“My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to.”
“He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant, total amazement.”
– Joe Versus The Volcano, Patricia — the billionaire’s daughter
My take is only slightly different: In my experience, all of us – one-hundred percent of us – spend the vast majority of our time on Earth asleep. Living in our self-constructed ruts, running on autopilot; sleepwalking through our lives, our relationships, our careers.
It is only when an event stops us … jars us out of our slumber … that we have a moment of vivid clarity. In those fleeting seconds, we are truly alive, fully sentient, totally self-aware. And for those few heartbeats, we are absolutely astonished by the reality of our existence.
For me at least, Thanksgiving has always been one of these moments. As long as I can remember, I’ve used this holiday to jar myself from my slumber; to marvel at the miracle of life and of consciousness. And as if the gift of existence alone isn’t enough, to allow myself to be amazed at the many other miracles that have made my life so rich and rewarding.
There are so many other reasons for me to give thanks this year: For my health and the health and safety of those I love. For the friendship and loyalty of my team. For my faith in God.
So, what are you thanksful for?
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