The Gift of Gratitude

This year, children from Oak Park elementary schools drew pictures of, and wrote about, what they're grateful for.  In turn, Oak Park Arts District business owners transformed these colorful "gratitudes" into origami crane ornaments, symbols of beauty and luck, which are for sale throughout the holiday season.  All profits go to the participating schools.

Check it out: Holiday Lights: The Gift of Gratitude

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving encourages us to pause and take stock of all that we are grateful for in our lives. Having gratitude for life's experiences, both joyful and difficult, opens our heart energy, releases stagnant energy and expands our shen, or spirit. It's a choice we make, after all, to see ourselves and the world around us as beautiful and bountiful, adaptable to change.

Why not give thanks to your body and it's miraculous ability to protect and heal itself? Nurture your shen with peace and love for your family, neighbors and friends. Meditate on the awe-inspiring perfection of the universe. Choose to wake up with joy and begin each day with gratitude. Blessings to you and yours.