Thanksgiving: Cultivating Pearls of Gratitude

Thanksgiving: Cultivating Pearls of Gratitude

It’s a Time to Give Thanks

As a pearl is formed and its layers grow, a rich iridescence begins to glow. The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value. How can you coat or frame the changes in your life to harvest beauty, brilliance, and wisdom?” – Susan C. Young

This treasured national holiday gives the opportunity to gather together, and celebrate the bounty in our lives. Throughout the centuries since the 1600’s, during peace and war, in times of plenty and famine, the tradition of giving thanks no matter the troubles of the time, is deeply rooted in our culture.  

During these challenging times of the COVID pandemic, many people have experienced loss, ill-health, sudden change and loneliness. Giving thanks in our complex era may seem more difficult than previous years.

But in the spirit of the quote above that asks “how can you coat or frame the changes in your life to harvest beauty, brilliance, and wisdom?” – what can you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? Like grit is essential for the creation of a pearl, so too are the difficulties in our lives in order to learn, overcome, and grow. 

 

Reframing Challenges into Blessings

"Praise the Good Day at the Close of It.” – Gaelic Proverb

Counting your blessings is a wise practice any day, not just at Thanksgiving. Although the trials of life can seem overwhelming at times, choosing to direct your focus on the gift of everyday blessings will keep things in perspective. The simple things such as having food in the cupboard, a place to call home, and friends and family are all reasons to feel grateful.

The Pearl Principle – no inner irritation, no pearl.” – Surya Das

Reframing the challenges in our life to see them in a different light can give us a greater appreciation for things we might have taken for granted. For instance, many people during lockdowns have spent more time with family members and formed deeper connections that weren’t possible before. Others have adapted to a new way of working from home that offers a healthier and less stressful work-life balance. The consequences of our COVID era have resulted in a change in priorities and values for a lot of us, and a new perspective on our lives.

What are the blessings in your life? Has it been awhile since you acknowledged them, and felt grateful?

Borrowing again from the quote above, “The oyster has taken what was at first an irritation and intrusion and uses it to enrich its value”, it is through challenge that we develop strength, resolve and wisdom. True gratitude is the ability to feel grateful for being a part of the drama of life at all, with its highs and lows, triumphs and defeats.

 

Thanksgiving Pearls

This year, celebrating the tradition of Thanksgiving has even more meaning since the pandemic. Like all gemstones, you can harness the healing properties of pearls to raise your energy, and embody higher frequencies of balance, harmony and nurturing.

Designs for special occasions bring a festive mood to your gathering, such as the warm, fall colors of The Orange Shell & Pearl Necklace. The elegant Golden Leaves Edison Pearl Brooch compliments any autumn outfit or jacket, and the Show your Heart Pearl Brooch makes a memorable Thanksgiving gift for someone you cherish.

Celebrate the holiday of thanks this year with the timeless elegance and healing properties of pearls.