“Good morning Bear. I am happy to be with you. What would you care to share today?” I ask.
“Good day, sweet Jill. What a glorious day to meet in our cave. I want to convey an important point that good health is a state of mind. Whenever we permit a negative influence, thought or happening into our life, we may be in danger of repercussions. That’s why a positive state of mind matters. Affirmations for good health and blessings go a long way towards a healthy life. But thoughts can be tricky and sneak in unexpectedly in the mind’s constant chatter.”
I nodded.
“This is where meditation enters,” Bear continued. “It clears the mind of negative thoughts and helps to reset and focus the brain on what we choose to contemplate. Meditation cleanses the spirit and provides a higher perspective—even in brief moments. A visual image can help train the brain to enter the alpha state of relaxation. Breathing consciously in and out helps to give notice to downshift the pace. If this can take place throughout the day—several times for a few minutes—great changes can come about, both inside the body and brain.”
“Yes, I see. It’s hard to remember to stop and allow busy thoughts to evaporate. But I love that state of relaxation when I float along without worry or strife. I used to call it the ‘outhouse perspective’,” I said with a laugh. “While building our ski lodge in Killington, I’d sit and ponder with the outhouse door open, inspired by our lovely view of the mountains. It allowed me time to calm my teenage temper, soothe my raging hormones, and remember what matters. Thank you for reminding me of this formative experience!”
“Sometimes I, too, need time away from the pandemonium of my bear cave!”
“I was wondering what Thanksgiving means to you,” I asked.
“What a funny question to ask a bear. Thanksgiving is purely a human concept – we bears appreciate living every day — breathing in the crisp mountain air, listening to bird songs and crow alerts, seeing the brilliant blue sky of Vermont, or feeling the coziness and warmth of our den. We appreciate every berry we find, and every other source of nourishment. Keeping a bear fed is no easy feat but our Great Creator is very adept. It’s just up to our own ingenuity to enjoy the cornucopia provided (along with people’s garbage cans sometimes). For the animal kingdom and natural world we live in, we celebrate Thanksgiving every day of our life.”
“Amen to that! Thank you for your brilliant response. It makes our one day seem quite trifling.”
“Except it often brings people together,” Bear reminded. “Families and friends often gather then, and that has great value in peoples’ lives because the human race has become so isolated — individuals from one another, and the whole from reality. Much of what transpires in your world is so unnecessary. If people were more united with a common vision, so much could be accomplished and bad things avoided.”
“Yes. That’s for certain,” I agreed.
“If all people were on a peace vision quest, there would be less pain and suffering in the world. If people learned to share and care for one another, just imagine how different life would be for the multitudes. Peace, love and kindness are valuable practices that should be lived every day. By teaching and demonstrating these concepts and behaviors, they can become perpetual, ‘the norm.’ Thinking of others instead of one’s self is something little ones can learn at home. These lessons are invaluable for the future of Earth, humankind and the natural world. To live every day in gratitude, and reach out with a kind heart can begin to transform the present and future of our home—this place that we treasure. So, enjoy your Thanksgiving and every day after.”
Marguerite Jill Dye is a writer and artists who lives inVermont and Florida.
