Dear Beloveds,

At at time when the world seems more divided than ever, I like to hold on to the threads that bind us all. One powerful amazing thread is GRATITUDE. In every religion, in every spiritual teaching and practice, gratitude leads the way.

I read recently in the Qur’an: “Anyone who is grateful does so to the profit of his own soul…” (31:12). I believe this is why this holiday is so loved by so many. We get to elevate our consciousness through the act of expressing thanks.

I thought to share with you quotes from Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Yogic texts to inspire you to greater states of gratitude as you come together in love today.

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for being in my life.

Love,

Elissa

Judaism - From Rabbi Sacks:

“There is a beautiful Jewish practice that done daily, is life-transforming. The first words we say on waking are ‘Model Ani Lefanekha’, which means ‘I thank you, living and eternal King.’ We thank, before we think.”

From the Bible:

18.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

From the Qur’an 3:145:

“If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall Give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve us with) gratitude.”

From Gautama Buddha

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.”

From Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga:

“The attitude of gratitude is the highest Yoga.”