Prayers of Thanksgiving… and Condolences
My journal writing practice that helps me remember things I would otherwise forget. The page dated July 9, 1994, documents a time when I attended an environmental education workshop on Vancouver Island.
My notes from over thirty years ago, capture the opening address given by Chief Jake Swamp of the Tree of Peace Society. He opened our week of learning with a Prayer of Condolences.
“Three condolences are shared whenever we come together in a large group,” Chief Swamp said, He spoke for more than an hour, advising our group that in his tradition, humans must first acknowledge our losses first, so that we can “return to a good spirit” and give thanks.
My journal notes from that day go on for many pages, reminding me of Chief Swamp’s address. I remember his gentle way of speaking, his long hair blowing in the breeze, his posture as he sat on a big rock, his kind face, the sparkle in his eye, and his encouragement to overcome our anger, to feel good about ourselves, and to always seek peace. I remember feeling startled and rather unsettled that organizers chose to begin with a sober reflection on loss, grief, and change. Now I understand.
Later, Chief Swamp closed the day with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, “in order to bring our minds together as a family.” He advised that “The most important thing is to be in good spirit when planning for our children’s future. We need to instill in our children a feeling for their net worth. We are putting problems on the shoulders of youth, but we must support them so that they can make the changes.”
Now, on the cusp of Alberta’s 2026 Referendum and our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, I wonder if extending condolences to all who are grieving, sad, fearful, angry, resentful or feeling overwhelmed would be a good way to help us “return to a good spirit” and feel grateful.
Me? I am truly grateful to be living on Treaty 7 lands known as Banff National Park, in the province of Alberta, under the flag of this amazing country I call home.
Happy Thanksgiving with sincere condolences to all who are grieving or experiencing loss.
Lorraine Widmer-Carson, Founder, Grassroots Gratitude
lorraine@grassrootsgratitude.ca
P.S. Thanks to all who filled out my recent survey related to personal habits and writing in a journal.
Results are in! Reasons people choose to write in their journals:
Top reason:
- Helpful for facing change, reducing anxiety for things in the future
Tied for Second:
- Helpful for remembering and savouring good things that have happened in the past
- Helpful for figuring out “what’s really going on”
- Helpful for nurturing my creative practice
