Every year, here in the U.S., this holiday of Thanksgiving comes up. On one hand, it’s a beautiful reminder of gratitude, a time to be with family, and a much-needed holiday.
On the other hand… it commemorates an extremely white-washed version of a historical event that really, at its core, is about meeting generosity with hatred and destruction, with colonization and genocide.
We do “celebrate” this time in that our offices are closed, our team has paid time off, and we take a long weekend to nourish, recover, connect with loved ones.
However, we also take time to remember and grieve the deadly history of this country.
I hate it that so much of what is good in this country is tainted by true evil. I hate it that it’s so rare that we can tell our kids, “Yes, this is good and whole-hearted and we can enjoy this.” And instead, there needs to be the truth-telling and facing the reality of what is.
Whatever you do, please be in balance. Let’s balance truth-telling with real gratitude. let’s balance generosity and celebration with grief and healthy tears, and grounded action.
If you are up for it, here are some resources:
Text your U.S. location, city and town, to: 855-917-5263, and you’ll receive a reply back of whose stolen land you’re occupying.
Indigenous People’s History of the United States, by Dr. Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz [link: https://bookshop.org/books/an-indigenous-peoples-history-of-the-united-states/9780807057834 ]
The Red Nation Podcast and other information [link: http://therednation.org ]
All My Relations Podcast [link: https://www.allmyrelationspodcast.com ]
The Landback Manifesto: [link: https://landback.org/manifesto/ ]
May you be nourished and supported profoundly. May we all contribute to each other’s goodness. May healing lift everyone up in surprising ways.
With love,
Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.
Gentle notice: The Heart of Money & Power is still enrolling. Bonus class for those who enroll by November 30. Pay from the heart pricing.
“I love the quality of the content and delivery that is so loving and nurturing.”
– Irina Sels, 2021 participant
