It’s that time of year again. The season of gathering, feasting, and reflecting on what we’re thankful for. We go around the table, sharing our gratitude for family, health, and a warm meal. It’s a beautiful tradition.
But what happens on November 28th? Does our sense of deep, soulful gratitude get packed away with the fall decorations? Is it set aside as we are confronted by the hustle and bustle of the upcoming celebrations?
True gratitude isn’t just confined to a single day on the calendar. It’s not a checklist or a seasonal obligation. Rather, it’s a perspective through which we can view our entire lives—a practice that becomes richer and more profound when we learn from a powerful teacher: Nature.
Nature doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving; instead, she exists in a constant, graceful rhythm of giving and receiving. By tuning into this rhythm, we can learn to cultivate a sense of gratitude that lasts throughout the entire year. Each season in nature serves a purpose and possesses its own beauty. There is no “best” season; rather, the rhythmic cycle itself is a gift.
We can practice gratitude for the different seasons of our lives—the energetic summers filled with activity, the reflective autumns that invite us to let go, the quiet winters of introspection, and the hopeful springs that bring new beginnings. Instead of clinging to just one “season,” we can appreciate each one for the unique lessons and beauty it offers.
In my own seasons, some of my most unique lessons in gratitude have come from the simple act of observing. I have immersed myself in the rhythms of nature, which have taught me the importance of stillness. This stillness is not about absence; rather, it is a profound presence. I find it in the pause between the heartbeats of the forest, in the quiet moment before the dawn chorus, and in the hushed expectancy that fills the air before a snowfall. In these moments, I have developed a deep sense of gratitude.
As a wildlife rehabilitator, I have been apprenticed to this stillness. It is the first and most vital tool of my trade. My hands must be still to splint the delicate bone of a fawn. My breath must be calm to soothe the frantic energy of a trapped fox. My own spirit must find a core of quiet to offer a terrified animal a refuge of peace, and my voice must be kind when speaking with the public. This is my year-round gratitude. It is not just for the beautiful moments, but for the difficult ones that make them possible. It is for the trust of a wild thing, earned in silence and respect. It is gratitude for the strength to care, and the greater strength to let go, back into the beautiful, relentless rhythm of the wild.
It is the gratitude of a shared gaze with a recovering doe, where the only sound is the rustle of hay and the unspoken understanding that passes between us. It is the gratitude that soars with the hawk I once held, now a speck against the sun—a gratitude that is both a release and a reward. It is the gratitude that makes me smile at the sight of a fox diving into the snow, a perfect, playful echo of the wild spirit I was privileged to witness in captivity. It is important to express gratitude to those who reach out for help, letting them know that they did the right thing in the hopes that they will continue to do so in the future when the need arises. This kind of gratitude extends beyond any single holiday. It reflects an appreciation for the overall rhythm of life—the frantic energy of rescue, the focused stillness of healing, and the triumphant, joyful release back into the vibrant pulse of nature.
In the rhythm of nature, there is a sense of stillness. In that stillness, I have discovered the deepest form of thanks, deeper than any holiday sentiment.
Buffalo Audubon leads and inspires Western New Yorkers to connect with and protect the natural world through bird-focused activities, advocacy, and habitat restoration. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming birding programs and events, becoming a member, planning your next visit, or ongoing advocacy efforts such as Bird-Friendly Buffalo.
Leave a Reply