Reflection #43 A New Year
“Because the way and path is difficult and the gate through which one passes and enters to life is narrow, there are both few who walk it and enter through it.” --Clare of Assisi
Right after Christmas, I began to see the predictable “New Year, New You” hype and “Make next year the best ever!” The morning shows and talk shows all challenged us to make a resolution, take on a new challenge, or the worst ones, lose inches and pounds and begin a dry January. Sure, some people are ready to enter the new year with great excitement and hope-filled resolutions to begin the new year on the right foot. Others-- who weathered the past year with perhaps a family death,a catastrophic election that changes lives, financial problems, or illness-- are crossing their fingers for a year that simply isn’t terrible. Depending on the year, I’ve lived somewhere in between these two.
Now we see that there is enough room in life —with all its beginnings and endings, for happenings that we could not have imagined a week ago, a year ago, or even ten years ago. Dreams and goals shift and change. And, craving resolution – a happy ending at that— isn’t how life works. So, we focus our minds on the lives we intend to have and commit to the present.
Each day of this new year I suggest we simply practice anticipation. Begin each day expecting and looking for one instance of beauty or pleasure. These little miracles: the snowflakes that are falling, the dog walker who bids us hello with a smile, and the chickadees’ surprise appearance— suffice as miracles. I don’t need much, and I don’t put limits on what it is or from where it will arise. I simply expect to discover something, so I look for it in anticipation. Next time I run into a friend, I think I’ll ask, “What good did you see or hear today?” “What delighted you?”
Now it’s your turn.
Take time to reflect and, if in a group, share as you feel able.
As I begin this new year, I am:
a)crossing my fingers for a year that simply isn’t terrible.
b)open to my dreams and goals shifting and changing.
c)looking for instances of beauty and pleasure.
d)anticipating delightful miracles.