Gratitude To The Land

November is a time to pause and give thanks; for the people beside us, for what sustains us, and for the ground beneath our feet. Long before Thanksgiving became an American tradition, Native people across this continent lived in relationship with the land for countless generations, drawing sustenance from it, caring for it, and passing that responsibility from one generation to the next.

This month’s Callout is a quieter kind of challenge. Gratitude To The Land is a ruck built around reflection, connection, and appreciation for the natural world, and an opportunity to recognize the generations of Native people who have cared for these lands before us and continue to do so today.

Choose a route that gets you out into nature and identify five natural waypoints along the way: a great tree, a stream or lake, an open clearing, a hilltop, or simply a place where you can stop and listen. At each waypoint, take a moment to notice your surroundings and reflect on something worth being grateful for: the land, the water, the plants and animals, the sky above you, or the community around you. Then complete a simple movement together (for instance: squats, push-ups, ruck presses, or even just a silent stretch…it’s your call) before moving on.

At the end of the ruck, gather together for a circle of thanks. Take a few moments to appreciate the land that carried you, the people who shared the miles with you, and everything you have to be grateful for.