A Paradigm of Oneness: Part 6
(click for audio: Thanksgiving)
From the point of view of the paradigm of separation, giving thanks is something we would do after having received some desired good. We normally think of thanksgiving as an effect. From the standpoint of the paradigm of oneness, the act of thanksgiving is understood more as a cause, an activity we engage in before there is visible evidence that our desired good has manifested.
You recall that Jesus gave thanks before he had the disciples begin passing out the meager supply of loaves and fishes. His attention was not on the apparent limited quantity of food available but on God as his ever-present Source. He blessed the food, which means he was seeing it from a consciousness of wholeness. The action of having the disciples begin passing out the bread and fish was based on his consciousness of unity with God as his unfailing supply.
The focus we place on this story as a miraculous act performed by a supernatural being causes us to miss the lesson we can draw from it. We are often faced with circumstances that proclaim, “There is not enough to go around.” Perhaps you are in such a situation now, where it seems your resources are inadequate. You may find yourself reverting to the paradigm of separation and turning to God asking for help. From the paradigm of oneness, you first lift your attention above the appearance and acknowledge that God is your unfailing supply. You then give thanks for the solution that is now forthcoming.
The paradigm of oneness is a state of openness to the truth that our answers are present even before we perceive a problem. Our previous appearance-based training has us reacting to the problem in a way that degrades the quality of our inner life. Fear and a sense of helplessness often set in and we resort to pleading for help. From the paradigm of oneness we pause to let go of the negative energy we have placed in the appearance and we begin giving thanks that the proper solution is now forthcoming. Thanksgiving becomes an action rather than a reaction.