgiving respectfully, I plan to acknowledge the diverse cultures and histories that existed long before the arrival of European settlers. Today I will write an acknowledgment of the Kalapuya People, and prepare to read it at our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow.

2. Support Native Communities

I've decided to use Thanksgiving as an annual opportunity to support Native communities and contribute to indigenous-led initiatives, charities, or businesses. By actively engaging and supporting these communities, I show my gratitude for all they did to care for the land I now live on, and help repay a debt of my ancestors.

3. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook":

I'm reading this book by Loren Swift (2019), subtitled "Assuming Leadership in a New World." The premise is that lack of care for each other (people) results in lack of care for the earth. "This book details the practical steps to shift the paradigm internally from conflict to cooperation and to make the same shift in relationships and in group endeavors." Well, that is the work I need to do this fall and winter.

The first section is The Way In, and Chapter 2 is The Story of Belonging. She says "Acceptance is key to peace of mind", meaning that when I insist that my way is right (simple living) and someone else's way is wrong (cars, travel, excess) I am exacerbating separation, inside myself and with others. If I Accept What Is, I can remain openhearted, understanding, and accepting of other's values and my own inconsistencies.

This is exactly what I've also been reading in "Present Moment Awareness", about breaking from limiting beliefs. It implies personal responsibility for shifting my prejudices and negative assumptions, and opening my mind to creative possibilities. 

"With acceptance, we find empowerment in belonging with ourselves and in knowing we are not separate from the rest of life. We are filled to overflowing with a true sense of contentment from the inside out. ... By cultivating a compassionate witness, we drop into who we really are. ... We all thirst for kindness and compassion."

4. Proaction and reciprocity plans:

On Wednesdays I often journal a bit about the future, and my dreams and goals: What GREAT things do I want to accomplish? How will I serve people? How will I use my talents? How will I stretch myself? How can I become an “island of excellence”? What is essential?

Then I try to define achievable, meaningful goals and prioritize the goals and tasks with the greatest long-term impact.

This next week I hope to:

1. Gather speakers, and prepare for a recitation of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Greetings - Nov. 30.
2. Experiment with a "plastic tag" for community education - take to Dec. 7 EC Meeting,
3. Write about the EMERGE testimonies, and how I might adopt them - share with the EC group on Dec. 7. Find ways to for us to connect to QEW.
4. Begin to visualize steps I want to take this winter on climate and biodiversity loss - think about a minute on climate change.
5. Prepare for Worship sharing, "Our Garden, Our Earth": Sunday, December 14.

5. Make pies:

This recipe card is very old!

Today I will make the pies! My pumpkin pie recipe-

Ingredients:

• 4 c. pumpkin
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. each ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg

Makes one large pie-

1- Put half of the pumpkin and half of the milk in the food processor, and blend until pureed.

2- Pour into a mixer bowl, and repeat with the second batch.

3- Add eggs, sugar, salt, and spices to the mixer bowl and mix on low.

4- Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Make the pastry and line the pie plate. Fill.

5- Bake at 450ºF for 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 375ºF and bake for 45 minutes. Filling will be soft, but not wiggly.