By Maryanna Gabriel
With thanksgiving coming I have been feeling peculiar. Mostly because I miss my family. When I was young I would curl up with a good book and the world would fall away. To my surprise I have done just this. My studio is my happy place, cozy with pillows, flowers in a vase, and wood beams. Not only have I been reading one of my favorite authors, but I have been napping. Such pleasures I could only fantasize about when I was younger and not possible if preparing a massive turkey dinner.
Then I understood multitudes are in the position I am in. Many are feeling strange this weekend. Like Christmas, it is supposed to be a gathering of those near and dear. My thoughts went to the Dalai Lama and the practice of tonglen, where one joins energy in compassion for those in the same space. Funny thing. I immediately felt better. Sending out compassion lifted my stuffing. Off now to make a pumpkin pie.