How to Achieve Thanksgiving Zen

It's that special time of the year again, Thanksgiving, the day in which we look forward to seeing our families and feeling the enjoyment of what holiday will bring to us, mentally and spiritually. This holiday reminded me of my Zen practice. That is, appreciation, or be appreciative of the people that had given me so much in my life. Such as be appreciative of my parent, who had given me my life, caring, education, and love. And be appreciative of my brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends that had given me care and happiness throughout my life.

As I ponder on this thought, I remembered that very first Thanksgiving meal that I had in the States, that special stuffed turkey and mashed potatoes made me feel like I was home while I was thousands of miles away from my parents and relatives in this foreign land. I also appreciate the fact that I am fortunate to have a place to stay away from the wind and rain.

At night, I appreciate that I have a warm bed to sleep in. I also appreciate that I have a wonderful wife that will cook and prepare a delicious meal for me when I return late from work or school. There are so many things in my life that I feel appreciation for. Whenever I started Zen meditation, I would calm myself first, and in my heart feeling of appreciation just pours out like the discovery of a new fountain -- how lucky am I, to have all that I have today.

My Zen practice has also taught me that appreciation is only one side of the coin. The other side is repentance. When things in life are going well we shall appreciate. When things are not going the way we wanted, we shall repent. Why? There must be an inherent reason why sometimes things in life don't go our way or "my way." Maybe you didn't say the right thing at the right time, or maybe you unintentionally hurt someone from something that you said or did. Whatever the reason might be, we should repent, because repentance helps us to re-think from a more positive perspective, a perspective that will help us to be calm, and be realistic about the things that we say or do. Repentance gives us a calming and introspective mindset that will prevent us from blaming someone else, or finding excuses for everything that had gone wrong.

In this materialistic world that we live in, it's not hard for us to understand or comprehend that our mind is the source of all our miseries or happiness. I feel that we must use this gift -- mind or intention -- to create a positive outlook in life. So, at this very special time of year, try to truly appreciate from your heart when things are going well and repent when things are not going your way. This way, you will be more content in your life that you wish for.

Happy Thanksgiving.