Thank you’s
I think it is around Thanksgiving time in the States now, am I right?
Sweden doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving.
Is it because we don’t have anything to be thankful for? Of course we do.
Is it because we can’t remember what to be thankful for? Probably.
Sweden is said to be the most secular country in the world. To quote an online Biblical Ministry Organisation:
Sweden relinquished its claim of Lutheranism as its State religion in 2000 and now boasts one of the lowest percentage rates of belief in God in the western world.
Sweden can safely lay claim to being one of Europe’s “least Christian” nations.
A poll from 2006 conducted by Dagens Industri revealed Swedes have far more trust in major Swedish businesses, public television, Swedish universities, and the central bank than in the Swedish Church. As the older generation of Swedes passes away, the percentage of reproducing believers decreases.
Only five percent of the population regularly attends church.
Years ago, I had a relationship with an Italian guy. He was a practising Catholic living in the most holy Catholic center of the world, Rome. I, myself, loved to randomly stroll into the city’s churches and marvel over their beauty and peaceful atmosphere, but I did not feel the presence of a greater force, more there than anywhere else. It wasn’t until I came with Paolo to Sunday mass that I fully understood the influence on people those walls had.
People joined hands, cheek kissed and looked each other in the eyes as they proclaimed their belief. I did just like the others, but I felt completely out of place. As if someone was talking to me in a strange and different language, I nodded and smiled, but didn’t quite comprehend the significance of the words.
I still don’t.
But as I grow older I understand the difference between organized religion and belief. And I realize, I believe in a lot of things.
The power of true gratefulness is one of them.
So before I go to sleep every night, as I usually lie on my acupressure mat,
I whisper thank you’s…
For the comfort and safety that life provides for me
For all the moments that have played out during the day
For the emotions I am able – and choose to feel
For the smiles and for the tears
For the insights and knowledge I gain by experience
For the possibilities that lay like invisible stepping stones around me
For everything’s perfect proceeding
For the unconditional love that is faultlessly rooted in me
And I give thanks to you for being a part of it!
Yes…it is Thanksgiving here. And I spent part of it reading this post. You believe alright.
Just because you don’t go to a church doesn’t mean much to me. I stopped going a long time ago…had something to do with Laura’s diagnosis…and I think for a very small while I stopped believing in God. What I realize now is I stopped believing in something so organized…that promises so much…but only if you’re lucky. Like rolling dice. Pray, pray, pray…cross yourself now…say these words at this time…give up this or that…be sure say such and such 3 times and then spin yourself about.
I don’t actually know you…but I do. You’re one of those wise souls who see’s more than others…and you are thankful for it I think.
Very nice as usual Helen. (Funny thing is you celebrate thanksgiving every night. We only do it once a year…)
You should try these specially written guided meditations for the Acupressure mat.
http://www.shaktimatmeditations.com
All the best … Sam (Swedish wife Gun)
I do own a Shaktimat! and I remember when I gave one away to a friend there was a meditation cd with the package. I will definitely check out the website for more guidance.
Thank you Sam – and Gun – for the good work!
The difference between belief and organized religion is significant:
We are in the process of leaving our church, which we had made great changes to join a few years ago. Now, we know our true held beliefs that led us there, can best be served outside of those four walls. We helped our daughter gain a foundation through there; but actually, I believe we played the bigger role in that. Now, we are ready to fly, and not be bound by the church. We have true faith. It may be for some, but not for us. We have been hurt too much in the past by churches, so it might be a good long while before we are ready again.
So glad that your blessings are many, and that you recognize them as such!!!
That sounds like a healthy decision you have made Vanessa. Our beliefs are personal matters that we need to take good care of, as they are our very foundation, our own four walls. I know you, your partner and daughter + all of your supporters will respect each other unconditionally and be by each others side, as you fly freely together.
I hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Much love.
Helen, i think you described it so well when you said it’s like different languages. so much is dependent on how you grow up and what expression is comfortable to you. your gratefulness post is wonderful 🙂