Growing Grateful: Thanksgiving as a Time for People Care in Permaculture

Thanksgiving is more than a celebration of plenty — it’s a chance to slow down, consider and really be grateful for the people in our lives. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is very easy to gloss over the degree to which those near us are contributing to our growth, happiness and well-being. The permaculture principle People Care echoes this sentiment because just as every single element in a garden serves its purpose, so do people in our lives—human or otherwise—and even the most seemingly insignificant actions create ripples in the fabric of who we are.

The Power of Connection Gratitude

Life rushes by so fast, we don't pause to appreciate the little moments that matter: A neighbor dropping off extra tomatoes, a compliment from a friend, even a stranger's smile. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to stop and give thanks for those moments and for those who enrich our lives.

But our relationships nourish us, just as healthy soil sustains a vibrant ecosystem. Let this holiday season be a time of People Care for us as we recognize how everyone that enters our lives help us grow and be happy.

# People Care day events ideas this Thanksgiving

1. Consider the Ripple: Take a few moments of quiet thought to remember those people who have influenced you positively this year. In big ways or small, their kindness and efforts have had a ripple effect on your path.

2. Express Words of Affirmation: Thanksgiving is the ideal moment to express to those in your life how much they matter to you. Write a note, make a call or speak face-to-face to tell them how their actions, however small, changed your life.

3. Recognize the Unsung Heroes: There are some people who do contributions but not so many know of it. Maybe it’s the friend who listens or the family member who quietly manages the details when there is a gathering. Then, acknowledge their impact.

4. Give Back Together: Organize a group activity to give back to your community — like cooking meals for a shelter or donating excess garden produce to people who need it. Such acts build relationships and suffuse the spirit of People Care.

5. Make Your Own Ripple: As small as a handwritten note, a shared meal, or even just a warm smile can spread positivity and connection. Take the time this season to create those moments.

The Ripple Effect Jar (A Thanksgiving Tradition)

As a Thanksgiving project, set a jar on your table and provide slips of paper and pens nearby. Ask everyone to write down one way that someone else at the table has positively influenced them, however large or small. While eating the meal, read the notes aloud to express gratitude and celebrate how the members of your group are related to one another on earth.

A Reflection Inspired by The Giving Tree

If you’re looking for additional inspiration this Thanksgiving, consider revisiting Shel Silverstein’s timeless tale, The Giving Tree. This heartwarming story explores themes of unconditional generosity and gratitude, echoing the lessons we celebrate during the holiday season. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep connection between humans and nature and the importance of giving back.

For more insights, read our blog post:

The Giving Tree: A Thanksgiving Reflection on Giving and Gratitude.

A Closing Reflection

This Thanksgiving, let’s resolve to be fully present with the people who matter most. Realize those acts of care, compassion, loving touch and small kindness are the seeds planted in the garden of our life producing vibrational ripples of growth, joy and connection.

And most of all, don’t let your thanks go unsaid. Gratitude is worth a lot in thought and feeling, but it only becomes a real power when shared. Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you, not just on Thanksgiving but year-round. Gratitude, when verbalized bloom and make a better bond with the people.

Thanks for being part of the Good-Natured Plants community! In every action plant the seeds of love. Happy Thanksgiving!