What has been dubbed "Thanksgivukkah," reflects the celebrations of Thanksgiving, coinciding with the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. The last time this occurred was in 1888; and, some predictions estimate another 78,000 years before it will happen again. While these are interesting facts-just as the historical narratives are- the messages underlying these holidays are inspiring and beautiful.
In positive psychology, gratitude is a cardinal virtue, which promotes emotional wellness. For example, we know that people who keep gratitude journals (identifying and writing down five things they are grateful for each day) report higher levels of happiness. Gratitude takes us out of ourselves and acknowledges a positive gesture from another person (personal gratitude) or moving experience in nature (transpersonal gratitude), which connects us to large life meanings. While many of us will experience food, family and friends on Thanksgiving, a holiday in which reflection and expressions of thankfulness are at its core, leads us to greater depths of vitality and heartfulness.
Hanukkah has rich historic and symbolic meaning. The ancient Jews of over 2,000 years ago asserted their right for religious freedom. At present, in the spirit of Tikkun Olam (healing/repairing our world), celebrating the beauty and dignity of differences along religious, racial, ethnic, generational and gendered ways of being and loving is good for individuals, families, and societies.
However you are celebrating the holidays, I wish you a meaningful and joyful time....
In positive psychology, gratitude is a cardinal virtue, which promotes emotional wellness. For example, we know that people who keep gratitude journals (identifying and writing down five things they are grateful for each day) report higher levels of happiness. Gratitude takes us out of ourselves and acknowledges a positive gesture from another person (personal gratitude) or moving experience in nature (transpersonal gratitude), which connects us to large life meanings. While many of us will experience food, family and friends on Thanksgiving, a holiday in which reflection and expressions of thankfulness are at its core, leads us to greater depths of vitality and heartfulness.
Hanukkah has rich historic and symbolic meaning. The ancient Jews of over 2,000 years ago asserted their right for religious freedom. At present, in the spirit of Tikkun Olam (healing/repairing our world), celebrating the beauty and dignity of differences along religious, racial, ethnic, generational and gendered ways of being and loving is good for individuals, families, and societies.
However you are celebrating the holidays, I wish you a meaningful and joyful time....
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