So Many Ways to Give Thanks in Santa Fe
I was driving across county during a cold November evening when Santa Fe wrapped its arms around with a glorious sunset, its welcoming community, and hot chocolate at Hagen Daas. I thought I was on my way to the northwest but decided to stay awhile as it was so welcoming. I grew up with community service as a part of our family life, so I decided to volunteer at a food kitchen on Thanksgiving. Instead of being alone in a new town, my heart and hands were full and so happy filling plates of food for people. I felt at home. That was almost 40 years ago and my love for Santa Fe has only deepened.
Thanksgiving is a holiday everyone can enjoy because it is about gratitude for our lives, family, friends. People from all cultures and walks of life break bread and say thank you on this day across our county. There are so many ways to express our thanks for our abundance, and we all have things to be grateful for. So, eat up and share with those you love and consider a few new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Being in community not only makes us smile, but it is also good for our health. Connecting with others at work, exercising at a gym, dancing, sitting at a community table or bar at a restaurant with others can feed your mind, body and soul. As a society, we spend too much time alone. Places of worship are also a meaningful way to create friendship, build new relationships and lives. Places of prayer or reflection often have community groups that can be so nurturing, even going once a week.
For a thousand people, there are a thousand paths to God. As the City of Holy Faith, we have many, many ways to be in community and share grace. Every neighborhood has a church, a temple, a yoga studio or other center of contemplation. Here are a few that have inspired me and may you.
The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi – the jewel off our plaza is both magnificent and peaceful. It offers regular Catholic masses. It’s a beautiful space just to sit quietly or attend a service. Consider visiting even once for the architecture and historical significance to our town.
Our Native communities have celebrations of dancing and chanting to lift your spirit. San Diego Feast Day is November 12th and there are dances at Tesuque Pueblo in November. The colorful dancers, their feet in handmade moccasins touching the earth to the beat of the drums, and the voices powerfully invoking ancient prayers is powerful, cultural and so very special. https://Indianpueblo.org for more information.
The Amma Center offers Satsang every Saturday. Amma or “Mother” is an Indian Hindu spiritual leader and humanitarian who embraces people, teaching peace and compassion. Satsang is a gathering for meditation, chanting and listening to teachings. Newcomers are welcome. Learn more at: na.amma.org. Santa Fe is considered a spiritual center, with many diverse spiritual communities. There are several Buddhist temples, Yoga centers and so much more.
Or simply go for a walk outside. Our magnificent outdoors welcome us to breath in fresh air and walk under the canopy of sunlight and leaves. The Sierra Club and the Santa Fe Conservation Trust, in addition to Meet -Up have groups you can join. My favorite way to reset and connect with something greater than myself it to go outdoors and let the trees and rocks help me get back to enjoying this beautiful life.
Giving Thanks also includes giving of ourselves. My father taught us that part of being a community is also being of service and sharing with others. Here are a few places where you can contribute time or resources and fill yourself up with grace that comes for the act of giving. And food is the most basic need.
The Food Depot gives a bag of groceries to anyone in need. Accepting food donations, volunteer opportunities and financial support. www.thefooddepot.org
Shelter is also a basic need and a complicated problem. Here are a few of the homeless shelters in Santa Fe, all making a difference.
Santa Fe Youth Shelter & Family Services, shelter and support for youth in crisis. Accepting clothing, gas gift cards, hygiene products, non-perishable food and financial support. www.youthshelters.org
St Elizabeth’s Shelter, emergency shelter to men with housing and other services. Accepting men’s clothing and financial support. www.steshelter.org
Esperanza Shelter, a safe place and counseling for woman and children experiencing domestic violence. Accepting clothing, hygiene products, and financial support. www.esperanzashelter.org
These are just a few ideas to bring more joy and community into your life, to share and celebrate, and grow your world in Santa Fe. May we enjoy our holiday feast, family and friends. And may we also cherish our neighbors, remembering to give thanks for all that we have.
