Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from Thanksgiving at Prana, 2009.

The Last Thanksgiving
by John Morton

I attended the Thanksgiving dinner at Prana along with many others including J-R. The entertainment included several contributions from those present, some younger and let’s say some deeper, all in the way of a warm family gathering to share the love and appreciation for one another.

I became aware of what I call the “last thanksgiving.” I saw the last thanksgiving as a first Thanksgiving blessing in the Spirit before the incarnation of each Soul into the world. From that view, we could see how every experience in the psychic-material existence always contributes. It was like seeing the original cornucopia as an unlimited source of the harvest coming from the Divine. There was complete understanding that all works toward good, ever greater good, becoming complete good. The view was like seeing across a magnificent lush landscape full of natural diversity as though every living thing was in full bloom and beautifully vibrant. This is our true home.

The simple meaning of this view was to realize that even though the world would appear as lacking and disturbed, including our own reflection, in truth, an eternal living truth, we are always welcome in our original home. And just because we forget, no matter how long we forget, we can always remember our home whenever we choose. Part of the way to remember our home is to give thanks—even in the simple words “thank you,” which is a prayer that takes us home again. So every time we notice something good, our thanks become a prayer that takes us home again. The more we give thanks, the more we connect to the outpouring of greater good coming from our home and “God shedding His grace upon thee.”

I also realized that when others notice something good and share that with me, I often respond with, “Thank you,” which may sound as though I’m taking credit as the creator. God wants us to acknowledge ourselves as co-creators, and so we are encouraged to be thankful and acknowledge the grace present whenever we notice something is good. Once we give thanks for all, then we are in the first and last thanksgiving, the one that includes all and is everlasting.

Baruch Bashan.

And from some attendees…

“Joining hands around the reflection pool with beloved friends that are my family, golden Autumn sun pouring its light down upon us all, John giving a blessing with simple eloquence. A meal prepared with a loving consciousness, laughter and sharing stories of celebrations past, Prana’s beauty watching over us all. J-R’s heart within my own, I close my eyes and go within. The chatter fades and my loving is filled to overflowing with the Traveler’s presence and God’s sweet embrace. Thanksgiving blessings abound.
Alexandra DeFurio

Thanksgiving was F.U.N! F for fantastic food, U for hu, N for No cleaning after you! Everyone looked amazing, inside and out, the entertainment was so eclectic and electrifying with passion. I had the best time performing eight feet close to J-R and other performers were superb! Eric Lumiere accompanied by himself on the piano, Jsu singing his heart out, Rick Ojeda our host was funny and very pleasant to watch. I’d love to go back again next year!
Love, Tilly