Expressing and Receiving Gratitude

A couple of days ago, my right index finger tapped "follow" on an Instagram profile for "danzas circulares" (circular dance), a new dance organization I discovered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The next day, I received a message from its founder, Pablo. His message simply began with the word “gracias".

Every time I hear "thank you" in Argentina, I'm struck by how the word itself seems to embody gratitude. Even when I'm pronouncing just half the Spanish word, I feel like I'm already expressing appreciation. Pablo thanked me for following his activities and took the opportunity to invite me to his next dance gathering. I, in turn, thanked him for the personal note and the invitation—an opportunity I was eager to accept.

I paused for a moment and sat with this exchange of gratitude. A wave of overwhelming joy washed over my entire body, and I felt subtle micro vibrations in my heart space. This brief interaction with a complete stranger had somehow gifted me an unexpected energy boost and a profound sense of well-being.

Whether you are celebrating with loved ones, stuck in an airport watching a snowstorm, or spending the day alone, may you find something or someone to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. May an overwhelming wave of joy wash over you, just as it did for me in that simple moment of connection.