Taking time to think about which traditions we want to continue and bring along with us is something I spend a fair amount of time pondering, especially this time of year. We often continue participating in traditions for many reasons: out of habit, comfort, nostalgia, a sense of place, and our beliefs, amongst others. We all want to live in a world that becomes better over time; maybe one that is more peaceful, healthier, more loving, more abundant, and more empathetic. However, we often carry on with practices which are often not those things.

Our culture is often one that when compared to others can sometimes seem scattered, broken, and lacking in meaningful traditions, rites, and rituals. Besides various religious options, we are left with getting a diver's license at 16 and having a drink at 21. Perhaps we lack events that placehold for us, guide us, or even mature us. Instead, we often hold onto aspects that are not beneficial to ourselves and to others.

I find myself celebrating times in life that are not so much tied to deep meaning, but instead a cultural habit that was created in different times. Who created these and why? I know there are good aspects to our celebration but can we take the good from these, acknowledge the bad, and create better?

We are led to be dependent on food, energy, and political systems that are not regenerative, let alone sustainable. Ones that are built on extraction and domination instead of cooperation. If we are to build a future of peace, health, love, and abundance we will need to design our way into it. This will mean leaving some things behind while also acknowledging and reconciling this country's and others' histories of indegenous murder and erasement.

I want to share genuine gratefulness and appreciation with my communities, and hope we can create one that all can share in.

Maybe we learn to celebrate thankfulness and gratitude in a new way. One that has been built with the intention of cooperation and creation of community. One that asks for forgiveness and guidance. Humbling ourselves and deeply thanking the cultures that have respected the earth is critical, as well as thanking our families, friends, and those who work to provide us our food, shelter, and resources.

Thank you,
Joe Kilcoyne
Wild Earth Farm