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November 21, 2010 by Terry Patten 187 Comments

Thanksgiving: All of Us Have Reasons to Be Grateful

Here in the USA, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. It’s a wonderful holiday, a day when almost everyone stops and takes some time to “count their blessings” — to stop and reflect on the many reasons they have to be grateful.

And in giving thanks, our hearts soften, and open. An essential sanity replaces what Rick Hanson called the “paranoid trance” of our public media culture. All of us have reasons to be grateful, many of which we usually take for granted.

Here’s something that can help you begin this day in the true spirit of the holiday — an inspiring 5-minute video by Brother David Steindl-Rast, “A Good Day”:

Watching this beautiful video, I hope you’ll stop to “take in the good” for a few breaths. As Deborah Rozman and Howard Martin of the Institute of HeartMath reminded us, heart emotions like appreciation make our psycho-physiology more coherent. It enlists the intelligence of the heart, in harmony with the intelligence of the head and the gut. In giving thanks, we relax the tendency to be judgmental and dissociated. Paradoxically, this means we see more clearly, not less.

And on that basis, we can actually find our “yes” and make our contributions to a world that needs our unique gifts.

Thank you also for being a part of this amazing community of spiritual consideration. As Beyond Awakening has unfolded, conversation after conversation, I’ve been growing and stretching and switching gears — what a ride! So many rich strands of truth have emerged!

And none of them can be subordinated to any of the others! It’s becoming obvious that the uniqueness of our time is that we have the challenge and opportunity to integrate them all into a new, richer, more integral whole. I’ll be blogging more about this in the days ahead.

Meanwhile, may the glow of Thanksgiving be upon you!

With sincere thanks,

Terry

PS – What are some of the many reasons YOU have to be grateful? Please leave your answers in the comments section below.

Filed Under: Terry Patten

Comments

  1. May says

    November 30, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    Thank you, so much for the beautiful video and the beautiful words

    Reply
  2. Miguelangelo de Cebu says

    November 30, 2010 at 3:58 am

    This is indeed a beautiful video reminding all of us to be grateful for today and everyday. Thank you,.
    The Green Bus Tour is committed to inspire a culture of CONSCIOUS LIVING through CREATIVE COLLABORATION
    and by developing a SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY lifestyle.

    Reply
  3. Tonya says

    November 29, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    This was indeed a beautiful sharing. Every day, I stand in the Spirit of Gratitude as I watch the Hawks soaring about, searching for food, diving to feast upon their meal. Every day, I take time to look up into the great beyond and at night to gaze upon the stars and planets, sometimes seeing a falling star and opening my hand to catch it.

    Every day, I give thanks for the blessing of love, joy, lessons and then some.

    Every day, every moment is a treasure unfolding before my eyes and I smile…deeply.

    Thank you for this gift of love. I appreciate it and YOU!

    Reply
  4. Carol Bertrand says

    November 29, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    I’m grateful for the wonderful ministry of gratitude that Brother David has given the world. And I am grateful for people like you, Terry, who help us hear this message. I’m also grateful that my husband of 52 years watched it with me, and we were reminded of how grateful we are for our long life together.
    Carol B

    Reply
  5. Yvonne says

    November 29, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    First, Thanks for sharing this wonderful , heart opening video…. and for all the posts,.. they have been a pleasure to read.

    Last night, I was watching CNN heroes award presentations, I am humbled and very grateful to these incredible people. I cannot express the depth of my gratitude.

    http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/index.html

    I am so fortunate that I live in a safe and just part of the world – ..that my child will not go hungry and will always have safe water to drink….and will NEVER be forced into the sex trade.

    For this and much more I am deeply grateful.

    And like those heroes….my wish is the same – we will see a safe and just world for everyone in our life time.

    Reply
  6. Mara says

    November 29, 2010 at 9:15 am

    Thank you so much for this beautiful video and the reminder to be grateful for each moment of this most amazing world. I know there is a lot of suffering but there is so much joy and light shining out from people like you Terry and all your team. My total thankfulness for all you are doing to open our hearts, minds and being to who we truly are, one consciousness!

    Reply
  7. Pamela says

    November 29, 2010 at 2:18 am

    I’m grateful to be apart of the Universe and BEING here at this time to see a true transformation of MAN into knowing the L.O.V.E. that we all truely are:)

    Reply
  8. Jonathan says

    November 28, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    I give thanks for this wonderful teleseries. Big cheers to Terry die giving his unique gift so beautifully to the world. My life has been deeply moved by this series.
    Namaste, Jonathan

    Reply
  9. bet365 says

    November 28, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    Good day!This was a really terrific Topics!
    I come from milan, I was luck to seek your theme in yahoo
    Also I learn much in your blog really thank your very much i will come later

    Reply
  10. Amy S. says

    November 27, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Thanks Terry, and all who are working together to bring us this sacred series.

    I am deeply touched by your generosity and the generosity of all your guests in bringing us such wisdom and loving guidance–so genuinely inspiring on all levels!

    I feel that listening to this series is catalyzing a deeper commitment in me to find ways to be a more active participant in “being the change. . .”

    The video is breath-taking!

    Namaste,
    Amy S.

    Reply
  11. Patricia Dennison says

    November 27, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    Thank you so much for this video. My heart is so open. I wish everyone could see it.

    Reply
  12. Cheryl says

    November 27, 2010 at 3:55 am

    Thank you, Terry, for sharing this beautiful and inspiring video!

    Namaste,
    Cheryl

    Reply
  13. Peggy Babcock says

    November 27, 2010 at 2:28 am

    To simply be alive on this planet in this human incarnation at this time in history is a privilege that brings the deepest, most profound joy I’ve ever experienced. Thank you, Terry, for connecting so many of us to so many wise teachers who share this time, this place, and this conviction.

    Reply
  14. Carole says

    November 27, 2010 at 2:23 am

    I give thanks for you Terry and Beyond Awakening for enriching and guiding us on the Way. Carole

    Reply
  15. Pierre says

    November 27, 2010 at 12:55 am

    I’m confident that absolutely everyone in a community which has affinities with the likes of what has been shared these past months by Terry and his guests is sensitive to all that we have and grateful for what we “are”. I am working in Port au Prince, Haiti, for an organization offering rehab services to people with physical disabilities (from the earthquake and all others). You hear of the horrors (natural and human) and misery…and life here for the great majority is wwway beyond what the average N-American/W-European/etc could imagine or tolerate…and yet, daily, I meet a people who beam by their kindheartedness, generosity, gentleness, friendliness, sense of humour…I am grateful to live and work here…and to be shown such love and caring. And, I am grateful to you Terry! Thankyou!! (I’m from Quebec, and have been a movin’ with integral for the past 5 yrs)

    Reply
  16. Herlwyn Lutz says

    November 26, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    Dear Terry,

    I find your and Ken Wilber’s interal philosophical and spiritual paradigm very natural for the way my mind works. I am most grateful for your work, your selection of leading speakers in this and related fields, and your thoughtful dialogue and questions to them.

    From my youth to the present the motto of, “all things work for the goodto those who love the Lord…,” has been a guide. Your work has provided evidence of this.

    Gratefully,
    Herlwyn Lutz

    Reply
  17. Dottie Lutz says

    November 26, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Thank you SO much for this beautiful video! Blessings to you…

    Dottie Lutz

    Reply
  18. sunshine smith says

    November 26, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Thank you for the reminder….the secret to a happy life.

    sunshine smith

    Reply
  19. arthur robidoux says

    November 26, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Beautiful,very appropriate after a day of thanksgiving.Sometimes I rush through the day instead of seeing and feeling .

    Reply
  20. David Williams says

    November 26, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    This Thanksgiveing Day I took the time to think about those people in my life that simply make me happyl

    I recognize them to be the glorious gardeners that have helped my soul blossom.

    Reply
  21. Sherri Brooks says

    November 26, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    I am thankful for my desire to continually be in alinement in Source.
    I am greatful for all the wonderful life situations that pop up and remind me that I am a part of and not a part from.(Video included) and thank you buy the way.
    My passion is walking in love,seeing in love and being in love with all.
    May the love in all of us flow easily and freely. Now go look in the mirror and see what I see in you:
    Beautiful, Sacred,Valued, Inner Beings in full expression.
    Light and Love,
    Sherri

    Reply
  22. Niki says

    November 26, 2010 at 9:26 am

    I am greatful for this amazing series. I am grateful for your skill at asking questions and your sensitivity to each speaker’s unique story and life work. I see how many loving, brilliant and articulate teachers there are on the planet right now and feel as if you could continue this series forever… and still there would be more to contemplate, inspire and take into our souls and minds and hearts.

    I am thankful for so much this thanksgiving day. Most of all i am grateful for this current human experience and all that that means today.
    The spiritual uprising we are living is beyond anything i could have imagined twenty years ago. I am excited, overwhelmed and grateful for every aspect of this joyful and confusing time.
love to you for this gift for our evolutionary growth and our vision of greatness.

    Reply
  23. Butterfly says

    November 26, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Wonder! I do, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all created the
    feeling we get on thanksgiving etc. within ourselves every-
    day ? Blessing and Joy! Thank you for all that you share.

    Reply
  24. Maggie L says

    November 26, 2010 at 7:57 am

    to everyone at Beyond Awakening !!!! Thanks for all that you do.. The world is waking up , I Am grateful to be seeing it happen. ;I AM grateful to have the way in which to be part of this community;;I see a future with more of this reaching out, touching , many people,,removing fear, and spreading LOVE !!!! and awakening Human potential.!!!!!! . thankyou, thankyou,,thankyou ML

    Reply
  25. Amba Ramamurthy says

    November 26, 2010 at 5:58 am

    Thank you Terry Patten and thanks indeed for sharing wonderful video with us .I wish you a very Happy thanksgiving day for you too.
    With lots of love,
    Amba Ramamurthy.

    Reply
  26. Joanne says

    November 26, 2010 at 4:40 am

    Thankful for such a site as this which lifts me up and centers my efforts to continue seeing, hearing, speaking, feeling, sensing the beauty of this wonderful Mother we live in and offering Her my heart felt thanks for all of her gifts. You are one of her magnificent gifts.

    Namaste; Joanne

    Reply
  27. Carol says

    November 25, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    Thank you very much for Beyond Awakening.
    as
    ever
    Carol

    Reply
  28. leslie says

    November 25, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    I’m grateful that I am a Child of God and have been saved out of darkness by grace through faith in Lord Jesus .

    Reply
  29. TOM RAWLINS says

    November 25, 2010 at 11:30 pm

    Terry you are a wonder!

    My heart is full of gratitude to you for this series of talks and your comments.
    Your interview style is restful and incitefull.

    Thank you,

    Tom

    Reply
  30. Mari says

    November 25, 2010 at 10:42 pm

    Grateful to be alive at this extraordinary time….our counrty(Ireland) is bankrupt. The cracks of possibility appearing amid the collapse of calcified structures. We’re waking up!

    Reply
    • Yvonne says

      November 26, 2010 at 3:00 pm

      Gotta love the Irish….

      Reply
  31. victor says

    November 25, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Thank you very much for that great inspirational video… I am always thankful for family (my daughter, son-in-law and grandaughter Ella Bella); my brother, and sister… For all the friends; that support what I do as a teacher, and a human being. My students for accepting the daily challenges that are put in front of them, and their willingness to work through them. My spiritual journey that takes to so many different places and levels…
    I am blessed …..

    Reply
  32. Ann says

    November 25, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    I was a bit grumpy today.
    Thanks for the reminder to open my heart.

    Reply
    • Yvonne says

      November 26, 2010 at 3:06 pm

      Thanks for your post.

      Reply
  33. Tara says

    November 25, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    Thank you Terry for your contribution and for bringing us all these wonderful tools and videos. It’s wonderful to feel heaven on earth, to learn from all these wonderful souls sharing their insights and showing us how we too can make it.

    Have a wonderful thanksgiving day.
    Blessings

    Reply
  34. Jane says

    November 25, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    I am grateful to be grateful, to feel grateful, to anticipate gratefulness. I am grateful for the love in my heart that is received by my daughters, friends and family. And, to this sharing and being in gratefulness here, with a community of strangers who express and reach out for the knowing of this appreciation.

    Reply
  35. Anatole Branch says

    November 25, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    A Beautiful reminder, thank you Brother David Steindl-Rast, I am grateful for your video and a wonderful Interview with Terry.

    Your message has reminded and taught me that the blessing of my life is primary and that from here I can face everything.

    Thanks you Terry for these wonderful interviews and dialogues.

    Reply
  36. Jean Mitton says

    November 25, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    I AM so grateful to be part of this amazing series… me in the Southern tip of Africa… listening to you A..MA…ZING people so many miles away.. You have changed my life and I AM so grateful… I AM so grateful for LIFE it self…. Jean

    Reply
    • Douglas says

      November 25, 2010 at 11:15 pm

      Jean,

      With tears in my eyes I bless you for touching my heart so grace-fully all the way from the Southern tip of Africa. Your earthly situation tipped me over the edge of the fullness of gratitude that was building in me as I read all these not usual in the ordinary line of conversation expressions of gratitude. I wept out loud and lightened up more than just a little. I join you in celebrating your A..MA…ZING AM-ing.

      Reply
  37. K of K&D in Ashland says

    November 25, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    I am grateful for having my heart touched, reminding me that the gift of life is truly a gift, and that I DO have eyes to see, the gift of touch, smell, and so much more. Nicely done… and thanks!

    Reply
  38. james milne says

    November 25, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    thanks for the film clip,i am nice and chilled out now!!

    Reply
  39. Gretchen Dreisbach says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Ahhhh, I am just so very grateful that I always remember how
    to be grateful! Where the glorious runs deep through every
    cell of consciousness incarnate of the Divine!
    I am so grateful that my two precious children chose me
    to be their mother and allowed me to experince the force
    that motherly love is!
    I am so grateful that I could continue nurturing my gift as a
    visual artist in this life, (and that the information always comes)..
    I am so grateful for my tree friends and birdie friends and
    for all of the creatures that know what joy is!
    I am so grateful for my over 20 year love affair with the
    Mississippi River!
    I am so grateful for my physical vessel that is accompanying
    me on this Earthly journey!
    I am so grateful for this global awakened community that is
    willing to do the work involved in getting humanity through
    the birth canal as it is being rebirthed! (I love you all!!)
    I am so grateful for my years of suffering and abuse and
    subsequent healing that purified my soul a little bit more,
    allowing me the chance to give back with my love,
    my work, and my knowledge!
    I am so grateful for all of the Spirits, Ancestors, Angels,
    and also for the Lights from the future, who are all cheering
    us on and refuse to dismiss us!
    I am so grateful for the Sun that is shining on the fresh fallen snow here in St. Paul, MN. USA and for the Moon that
    regenerizes us all at night!
    It WILL be all right!
    All praises due!
    We are all quite worthy of our own gratitude indeed!

    Reply
  40. Lori says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    Wow. So many people from all over world replying with their gratitude. How beautiful. I am now writing from Kiev, Ukraine, where I am listening to the recordings. Thank you Terry for providing this wonderful film and these weekly opportunities to raise our vibration and stay connected to what’s really important in living our lives. The gratitude expressed by all of us is shear beauty, titillating, life affirming beauty… (we don’t really need much do we? it’s all here for us, if we would just see)

    Reply
  41. david fields says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    I am grateful for my ever loving and supportive family, and for my Guru’s Grace, Jai Ammachi!

    Reply
  42. Diana Powell says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    Thank you, Terry, for creating this wonderful series, and for posting Br Steindl Rast’s message! I went to gratefulness.org and lit a candle for my wonderful partner, Blake.
    We are both so inspired by your work, and very much enjoyed your teaching at the Urban retreat in Sausalito. I hope you and your family are well.
    Happy thanksgiving!
    thankfully
    Diana

    Reply
  43. Yvonne says

    November 25, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    Right now, I am grateful I have not received a phone call from my doctor saying I have cancer…. I am hopeful that when I finally do get the news, it will be positive.

    All these resposes are very generous and open hearted – it would be nice to see more from the ‘leaders’ – thought leaders and other key people in the integral community share their messages.
    Any GTC people out there?

    Reply
  44. Geetha says

    November 25, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    Dear Terry,

    We are grateful to you and the team for a wonderful journey

    in the spiritual path. Thank you once again. God be with all of us.

    Have a great holiday and Happy Christmas.

    Reply
  45. Virginia says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Each morning I wake with a Thank You in my head.

    I have been through a lot of sh#@ in my life but I say Thank You to the universe anyway.

    As soon as I come into consciousness and realize I am not having a conversation with my third grade teacher in a flying bird bath; as soon as I remember where and who I really am, I say “Thank you.”

    I can hear the neighbor hacking his familiar cough. Holy Kow. I can hear! Thanks for that.

    The world is still here. The powers that be haven’t blown us up yet. Thanks for that.

    My 80 year old neighbor is exercising in the buff again. My eyes still work. (so do my blinds) Thanks for that.

    The sun hasn’t gone super nova yet. Thanks for that.

    I can sit up by myself, move my limbs and my bed is dry. Thanks for that.

    I can even take a deep breath without assistance. Thanks for that.

    No big bunches of hair on the pillow. My skin still has a sense of touch. I can recognize my surroundings and remember my name. Thanks for that.

    I am living in my own house. I have my own key. No evil boyfriends toxic parents or nosy landlords to make my life Hell. Thanks for that.

    In fact, I am safe and away from all of my tormentors: My parents, teachers, employers, church leaders and all other bullies. I am safe. Thanks a lot for that.

    I know there are many things I don’t have. I know that one day most of these things I do have will change if I live long enough. But each day that I do live I say, Thanks for that.

    Reply
  46. Barbara Amrita says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    Dear Terry,
    I am soooo grateful to you, and to all who make this series happen! It is wonderful, to have all these kindred spirits to connect with and listen to, and to to feel there is a global community out there, and a spirit community too! Wow, one planet and one incredible planetary family is becoming more and more of a reality! Blessings from Austria!

    Reply
  47. Jean says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Thank you, Terry, for this very special video and for the responses of others. I am grateful for the wonderful community in which I live and contribute to in leadership. I am grateful I can sing and guide others in interfaith programs as well as in our chorus. I am grateful for my family and their love. I am grateful for good health and energy and for my precious dog who helps me walk daily among the wonders of nature. I am grateful to be on Planet Earth in an incredible solar system and the wonder of being conscious of this reality.

    Reply
  48. moonfire says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    Oh my goodness, where to begin? i am grateful that i have so many blessings in this life that to list them feels nearly overwhelming. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU thank You, Divine Essence, thank You a novemdecilium times over and more- right into infinty..
    Thank you Terry and all the participants, yes, and you loving beings who are reading this right now. I thank you all for your contributions that make this world a kinder world.

    Reply
  49. Susan Ebel says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Terry, thank you for this beautiful and serene film. This is my first experience with beyond awakening and I look forward to much more! These Truths touch me on so many levels and are a wonderful reminder that we All Are One!

    Reply
  50. myriam says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Hi Terry,
    I have the whole universe to be thankful to, but I practise what you call “Thanksgiving” every single day of my life because I’m simply grateful for being, for the abundance all around us for everything Brother David mentions in his video.

    I’m aware of life around me, the spirits, the beauty in people, I’m grateful for the positive but also for the negative, that is what enables us to learn…fast.

    So to me this day is another beautiful day: I stand still and admire, wonder and live the abundance and say YES with profound gratitude, peace, love, compassion and understanding.

    The great Cretan author of Zorba the Greek, Kazantsakis said: “Live today as if it were your last day” and that is exactly what I do. He also said: “I don’t want anything, I don’t hope for anything, I don’t expect anything, I am free”. It is a wonderfully wise saying, better still when one chooses to live by it.

    All the best Terry, happy Thanksgiving and thank you for bringing us this abundant wisdom.

    Reply
  51. Livia says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    Thank you, Terry, and thanks to all the people who enrich this community with their voice and participation. Thanks for the love which “passes” together with words. Thank you for the silent prayers I feel from each of you. Thanks to all of us for striving for a better world… and also for accepting it exactly as it is!
    Love & Gratitude to all of you!
    PS. In Italy we don’t have a Thanksgiving day: I wish we could “adopt” it as we did with Halloween!

    Reply
  52. Begoña says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    I’m grateful for the net that makes possible receiving your news here in Spain and feeling ‘linked’ to so many people around the world,and for my small love circle vibrating into wider and wider circles, thanksgiving for this grateful vibration.

    Reply
  53. Elizabeth Oakes says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:34 pm

    Grateful to be able to connect with like-minded souls!

    Reply
  54. Mary says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful meditation Terry. What a prefect way to start today! The Cosmos is grateful for YOU and all you do to facilitate our great momrnt of transformation. I am too.

    Blessings be!

    Mary

    Reply
  55. John N. Inglis says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Thanks Terry for the wonderful messages of inspiration and insight that you and your guests are bringing forward into the here and now. These talks are heartfelt and true, and contribute beautifully to the blossoming of the integral approach in this the 21st century.

    From an earth passenger in his 79th orbit around our bright star who just happens to live in Toronto, Canada

    Reply
  56. Phil says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    Dear Terry and Team,

    I thank you for for creating such a rich offering that I don’t have to choose Andrew Cohen to be at the cutting edge.

    I thank you for such a generous act that I am moved to participate fully in a way that would make it much more of a sacrifice not to!

    I thank you for trusting us to discern for ourselves. Letting everybody tell us everything.

    I thank you for every last Moment of this series.

    I am thankful for the miracle of human birth.

    For my great Siddhis like being able to call my brothers in England on the phone. Or having hands to type these words. Or existing already even when I don’t want to!

    Thank you all for the magic of not having or needing a magic wand!

    Reply
    • kevin marshall says

      November 25, 2010 at 8:26 pm

      >…I am thankful for the miracle of human birth.

      excellent summary! this comment has all of what i meant to write!

      Reply
  57. Ann says

    November 25, 2010 at 11:29 am

    Well said and put together.
    Gratitude is one thing that is missing in many peoples lives, so it is a wonderful idea- thanksgiving. I love the origin andeaning and the celebrations that take place are warm, loving and festive. Truly a meaningful celebration. 🙂

    Reply
  58. R.K.Gour says

    November 25, 2010 at 11:20 am

    This life given to us, every movement we breath is a blessing to us.
    Blessing coming to us proving to be a great human being,providing smile on the face of every body you meet.
    Good my sincere thanks for this blissful sharing

    Reply
  59. Carolyn Lockwood-Pitkin says

    November 25, 2010 at 11:12 am

    As an elder, in looking back over the years, I am grateful for libraries and bookstores– for the knowledge, the inspiration, the revelations and, above all, for the companionship of books. I am grateful for music, for poetry, for all forms of artistic expression. I am grateful for the gifts we humans have of contemplation and wonder, for joy and laughter, as well as sadness and tears.
    And now, in these times, I am grateful to have lived long enough to step out of silence into this virtual community which Terry is creating for us in his compassion, where we speak openly to one another from our hearts and minds, from our souls.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Oakes says

      November 25, 2010 at 1:35 pm

      Carolyn, Yes, for libraries and bookstores — and for the bookmobile which came around to my small (about 100 people) town in the rural upper south (I’m an elder too).

      Reply
  60. Billy Meyer says

    November 25, 2010 at 10:50 am

    Thanky you, Terry and Team! You are enriching my day!

    Reply
  61. Kathryn Cliatt says

    November 25, 2010 at 10:24 am

    Thank you for a beautiful Thanksgiving message. Our community of four Adrian Dominican Sisters here in Meru, Kenya are grateful for so many things. Brother David is one of them and your website and lecture series is another.

    S. Kathryn

    Reply
  62. neena says

    November 25, 2010 at 10:15 am

    In Gratitude for Being a part of the Beautiful Life process , Evolving , Creating , Expressing n Celebrating ! With Joy n Love !

    Reply
  63. Jo Trevelyan says

    November 25, 2010 at 10:15 am

    Although I don’t live in a country that celebrates thanksgiving, I feel grateful for the life I am living now and the unfolding of this new way of being. Thank you Terry and all the other presenters.

    Reply
  64. Joany says

    November 25, 2010 at 10:09 am

    I thought the video on gratefulness was beautiful and gave me a clear message. I have been so busy “evolving” and moving foreward that I forgot the ‘power of now’!! Thank you, Terry , and Happy Thanksgiving. Joany Lawrence

    Reply
  65. Mary Jean says

    November 25, 2010 at 9:50 am

    What a beautiful video! I will play it many times to remind me to deeply appreciate all that surrounds me. What a treat for the senses. I could immediately feel my heart, mind, and body move toward coherence and harmony. I am so thankful for people like you and associates who give such powerful gifts to the world. Blessings on all. My challenge is to really feel thankful for all people even the noisy ones as they navigate their path. The quiet center is always there in each of us waiting to be discovered and re-discovered, waiting to join hands and grow.

    Reply
  66. sandhya says

    November 25, 2010 at 9:43 am

    Grateful to give gratitude!

    Reply
  67. Serge says

    November 25, 2010 at 8:53 am

    What a wonderful video. Thank you for this website, and the others that are listed here. It really opens my mind further each day. I am most grateful for my girlfriend. She really is my soulmate. May all of us be blessed.

    Reply
  68. kavya says

    November 25, 2010 at 8:52 am

    wonderful film! thank you so much!
    i am truly grateful for this lovelight in my heart that is dedicated to no-one special. and for our wonderful planet we live on!

    Reply
  69. ray woodward says

    November 25, 2010 at 8:33 am

    grateful for every cell in the universe that we are all connected to.

    Reply
  70. Sudheindra says

    November 25, 2010 at 7:29 am

    Hi,
    I am 64 years of age and I realize that I have hardly paused to be honestly grateful to all that I have received so far in my life. The video is a gentle reminder that it is never too late to submit myself to the glory and magnificence that the LIFE is and retain that state of being for the rest of my life. Thank you Terry for all that wonderful work that you are engaged in. My eyes fills with tears for, I cannot possibly thank for all the gifts that I have received and the only thing that I can do is to start LIVING in right earnest and with an immense sense of gratitude.

    Reply
  71. Morris says

    November 25, 2010 at 7:24 am

    Grateful and beyond words for the joy of watching nature
    unfold its mysteries.

    Reply
  72. Mascha says

    November 25, 2010 at 6:40 am

    I am very grateful for this beautiful film and for my beautiful daughters Mascha

    Reply
  73. Paola B says

    November 25, 2010 at 6:15 am

    I am grateful for Life, for the health I and my family are blessed with, for the blessing that represent my children, for the unconditional help and love of my mother and brother, for having a beautiful home that provide us peace, work and security, for the persons that work with me and who assist me in so many ways, for the material blessings I receive which translate in food, shelter, medical assistance, spare time and diversions for me and my family; for the opportunity to work and be of service to others well being, for the protection I receive daily that keep me and my family safe among difficult security issues in my country, for all my friends, my lovers, my teachers, my spiritual masters; for all the people that inspire me and nourish my heart and soul, for the challenges that help me grow, for being introduced into astrology, for my loyal friends and lovers YOGA and MEDITATION which I honor and to which I am most devoted, for my perseverance, endurance and transformation, for our dearest Mother Earth who astonishes us daily with her beauty and power, for Love, for Peace, for Wisdom, for Justice, for Light, for Consciousness, for Unity, for the Breath that reminds me that I am alive and connected to the breath of Gaia and all as One.
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    Paola 🙂

    Reply
  74. Zoe Robinson says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:54 am

    I am grateful for this ‘reminder’ on Thanksgiving Day whilst I sit here in my kitchen in Ancient Olympia in Greece as Apollo rises behind the Hill of Cronus to greet the day. America, thank you for all you gave me during my 35 years living there…and that you still continue to give including great memories of Thanksgiving Day festivities spent with dear friends.

    Reply
  75. krishana.G.Jain says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:41 am

    Dear Sirs, It has been a great pleasure and prilivlege to be associated with you and hear the spiritual talks delivered by the panorama of various saints. It is a real bliss and I have reasons to be full of gratitude.

    Reply
  76. tanya conway lambert says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:34 am

    I am grateful that my third eye completely opened on 11-20-2010 @11:00pm, cst. I am grateful that I know I am an Indigo Child from this lifetime. I am blessed to have the power of healing.

    Reply
  77. Judy says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:25 am

    I am grateful for all the little things that we normally take for granted.
    A safe and nice place to live, loving friends, hot water, heat, a free
    country where I can express myself, food that is readily available.
    Most important, I am grateful for my good health and 72 and my
    active mind.

    Reply
  78. Ed says

    November 25, 2010 at 5:00 am

    Thank you!

    I’d like to offer to read one of my favourite part of the Bible. (Philippians 4,6-7)

    “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
    And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”

    Greetings: Ed

    Reply
  79. joanna says

    November 25, 2010 at 4:18 am

    i am grateful and blessed to have the great tools to recieve emails from wonderful people like terry /thank you so very much for the movie-i am truly blessed to have wonderful healthy childern and grandchildern/i am grateful to have many mentors to help me along my journey of life/happy thanksgiving to our neighbours to the south (from calgary alberta canada)may the angels watch over us all and keep us safe

    Reply
  80. Jan Salerno says

    November 25, 2010 at 4:14 am

    I am so grateful for each and everyone of us…our quickening to become all of who we came in to be..all of who we truly are together..manifesting evolutionary leader and leadership..the pathways created by our peers and for spirit who answers our deepest longings…I am grateful to Love.

    Reply
  81. charles dudas says

    November 25, 2010 at 4:06 am

    Thank you Terry for the vision and the love that fosters every session of your teleseminar Beyond Awakenng. Also, for Brother Steindl-Rast’s uplifiting video. Reminds me of one of Adi Da’s sayings: ” The wonder is not that we shall meet in another world, … the wonder is that we heart-felt met here. ”
    To find these wonderful teachers and luminaries on a weekly basis and offer their insights and love to the world is one thing, and a huge one at that ; to attempt to integrate them, is a vision of the highest level; to act daily as if this change was already the case, is probably the mahaprajna-paramita. No doubt, you are guided by all three — may you be blessed and blessed many times again for rolling up your sleeves and, opening your heart wide and bleeding towards us all. charles from ottawa

    Reply
  82. Paula says

    November 25, 2010 at 4:02 am

    I am thankful for the sun and rain that feeds the beauty of our precious earth….i am thankful for the colors of nature that paint lasting pictures in my mind..i am thankful that i may take a walk with nature and almost feel the trees breathe…i am thankful for the smile of a child, the laughter of a clown,and even a teardrop to my cheek….for they are but a few of the emotions that connect us to each other…i am thankful for having heard the words of Rick Hansen….and know all the beauty my eyes open to me deserve time so that I may preserve them in my memories for always….I am thankful for those I love and who love me and try and step back a few steps, each day in my life and hope that I can always say ‘this is a good picture that I have painted’….then I know my time, and deeds will not have been in vein. I am thankful for the space I occupy on this beautiful planet and strive to give back all that I might.

    Reply
  83. Rama Narayanan says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:48 am

    I can only imagine how much you have grown in the process of this enquiry. Thank you for making this possible for all of us. It is a beautiful.

    Reply
  84. Niina Cord says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:41 am

    Right now, in the mids of a flu – I am grateful that my body is in alignment with the needs of my dog who couldn’t have spent this week alone at home for 9 hours a day while my works-at-home husbands in america celebrating Thanksgiving.
    I wondered for a while why am I sick, but then realised my dog needed me here.

    I am gratefull of the small things my body and mind do together to create a whole life.

    Love, Light and JOY!
    Niina

    Reply
  85. Karthyeni Purushothaman says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:39 am

    Terry,

    Strangers we are across time and space and yet strangers we are not in this space where eternal truth connects and unites one and all. Thank you for creating this space for seekers to find turth, to connect to wisdom of the ages from every tradition, from every unreachable, unknowable great being gifted to humanity…to teach and spread the one message that truly matters. Truth in any language, any form, any tradition is the same. In this space it is celebrated and so may this sacred space you’ve created, be a blessed space – a testimony and tribute to Our Creator. The mastery of the Creator is ever humbling, ever loving and ever present and so thank you for the timely reminders for us all to simply tune in. Happy Thanksgiving Terry and thank you for your mastery at creating a Blog that awakens many hearts near, far and beyond.

    Reply
  86. Donna Fell says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:34 am

    What a beautiful gift of the essence of life…Thank you Terry for the precious video that so clearly shared the wisdom of Gratitude with simplicity and grace. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving….I am grateful for you and the gift you are creating for humanity….Much love,
    Donna Fell

    Reply
  87. Candace says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:24 am

    For all that has been, Thanks; for all that is coming, Yes. (Bonhoffer prayer)

    For all my life I am grateful, most specially for my relationships: Divine Source Energy and the friends with whom I share life and love, who sustain me, teach me, enjoy with me. For my children and grandchildren.

    Reply
  88. Dawn says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:18 am

    I am thankful for the awareness that everything in this life is an opportunity to evolve spiritually. That all events (perceived by us as both “bad” and “good”) are a call to look deeper at oneself and the world surrounding oneself. To have the understanding that everything serves and that there is no division between what we see as struggle and what is ease. That both of these life elements exist to allow us to continue to discover and rediscover our divine nature.

    Reply
  89. scott says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:13 am

    Where I come from we make a distinction between being grateful and being thankful. Grattitude is an action word. I’m thankful for my job and I express my gratitude by showing up early, staying late or working through my breaks if need be. I don’t do that to impress anybody, I do it to remind myself how grateful I am. When I get tired I still think bitchy thoughts but then remember…..”Oh Yeah! I’m Grateful!!”

    Reply
  90. Michael Sojka says

    November 25, 2010 at 3:00 am

    Terry has initiated a wonderful discussion that makes it easy for us to recognize all the aspects of life to be grateful for in this moment. I am grateful for what has been revealed to me so far and grateful for the mystery unfolding. Thank you for the love I feel this moment coming from every corner of existence.

    Happy Thanksgiving

    Reply
  91. Kim says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:48 am

    Having my first Thanksgiving in Australia, I am fully whelmed with gratitude for my puppy, Questo, who was lost about a year ago shortly before we migrated here. Rather than miss him, and wonder whether he is dead or alive, I am choosing GRATITUDE for the softness of his fur, the year we had together as a family, the way he taught me devotion by hugging me while I sat at the computer, and infinite love with a fellow sentient being. With this awareness of gratitude, I experience the blessing as Brother David described.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  92. Wendy MacKay says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:46 am

    Thanks Terry, Yes we take so much for granted every moment of every minute, hour, day, week, month, year of our lives.
    I am very grateful for sharing inspiration with like minded friends like yourself and appreciating each moment for the beauty within it.

    Reply
  93. Sue Ostapowich says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:35 am

    Hi, I found this video very centering and truly inspiring. I’m most grateful for the presence of Spirit in my life and for this movement which is happening around the globe.
    Love & Peace,
    Sue

    Reply
  94. Lauren michele McGarry says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:04 am

    That I have drinkable water and that I have some fairly healthy soil to grow food. So Many things but especially the dharma and Heartmath for teaching me how to open.my heart

    Reply
  95. Neelesh says

    November 25, 2010 at 2:01 am

    Grateful for the ‘difficulties’ encountered everyday, realizing only later how they were well- designed instruments of deeper self enquiry.

    Grateful for the emergent mystery of everything, such that no single ‘conclusion’ of the mind can be a stable one, and hence the subtle pointer to go beyond the mind.

    Grateful for being looked after, almost miraculously, when it really mattered/ matters.

    Reply
  96. Hunter Dickson says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:50 am

    After listening to the Beyond Awakening interviews I continue to be inspired to develop myself and light up my path to continue discovering my truth.

    May we live generously and give thanks to everything that comes my way.

    What a life!

    Reply
  97. kali daniel says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:39 am

    Deeply Grateful Terry for sharing this beautiful video,
    tears of recognition of just how blessed I am and for so much love and beauty in my life right now and also grateful for the recent challenges..which awoke me to the truth that propelled me into the current flow.

    Kali

    Reply
  98. Stephanie says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:37 am

    I can’t think of a more beautiful way to wake up to the beauty that constantly surrounds us. A beauty that we must open our eyes and our hearts to see. It brings such peace to appreciate all that is around to nourish us in every moment. This is why we are here…to notice and rejoice in each manifestation of Spirit.

    Reply
  99. Marge Moench says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:37 am

    Oh what a reminder – Br. David, the Gratefulness master ~ THANK YOU !

    Reply
  100. Pashan Bassett says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:19 am

    Terry and all
    Gratefulness is the easiest way to become realigned with who we really are.Every One can find one or many reasons to be grateful. It feels so good to be grateful. And it raises your vibration! So if the square root of 1%of us did this on a daily basis we could be shifting into our next planetary evolution and WE would know the Golden Age that we are heading towards. This is truly a blessed time to partake and live here and now. Thank you Terry for your great guests and your heartfelt and intelligent questions. With all my appreciations Pashan

    Reply
  101. Mary Pendergast says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:12 am

    Thank you, I posted on the Sisters of mercy Northeast Community FB site to spread the grateful vibe!

    Reply
  102. Ron Laswell says

    November 25, 2010 at 1:06 am

    It was a very wonderful video, but it is my hope that people can also learn to see the beauty just in our everyday routines. Do we just ‘go to work’, or do we take time to notice all the little details in our daily lives? I have found it is not necessary to totally stop what I am doing, just to breathe more. Everything else also comes more into focus. Too often we think the days of discovery and being a pioneer are over. But look around. With the current condition of the world, each one of us a new pioneer birthing a new level of consciousness that is needed to continue not only our survival, but the survival of all living things on Planet Earth. It is our individual abilities to expand our consciousness for which I am grateful.

    Reply
  103. Alison Elliot says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:57 am

    Thank you so very, very much Terry. This was a beautiful entrry, ever so sublime. I have received so much value, inspiration, peace of heart/mind from the weekly webinars. I feel “connected” in a way that I did not before this series began.

    I could go on for much longer in extolling your virtues, the virtues of all the presenters etc – I hope it will sufice to say Gracias, Merci, Danka, Ta, Thank you in every language for answering the call to action, being of service and lighting up our world.

    Reply
  104. Mary Simmons says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:56 am

    Thank you for all of the wisdom.

    Reply
  105. Susan Heitzman says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:54 am

    Gratitude for grief… This can only be an intention. One wants this pain of loss to be transformed. And so these feelings must be acknowledged, accepted and released. It may be the most precious gift I can give myself, to be thankful of the love received and the willingness to offer to love again, and feel the pain again, and to consciously cherish a being fully while they are present to us.

    Reply
    • Terry Patten says

      November 25, 2010 at 1:20 am

      Thank you so much for sharing your heart with this brave post, Susan. Softening around and opening up to allow our grief can sometimes feel somewhat like (at least partially) forgiving ourselves, forgiving Life, or even forgiving God. And it can be hard, because it often seems like it requires a letting go of the Beloved, of Thou, of That of Which we should never let go. Even a little softening, though, begins to include the hurting heart in a field of trust, even including the utter untrustworthiness of life and death and its seemingly cruel, but ultimately glorious lessons. Something about it all really is worth appreciating, always. And if that appreciation can be held with tenderness, curiosity and respect, the heart eventually plumps up. Never the same as before, never a heart that has not known loss, but a whole heart, nonetheless. I wish all of this for you, Susan!

      Reply
  106. Donna Harcos says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:50 am

    Hi Terry: Happy Thanksgiving. I too am in Canada and celebrated last month with family and friends. I’m so grateful for a happy healthy family and for this wonderful being that is housing my soul.
    I am grateful for each days experience and the bounty that abounds around me. And too, I am grateful for the internet and what it has opened up for me in my life giving me access to much spiritual knowledge as well as access to a myrad of alternative avenues to explore.
    Peace and Many Blessings
    Donna

    Reply
  107. Antonio Ruiz. says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:49 am

    Thank you for taking me to the blissful present. God bless you.

    Reply
  108. Irma Gendreau says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:35 am

    Thank you, Terry, I am grateful to you and all your colleagues for spreading the Divine Light within you into our world. How blessed we are!

    Reply
  109. Dianne Aaronson says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:32 am

    Hi Terry,

    Thank you so much for the wonderful words, as well as making all of these compelling and necessary conversations available, gratis. Upon awakening this morning, I began to think about all of the people in my life that I am grateful for. I took a spiritual journey a couple years ago from Los Angeles to Connecticut, and many people helped me along the way there, during my two years back East, and then during my recent re-entry into LA life. I started to make a list for just this three year period, and kept remembering more and more people. It was, and is, overwhelming. So often we think we’re alone in this life, but it couldn’t be further from the truth! I am truly blessed, and loved.

    Reply
  110. Valerie Bennetto says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:25 am

    Dear Terry, I have listened to many of your interviews with great enjoyment and gratefulness that you and your team bring to the world. I love Br David and his messages and many others, all give something unique. I am fascinated by Ken Wilber having read The Atman Project, and Up From Eden in the ’70s. Have to admit I am a bit daunted by all the categories, levels etc of AQAL, A huge intellect! We don’t have Thanksgiving Day here, but I feel grateful every day as expressed by Br David.
    I live in Melbourne, Australia – do you have anyone on your list from Victoria. Thank you for your generous heart and spirit.
    My love to you, from Valerie

    Reply
  111. gary says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:14 am

    I am grtefull for all the teachers that have come my way. All we have is the now. The presont ever lasting now. Win I let go of all atachments I come from the best place to be of help. Love and joy flow from that place.

    Reply
  112. Jim Royster says

    November 25, 2010 at 12:03 am

    The Beyond Awakening Series is supremely beneficial and inspiring–for this I’m deeply grateful. Every day, every moment is sheer gift and grace. Perhaps with age comes increasing gratitude for all aspects of the unfolding day; I certainly feel it more fully with each new day. Though Thanksgiving is not celebrated nationally here in Australia, my family will be together enjoying and appreciating each other and the fullness of life.

    Reply
  113. Ann Gilmore says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    Hi Terry,
    I am grateful for all my relations!
    Thanks for all you do to awaken us and keep us moving!
    Ann Gilmore

    Reply
  114. robert haile says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    What a beautiful reminder of mindfulness. Thank you.

    Reply
  115. Ellen Wood says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:56 pm

    Ah, I am thankful for people like you who provide teleseminars that remind me to be a human being instead of a human doing – and one of these days, I’ll really GET it – though it’s easier each day! …for my fabulous, eclectic family, including Slovak, Jews, New Age, Japanese, French, Protestant, Gay, Italian, Irish, Hispanic, English, Catholic, Black and Down Syndrome (among others.) …for the mountains outside my windows that I’m in love with…

    Reply
  116. Stella says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    Am grateful for the beauty of Breath, for feeling my heart expanding every day, for each time I put my hands into the Earth to plant something, for the beautiful soft kitten that I find sitting in the crook of my neck most mornings, purring, for my beautiful amazing husband, for loving my work with a passion, for all the freedom I enjoy … and for seeing so many wonderful people around me and you Terry, showering us with these gifts all the time .. 🙂 THANKYOU

    Reply
  117. Lezlie Ely says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    Giving thanks to you for the beautiful video, and all the work you do – the so important messages you send…
    Love & Light ~ Lezlie

    Reply
  118. Ernest says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    I am grateful to be alive in this critical juncture
    in human history. True, things can go very badly.
    But there are a lot of undercurrents containing threads
    of hope under the banner of “sustainability”. It’s an opportunity to rethink everything
    from the ground up. Basic questions such as how
    we live, eat, consume, find our livelihood,
    how we do our economics, what is truly valuable,
    a new definition for quality of life comes to the fore
    in light of the pressing needs of 9 billion people
    expected to be on the planet,
    resource and environmental constraints.
    We get to design our future from the ground up.
    Truly an exciting time.

    Reply
  119. Al Farthing says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    Terry and All —
    I regard “the tool of gratitude” as the most important one in the whole big “kit” that we humans can access —
    Thanks!

    Reply
  120. Pamela says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:48 pm

    Thankyou Terry. I always look forward to you mail.
    Thanks to all!

    Pamela

    Reply
  121. Shekinah Shephard says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    Thanks Terry for your wonderful message and beautiful wishes. I am very grateful for you and your teachings and for having you in my life.

    Happy Thanksgiving,

    Love,

    Shekinah

    Reply
  122. Betsy says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:38 pm

    Terry, your message and your gift of gratefulness through the heart and voice of Brother David have gladdened this heart that I thought was already filled to overflowing with the grace of gratefulness. I have carefully read each comment already posted, along with your own words, and to each I say, “Amen! So be it! So it is. Thank you!” And, “I love you!” In addition, I would like to express my deepest thanks for what seem to be our trials: for the slow growing cancer that brings our life into focus and catalyses connections that perhaps have gone untended; for every thing that reminds us that our separateness is the illusion; for the discomfort I feel in my belly when I have been unkind or self-righteous, allowing me to get off my high horse…the list goes on. And at this moment of the gift of sun shining between storms, my breath is taken by the vibrant red of the Japanese maple offset by golden pampas grass and deep green oaks. Yes, Brother David, it is this day in all its gifts, for each that was, for each that will follow for which I am so very grateful.
    May we all continue to be blessing and blessed!

    Reply
  123. Pangy says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    I am most grateful for this series. It gives me tremendous faith that we are moving towards an evolution in consciousness. That so much is being shared within the light of your generosity is evidence itself.

    Reply
  124. Jeri Rose says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    Among my many gratitudes, Terry, comes my realization that your series helps me know that there are many people trying to get human consciousness aligned to the Great Creation Spirit aware of the intelligence and compassion embodied in the Creator and in the creation. I am hopeful and thank you for getting that hope out there with this series. Maybe we can overcome the greed that causes global warming and prevents us using hemp for fuel instead of poisonous oil.

    Reply
  125. Daniel Jordan says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    As someone who is fortunate to have an income, a healthy family, food in the fridge, access to healthcare, and a roof over my head I need to remind myself that, by world standards, I am a wealthy man.

    Reply
  126. Clare Hallward says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:25 pm

    Thank you for playing that video Terry — long a special favourite of mine. I write from Montreal, Canada and I am keen to tell you that a book I just put together which is hot off the press is an anthology of the Essential Writings of David Steindl-Rast which was asked for by the editor of Orbis Books, the Maryknoll publishing house.

    The editor has a series on Modern Spiritual Masters and he wanted a book on Brother David, the Benedictine monk, originally from Austria, whom I recently listened to on your show, once they had got themselves sorted out! Brother David, to my complete astonishment, asked me to do it. Which I did and loved doing.

    I was over the moon, I was so excited when my first copy arrived!
    I am delighted with how it has turned out. It’s a perfect Christmas gift — do buy yourself a copy!
    Gratefully, Clare

    Reply
  127. Jano Thibodeau says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    From Vancouver Island, Canada ~ in THANKSGIVING for BEYOND AWAKENING ~

    Reply
  128. Theron Messer says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:15 pm

    Perhaps we need no reason for thanksgiving. Being thankful for a gift or benefit makes thankfulness a response not a way of life. Living thankfully is proactive rather than reactive. I must be thankful that I can be thankful. I have gratitude as an attitude.

    If I am alive I can live with a victim mentality (disappointment) or an insistence of my rights (demanding) or I can live with peaceful contentedness and enjoy life in the moment with a savored awareness (delight).

    Reply
  129. renate says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    thank you for the wonderful things I receive through internet.
    Greetings from Vigo-Spain

    Reply
  130. audrey Grant says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    Sincre thanks and a deep sense of graditude for the entire Integral Series as well as Beyond Awakening…………it has helped me grow and appreciate family, friends, the wonderful presenters and especially you, Terry for bringing it to all.

    Reply
  131. Ellie Mac says

    November 24, 2010 at 11:00 pm

    I am thankful for all the simple things in life…warm covers, hugs, steaming mugs of tea and crunchy snow. It’s a beautiful world in which we live….

    Reply
  132. Carolyn T says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    I am very thankful for you Terry in following your heart and passion from the very depth of your being. I can feel your passionate commitment, desire and drive to make a profound shift in this world. I am thankful my heart is touched and inspired by all of what you are doing, so that I, too may find my heart to follow and strive to make a difference. In deep gratitude!

    Reply
  133. Lynda Klau says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    Brother David’s video
    being peace
    realtionships with new and old friends
    the place i’ve come to
    the people i work with
    the people who work with me
    and on and on………

    Reply
  134. patty blue says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    Thaks so much for my health and my family that i love so much.

    Reply
  135. Nancy J. says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:42 pm

    Thank you Terry for your commitment in sharing….in sharing these beautiful ideas and opinions. Also thank you for this platform helping us all connect in mind and spirit…. because that is the gift.
    Happy Thanksgiving…Happy Gratitude Day.

    Reply
  136. Alan Redstone says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    Everything is available to everyone all the time through choice. So many choices, so many options, so many decisions to make. Information overload. I choose to take time every day to meditate and reground myself. From this place I can make better choices. Reality calls. Work, bills, committments, repairs, maintainance, shopping, cooking, cleaning, relationships, phone calls, emails, snail mail, traffic jams, deadlines, emergencies, illness, wellness, deaths, births, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. Too many options, not enough time. Choices and options. It’s a busy world outside, but a peaceful one inside. Inner peace exists, first as a concept, then as a choice. World peace will only happen when everyone finds inner peace. Peace and blessings to all…

    Reply
  137. Jari Dvorak says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:34 pm

    This year had been a huge transition for me. That is still unfolding. As I feel the wind in my sails again, there is much to be grateful for.
    I feel blessed to participate in the Beyond Awakening series.
    Thank you Terry for this gift – allowing us to trailblazer with you. Huge thank you to all the speakers as well as all those who have asked helpful questions.
    Blessings

    Reply
  138. John Samsen says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    I am grateful for all the open, loving, caring, people who have shared and are sharing parts of their lives and minds with mine and my world, through groups I have participated in, through many wonderful books, workshops, and media communities and events. Without the inspiration, information, and support from so many, I would not be where I am now.

    I am grateful for our human culture which has struggled through wars, pestillence, poverty, selfishness, hatred, and bigotry, yet has produced so many wonderful, intelligent, loving, people through all the millenia.

    I am grateful for all the mistakes I have made, the disappointments, losses, the pains and physical traumas, depressions,and most of all, the disillusions, that resulted in my awakening.

    I am grateful for our marvelous planet and its life forms that re-mind us of the beauty and love that is within it and us when we see it as it is. Although the world we share is a temporary and relative phenomena, it has taken billions of years to get it to its present state, and we must appreciate and protect it from our greeds.

    I am grateful that my personal consciousness has experienced so much of human history through the Depression, World War II, and all the events since then, and am so fortunate to be witnessing this transformation of human consciousness and culture. While our human minds are saddened by so much suffering, on the cosmic level, it is unfolding perfectly.

    Reply
  139. alleiyne says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    with All my heart full of gratefulness to you
    Alleiyne

    Reply
  140. Karu Williams says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    I´m grateful for all the problems that I´m confronted with.As long as I don´t identify too deeply with them and search openly for help. I feel well supported by colleagues and friends or just other people who are touched by the same problem.
    I´m gratefull for your, Terry´s, dialogue with Gangaji, who so openly said that connecting strongly to some one, even spiritually, is rather the same as falling in love.
    I´m grateful for the discovery that the realization of love is most openly found in the freshness of new feelings.
    I´m grateful for these impressive comments by Father Steindl-Rast about the freshness of the moment that have to evoke love.
    Nice day!

    Reply
  141. zoe nobari says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    Thank you Terry for sharing this beautiful reminder-video with the convincing and genuine voice and words of Brother David.

    I feel grateful for being on your list and learning from your interviews. Your project is a fruitful one.

    I am grateful to be a human who can feel connected to all beings with appreciation. I am grateful for my health, both physical and mental– so I can dance and open my heart to the joy of life.

    Reply
  142. goombah says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    Dear Terry,
    I truly grateful for souls like you and Brother David.
    Sincerely,
    goombah

    Reply
  143. JME_297 says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    Thank You Terry for sharing this video, and all that you do to encourage the growth and conscious evolution of us all. Most of all thank you for allowing these important lesson’s I find in my inbox each week free and accessible to everyone, rich, poor, ignorant, lost or just confused about it all. This place called Beyond Awakenings provides insiration for anyone and everyone.
    I wish you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

    With Gratitude
    JME

    Reply
  144. Edna says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    It is a lovely sight to see this dark continent in Consciousness
    being lit by the evolving soul happening all around. We who inhabit this dark continent are being ignited and it is as if we are being transformed and like the caterpillar that shrouded the Beautiful butterflies our body of consciousness is also mirroring a lighter reality of being and more joy more happiness and so on… a deeper state of becoming we are something else than what we thought and believed we are.
    Because we all know that as we think so shall it be.

    Our little lights are growing brighter by feeding each other from the Eternal Flame.

    Reply
  145. Marilyn says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    What a wonderful reminder to see everyday as the blessing it is! I appreciate and am so grateful for the work you are doing!

    Reply
  146. Linda says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Thanks for the beautiful video! Just what we need to get our hearts and mind ready for Thanksgiving! Have a joyous holiday everyone!

    Reply
  147. ruth kreibich says

    November 24, 2010 at 10:00 pm

    Thank you, Terry, for opening up this wonderful opportunity for all of us to connect on the phone and via posts! When I reflect on my deepest gratitude it comes from a place where my mind is empty and my heart wide open. It seems to be in and for the “space” where ALL IS. It includes everything in life before I have judged it good or bad and in that moment I see that truly “all things are working in divine order”. I explode with joy and gratitude.

    Reply
  148. Janet Jacobsen says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    I am so grateful for this present moment, this now moment, this eternal moment. I am greatfull, remembering my great big soul capital ‘S” Self. I am greatfull remembering your great big soul capital “S” Self. In love and Oneness, I am great full and grateful.

    Reply
  149. Alene says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    This video touched my heart. It was so lovely and the sound of Brother David’s voice was mesmerizing. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  150. Gary says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    I have never met or known a person grateful, who was at the same time small, or mean, or biter, or greedy, or selfish, or took any pleasure in anybody else’s pain. Never! So my question is, “How do you love everyone and everything? How do you honor the sacredness that dwells in all Creation? I enjoy happiness in the pursuil of these queries. I am living my dream. Yet, I also dream of having a family, being with them and loving them. It’s a beautiful vision and it contributes to my happiness. What if? What a beautiful question! I know I am evolving, and I continue to be more grateful for every moment and every breath that I am graced with during this Life, and I reverance it. Someday, I hope to meet another beautiful spirit (and every spirit is beautiful and loving at its heart) that enjoys the wonder of Life, and includes all Creation. I rally don’t believe I am looking for an impossible dream, for no dream is impossible. As the beautiful spirit of Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible, for the word itself says ‘I’m possible.'” I am looking for a heart that enjoys the heart of all Creation. Please be that heart, if not for me, then for another. Live Life with an attitude of Gratitude, and always give of the generosity of your spirit. Have a Happy Day!

    Reply
  151. Shirley St.Michael says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    I am grateful for this wondrous time of miracles and our evolution in understanding them!

    And to Terry, all the inspiring Integral speakers and Integral Life participants, I am thankful for you!

    Reply
  152. John Parker says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving Terry! Thanks for EVERYTHING you do and are. 🙂 Lv, J & N

    Reply
  153. Di Shearer says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    Meeting Brother David in 2009 and finding Terry Patten on the internet as part of the Integral Spiritual Community have brought huge blessings to me over the past 18 months. I continue in a spiritual path that is ever deepening as we share together. I even recognise names among those who have left comments here. And I do this from way down under in Australia – not celebrating Thanksgiving in the way that folk in USA do, but celebrating this day, this unique day – as the video encourages us to do. Thank you Br David. Thank you, Terry. Thank you, all who have a mind to deepen and unify our lives across the globe. (And thank you, photographers!)

    Reply
  154. Bob Rawlins says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    What a wonderful video and message. After being in chronic pain for 3 years and now being pain free I appeciate every waking minute of this wonderful life.
    Bob Rawlins

    Reply
  155. Sadashiv says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:48 pm

    Terry,
    Thank you for bringing amazing depth of knowledge to us in the form of webinars. Thanks to Howard Martin and Debbie Rozman for showing us the importance of Heart to Brain connection. Thanks to Hale Dwoskin for Letting Go technique. Thanks to Saniel Bonder and Linda Groves-Bonder for inspring us to become the Human Sun. Thanks to Jean Houston for making us look at Mythology as a form of Art in spiritual evolution.

    I just love them all.

    Thank you again, again, and again.

    Reply
  156. Carolyn Lockwood-Pitkin says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    Dear Terry– thank you for this opportunity to respond to you in love and for your service to the whole. As an elder, I am especially grateful to have lived into “these times” in which we are able to speak to one another and listen to one another through the less assured and more hesitating language of our souls.
    I am profoundly grateful to those who have gone before us, who of necessity, worked in silence and alone. Somehow, their devotion to God has been serving as a womb from which now, by Grace and through the work of those who have surrendered to it, is giving birth to a more courtly consciousness of “We”.

    Reply
  157. Anga says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    Terry,
    I am very thankful for your series. I hope it is just the beginning of possibilities of connecting and creating something new through this new medium of internet. I hope that ‘listening’ to these ‘new talks’ will be transformed in ‘walking’ life of ‘new walks’… And yes, thank you for reminding me of not forgetting about the simplest things… The beauty of this moment…The beauty of this day…

    Anga

    Reply
  158. malena gamboa says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:43 pm

    Beautiful Terry. Thank you for sharing this.

    What am I thankful for?

    Among a plethora of many blessings, I am most thankful for ‘alignment’ to Authentic Unique Self. For its impulse has placed me on a path of Purpose; One that welcomes me on a journey of service and splendor while allowing me further gut wrenching development… And abundance. I had no idea so much Suchness was available before awakening. In short, I still marvel, again and again, knowing clear in mind that as God, I have always been an endless mystery. It blows me away and welcomes me simultaneously. It’s wonderfully astonishing, this business of being Divinely Human… with Purpose. In deep gratitude!

    Reply
  159. Ljerka says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    I am not an American and I do not celebate Thanksgiving, but I watched this short video and wnat to thank you for sending it to me.
    It reminds me that we should really be grateful and thankful every day, from the bottom of our hearts for the mere ability to open our eyes in the morning. I think that if we open our eyes with gratefulness our whole day is going to be a new wonderful experience free of envy, jealousy and greed.

    ljerka

    Reply
  160. Jackie Bergman says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Hi Terry and all,

    I am grateful for you reminding me to be grateful and the rest of the good work you do. Also to the many that have made this kind of path to a lighter future visible to me. I am grateful that Creation seams so beautifully coherent after all. That is comforting to an engineers mind.

    Love, Jackie

    Reply
  161. Darrell says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    This precious moment…….

    Reply
  162. don foley says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    Thank you, from the bottom of my heart (or would that be ‘the top’???).

    Seriously, thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  163. Pita says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    Thank you, this is the best Thanksgiving message ever.

    Reply
  164. elisabeth frith says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    I am grateful for good health and wellbeing of myself and my family and all our families.
    Grateful for each day and the blessings therein.
    Grateful for the eyes through which the beauty of the world and the inner spirits of all Beings as we meet on our Journeys.
    Grateful for the Love which transcends fear and brings us together to celebrate and Love each other.

    Elisabeth

    Reply
  165. Marion Pastor says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    Dear Terry, I just want to add my thanks to the many you must be receiving. I am ninety years old and physically challenged and therefore unable now to attend workshops and talks as I have done most of my life. Because of your website, though, I can still hear and see some of our great teachers and keep reminded of what it is really all about. With much appreciation, Marion

    Reply
  166. Olga Oliver says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    Terry – how grateful I am for the introduction to know you and to hear the sincerity and wonder in your voice through these programs. Awakening comes in so many forms and I’ve had one form recently for which I am so grateful this Thanksgiving – while thinking about one of your programs, this blissful thought just slide into my being as if poured from a pitcher: every experience you’ve had during your entire life span you have needed. (I’ll soon be 83). So simple, yet so vast.
    Thank you for your work, Terry.

    Olga Oliver

    Reply
  167. jacqueline Elliott says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    Beautiful expression Terry,
    I sent the video to all my good friends, not as a list, but each one individually, saying how I appreciated their friendship. Now it’s a good day for me! I’m also very grateful for you and your offerings.
    Words don’t do that justice.
    Love, jacqueline

    Reply
  168. Jeffrey Quintero says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    Terry and EVERYONE moving Beyond Awakening,

    This is a very inspiring blog and video and it has move me to post the following request…

    I have never ask anyone for support in the way I feel compelled to do now.

    IMAGINE! If we could create fun and fulfilling experiences based on sharing “What are we grateful for?” (a la twitter)

    IMAGINE! We if we begin to value the opportunity to participate in such experiences like we would value going to a movie.

    IMAGINE! If the cover charge and the popcorn revenues would be devoted to supporting the grassroots initiatives of EpicChange Makers.

    NOW, TO SEE THIS IS ALREADY HAPPENING, GO TO:
    http://www.epicthanks.org

    IMAGINE! If all Social Entrepreneurs will begin to cocreate such initiates with all of us who think of ourselves as Integralist, Evolutionaries, Conscious Entrepreneurs or Spiritually Awaken.

    Such kind of Purposeful Synergism, more than technological advancements, is the kind of Holonic Convergence that will be necessary for evolving into our next level of civilization.

    P.S: Please, let me know if I am out of line in posting this invite here. I am not sure if this proper community protocol.

    Jeffrey Quintero

    Reply
  169. Yael Zahavy-Mittelman says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    The following is what I wrote to friends and family for my 40st birthday that I celebrated in July:
    Tomorrow is a special day. It is my 40st Birthday and my 15th anniversary. I am in tears for the last two days because I am so excited about that special day for many reasons:
    1.I survived 40 years – and figured it out – it is only a beginning.
    2.I am proud of my self, of who I am, of being me
    3.I have an amazing family, my clan, and I am in owe to be the mother of that amazing tribe.
    4.I love my art, my studio, my writing, and how creative I need to be as a mother
    5.I love spending time with my children and hope they will want me around for as long as they are willing
    6.I am less afraid and more and more loving
    7.I see the treasure inside of me and inside all the wonderful beings around me – how we recreate our selvs over and over, and it never ends
    8.I see the love from people all around me – bless there love and giving
    9.I love the journey I am taking, value every step, and happy it will never end:)
    10.And as Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz wrote In their book “The fifth Agreement,” I know now, that I was born with everything I need in order to live and survive this life. I know now that all I need I have inside of me, and that is the greatest gift of all.

    So my birthday present to you all is my wish that you will get to that place where you discover that richness from the inside.
    Love,
    Yael

    Reply
  170. Veronika Madler says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:21 pm

    I am grateful for being loved, having good friends, my voice, singing and music in general, the priviledge to work on my personal and spiritual growth, dancing biodanza and having time for yoga almost every day, taking time for the rites within the year’s cycle, a warm home and enough food …

    Thanks for the space to share this

    Reply
  171. Marshall McComb says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:21 pm

    Dear All,

    I’m grateful that God really did create all of us in His own image and likeness. And I’m grateful to all of us for sharing in that magnificent creation.

    Many blessings.

    Reply
  172. Jana Ostrom says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:18 pm

    Yes! You know about ‘my’ website! I have beautiful Your Are Wonderful! You Are Loved! workbooks to share with children of all ages. I support all beings in acknowledging and sharing the beautiful, unique gifts they have come to the planet to share. This video spoke to me so sincerely of what my heart always tells me is true; we have so much to be grateful for in every moment. Thank you so much for sharing this with me… I amgrateful to be included!! You definitely ‘made my day!’ with LOVE and GRATITUDE, Jana

    Reply
  173. Ganesamoorthy P says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    I am grateful for what I am, a human after many revolutions. I am thankful to everyone and everything for the gratidue is the most needed virtue to inside and outside.

    Reply
  174. Berenice Kuenerz says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    Eu sou grata por ter recebido essa mensagem.
    Ela me fez parar e olhar para todas as graças que tenho continuamente recebido em minha vida. Não apenas eu, mas tambem toda a minha familia.
    Realmente é muito importante parar e tomar um tempo para se dar conta dos presentes da Vida.
    Muito obrigada!
    Berenice

    Reply
  175. Mike Nelson Pedde says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    Many thanks to you for sharing this, Terry!

    Thanksgiving here in Canada was a month ago, and Marcia and I have many reasons to be thankful, every day. For one, we have each other. We wrote about some of the other reasons here:
    http://www.wolfnowl.com/2010/10/he-says-she-says-giving-thanks/

    Mike.

    Reply
  176. Connie Kaplan says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    Thank you Terry for your obvious deep commitment to your work, which benefits the consciousness of us all.

    I’m thankful for wisdom in whatever form and through whatever personality it expresses itself.

    Connie Kaplan

    Reply
  177. Angela Ellis says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Thank you thank you thank you……

    Reply
  178. Mary Ann Newman says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    Terry,
    Thank you so much! This is truly awesome! I am grateful for my own inner growth, for my incredible children and grandchildren, for incredible opportunities that have found me, such as your telecall series where I also have growing as well with each exposure to yet another inspirational interview. I am grateful for my rich spiritual center, deepening all the time. I am grateful for wonderful connectiveness made possible through the internet. I attract so many interviews and workshops in this way. So, who knew, technology can be Spiritual!!!
    Thank you Terry for the wonderful work you do!

    Mary Ann Newman

    Reply
  179. Howard McGill says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    An incredibly beautiful message!!!

    Howard

    Reply
  180. Deborah Boyar says

    November 24, 2010 at 8:51 pm

    For you, my love!

    Reply

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Terry PattenTerry Patten is a key voice in integral evolutionary spirituality, culture, leadership, and activism. He is the founder of Bay Area Integral. With Ken Wilber and a core team, he developed and co-authored Integral Life Practice. He speaks, consults, and coaches on four continents and via the web. To learn more about Terry and his work, visit www.TerryPatten.com.

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