Thankfulness

Aaron led a discussion of thankfulness.

‘In this week where Americans are celebrating a holiday by gathering with friends and family for a meal and to express thankfulness I was reminded of a family tradition we haven’t observed in a while – going around the table and having each person share something for which they are grateful.

Today I want to express my gratitude for two things – my family and Hakone Zendo. My children, now in their teenage years, will soon be graduating from high school and leaving home. As we celebrated the holiday together this week, I recognized that our time together as a family of four is precious and will change in the coming years. 

Hakone Zendo has been a very positive influence on my life and I am thankful for both the new and long-term students that join us each week. Prior to the pandemic, it was common for us to have a group of ten or less each week. Since the pandemic, we regularly have fifteen to twenty, with a healthy mix of existing students and new faces. The sharing we do each week is inspiring and makes me happy to be part of this community.”