As we make the big turn to our furthest point from the sun, it's a good time to pause and think about the past year and the one fast approaching. Though the holiday season is known for its festivity, it is a time that should command our contemplation and reflection as well. Last year was a momentous one for me personally. I got remarried in May, and traveled to Italy on my honeymoon. I was awarded a five-year distinguished teaching chair at my school, a lovely and unexpected honor. I launched my website, "Your Art of Living," and my daughter officially entered her teen years. Lots of goals were met and new eras opened upon which to embark. Now I'm feeling the desire, the need, to think about what I want out of 2015 (to the extent that I can have any say about it).
I accomplished quite a lot, but also at a cost. I practically never played my flute this past year and should have spent more time in meditation. I'm feeling more run down at the end of the year than would be ideal, despite attempts at good self-care. I'd like to read more for pleasure and get together more often with friends. But these are goals that are just all about me, me, me. What do I want for the world? These are often things we overlook in our quest to address ourselves, our problems or imperfections. We get wrapped up in our own narrative. So I want to expand my lens and look at the horizon "out there" as well.
In 2015, for myself:
When will they be accomplished, how? I have found that the only way I can manage to attend to that which is important to me is to roughly schedule time for it. It may sound a bit obsessive, but blocking out my days helps me to see what is possible. I also like using a commitment as a goal motivator (so by promising to play with my school's symphonic winds this spring I've made a commitment to practice).
In 2015, for the world:
How will these be achieved? Hopefully the work I do as an educator helps. Our young people need not only to be aware but to be inspired and excited to solve problems and change the world. This may sound naive, but how could I be in this job for so long if I didn't believe that we plant the seeds of progress and change? I will also continue to work on diversity projects to harbor greater appreciation and acceptance of people of all backgrounds. And, I'd like to perform more service which may entail leading a service trip.
Everyone of us can see ourselves as agents of positive change in our personal lives, households, places of work, worship and service. By living as our best selves-- educated, aware, intentional we can help others evolve to a place of greater peace and enlightenment. I'll end by including a poem from my favorite poet, Rumi (a 13th century Sufi scholar). He contends that we need darkness (in various forms) so as to seek the light.
Shadow and Light Source Both, by Rumi (Translation by Coleman Barks):
How does a part of the world leave the world?
How does wetness leave water?
Don't try to put out fire by throwing on
more fire! Don't wash a wound with blood.
No matter how fast you run, your shadow
keeps up. Sometimes it's in front!
Only full overhead sun diminishes your shadow.
But that shadow has been serving you.
What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is
your candle. Your boundaries are your quest.
I could explain this, but it will break the
glass cover on your heart, and there's no
fixing that.
You must have shadow and light source both.
Listen, and lay your head under the tree of awe.
When from that tree feathers and wings sprout on you,
be quieter than a dove. Don't even open your mouth for even a coo.
Meanwhile, this weekend my family will usher in the solstice by lighting a ring of votives surrounded by pine boughs (on our back patio). We'll prepare a roast duck with sunny orange slices and cranberry sauce. We'll listen to lovely music and think about the past year while having some tea or cocoa. And, we'll snuggle one another gratefully knowing that we inspire one another with our love and light. Please feel free to comment on what has inspired you in 2014 and where you'd like to evolve in 2015.
Yours fully and artfully in the light,
Lisabeth
I accomplished quite a lot, but also at a cost. I practically never played my flute this past year and should have spent more time in meditation. I'm feeling more run down at the end of the year than would be ideal, despite attempts at good self-care. I'd like to read more for pleasure and get together more often with friends. But these are goals that are just all about me, me, me. What do I want for the world? These are often things we overlook in our quest to address ourselves, our problems or imperfections. We get wrapped up in our own narrative. So I want to expand my lens and look at the horizon "out there" as well.
In 2015, for myself:
- More meditation to foster greater patience and calm
- More reading
- More music time
- Getting caught up with my ayurvedic studies
When will they be accomplished, how? I have found that the only way I can manage to attend to that which is important to me is to roughly schedule time for it. It may sound a bit obsessive, but blocking out my days helps me to see what is possible. I also like using a commitment as a goal motivator (so by promising to play with my school's symphonic winds this spring I've made a commitment to practice).
In 2015, for the world:
- Greater freedom and equality for women
- Greater parity between the "haves and have-nots"
- Less finger-pointing, more cooperation in government
- Less "business-as-usual", more innovation in business, education and non-profit work.
- Less brutality, more accountability
How will these be achieved? Hopefully the work I do as an educator helps. Our young people need not only to be aware but to be inspired and excited to solve problems and change the world. This may sound naive, but how could I be in this job for so long if I didn't believe that we plant the seeds of progress and change? I will also continue to work on diversity projects to harbor greater appreciation and acceptance of people of all backgrounds. And, I'd like to perform more service which may entail leading a service trip.
Everyone of us can see ourselves as agents of positive change in our personal lives, households, places of work, worship and service. By living as our best selves-- educated, aware, intentional we can help others evolve to a place of greater peace and enlightenment. I'll end by including a poem from my favorite poet, Rumi (a 13th century Sufi scholar). He contends that we need darkness (in various forms) so as to seek the light.
Shadow and Light Source Both, by Rumi (Translation by Coleman Barks):
How does a part of the world leave the world?
How does wetness leave water?
Don't try to put out fire by throwing on
more fire! Don't wash a wound with blood.
No matter how fast you run, your shadow
keeps up. Sometimes it's in front!
Only full overhead sun diminishes your shadow.
But that shadow has been serving you.
What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is
your candle. Your boundaries are your quest.
I could explain this, but it will break the
glass cover on your heart, and there's no
fixing that.
You must have shadow and light source both.
Listen, and lay your head under the tree of awe.
When from that tree feathers and wings sprout on you,
be quieter than a dove. Don't even open your mouth for even a coo.
Meanwhile, this weekend my family will usher in the solstice by lighting a ring of votives surrounded by pine boughs (on our back patio). We'll prepare a roast duck with sunny orange slices and cranberry sauce. We'll listen to lovely music and think about the past year while having some tea or cocoa. And, we'll snuggle one another gratefully knowing that we inspire one another with our love and light. Please feel free to comment on what has inspired you in 2014 and where you'd like to evolve in 2015.
Yours fully and artfully in the light,
Lisabeth
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