Gratitude Practice

Make a selection of 6 of these life forms (e.g., Sun, Waters, Fish, Plants)
Get everybody into small groups of 3 or 4 people
Leader reads one thanksgiving greeting: For example: "We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms--waterfall and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water."
Then, in the small groups, each person describes one precious thing that they cherish about that life form, sharing how they experience it and what it means to them.
The sharing is done popcorn style (in no particular order) within the group.
When all have had a chance to speak (3 minutes should be enough) everyone repeats together the traditional words: "And now our minds are one."
After a pause, go on to the next life form, and repeat all steps.

*Originally published as Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World by The Tracking Project, P.O. Box 266, Corrales, NM 87048

Joanna Macy