How the Thanksgiving Holiday Lives in My Senses
The Thanksgiving holiday has historically been special for my family. There are several generations of Thanksgiving holiday stories through my lineage. My biological maternal grandmother and Popsie, my mother and father, and my was-band (ex-husband) and I all had our wedding ceremonies on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Coincidences—not planned, but meaningful nonetheless!
When I close my eyes and think of the word “thanksgiving”, memories activate all of my senses:
My shoulders shudder as I feel the arms and hands of loved ones hugging me as we come together. With family, we can stand close, touch, lean, and hold one another without qualification. It feels warm and comfortable.
I hear the buzz of voices in conversation within my eardrums; the dance of communal conversation, the improvisational nature of dialogue between people who know each other deeply. I notice the silence, the tiny spaces between words, and the energy that fills them. The overlapping tones, the alternating solos. It’s magical, even when there’s competition for the lead. Those little clashes for the floor are also a beautiful and significant part of the flow.
In my mind’s eye, when I think of “thanksgiving”, I see a circle of loved ones. Whenever we gather (whether in a large or small group) we form a circle before eating, and hold hands. This energetic connection is more powerful than we were consciously aware of. We create a bond between us just before breaking bread. And while we stand in that circle, we take turns sharing gratitude. We pray together…aligned in shared intention.
And then there’s the smell of “thanksgiving”. I smell dressing, mac n’ cheese, candied yams, turkey, ham, sweet potato pie, my Great Aunt; Teetie’s pound cake…and lots of love.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the emotional/vibrational state of the cook, and how their energy is transferred into the food. The hands that prepare the food that nourishes our bodies may also influence our vibrational level. It would certainly explain why we believe we can literally taste the love in some dishes.
That love is what excites my taste buds to salivation when I contemplate on “thanksgiving”. I have favorites from different ancestors. Even with their recipes, I cannot duplicate the exact same nostalgic flavor…nor can anyone else for that matter.
Sitting with these memories, I see how the Thanksgiving holiday has always been a quiet ingredient in the recipe for Living Memory Gatherings™; an annual circle of reflection, storytelling, and shared intention. These sensory imprints remind me of the power of gathering with those we love, of creating moments that feed something deeper than the body. As I honor these memories, I’m reminded that every time we come together with gratitude, we contribute to the collective story and our collective memory.
