Thoughts from the Dean's Desk

This week many of us will be holding Thanksgiving celebrations here in the US. Being thankful is a part of this tradition for many people. At WSTS we teach our students a gratitude practice as they go through their courses. Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you”. It’s a profound psychological and spiritual principle that shapes how we experience life. At its core, gratitude acknowledges the blessings we receive and fosters a sense of humility and connection. This practice helps us to put our focus on positive things and turns us away from negative destructive thought patterns. 

Thanksgiving, a cherished cultural tradition, is deeply rooted in gratitude and community. While the holiday often centers on food and festivities, practicing gratitude during Thanksgiving can transform it into a deeply meaningful experience, one that nourishes the soul as much as the body. It brings our secular holiday in line with our spiritual practice. 

The holiday season can bring joy, but it also comes with stress and expectations. Gratitude acts as a spiritual anchor, reducing anxiety and grounding us in what truly matters. Reflecting on blessings during Thanksgiving gatherings increases happiness and life satisfaction, reminding us of abundance rather than scarcity. This mindset builds resilience, helping us navigate challenges with confidence. Many of us come from families that don’t share our Wiccan beliefs.  This causes stress at family gatherings.  Some of us have chosen to celebrate with our chosen families instead of our birth families. In all cases, looking for what is positive and good in our lives helps us to make this holiday more enjoyable. 

Science affirms what spiritual traditions have long taught: gratitude benefits the body. Expressing thanks during Thanksgiving rituals can lower blood pressure and support heart health. Mindful reflection on blessings before bed improves sleep quality, while inner peace and spiritual harmony strengthen the immune system. Thanksgiving becomes not just a feast for the senses, but a tonic for overall well-being.  What the mind thinks writes on the body.  This is a basic concept taught here at WSTS, and it’s backed by science.  We ask all our students to practice a gratitude ritual each day and many of our students attend online devotional rituals daily provided by Children of the Crossroads, an ATC Affiliate in Spokane, Washington. 

 Gratitude is contagious. When families and friends share what they’re thankful for at the Thanksgiving table, or elsewhere, empathy and compassion flourish. These moments deepen interpersonal bonds and create positive communication patterns. Framing conversations around appreciation shifts the tone from criticism to connection, making Thanksgiving a catalyst for stronger relationships. 

Some Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude: 

• Journaling: Write daily gratitude entries with spiritual reflections. 
• Verbal Expressions: Share thanks during traditions like a gratitude circle or at holidays. 
• Mindfulness & Meditation: Begin each morning with a gratitude ritual infused with spiritual intention. 

If you don’t have a gratitude practice, Thanksgiving inspired gratitude can become a year-round practice. Sustained gratitude nurtures mental health, creates a positive feedback loop for personal and spiritual growth, and fosters compassionate communities. When gratitude becomes a lifestyle, its benefits extend far beyond the holiday season. 

Gratitude enriches mind, body, and spirit, and Thanksgiving offers the perfect opportunity to embrace it fully. This year let’s move beyond the turkey and trimmings. Use Thanksgiving as a springboard for a lifelong gratitude practice that transforms your life and the lives of those around you. As you find your peace and a more positive outlook, this will affect others around you.  We don’t live in a vacuum; what we do causes ripples that others see and feel and sometimes want to emulate. 

As you gather this Thursday with your friends and family or if you are on your own this year, pause and reflect. What are you truly grateful for? Perhaps your gratitudes are small and simple or you have been blessed by the Gods and have much to celebrate, either way carry that spirit forward not just for a day, but for every day. 



May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!