 |
| Japanese Crane |
Here in the northern hemisphere, Winter Solstice approaches
like the whispering sound of bird wings. Soon we will teeter on the edge - the
shortest day and longest night - before falling
into the infinity of returning light. Winter Solstice is my favorite holiday
because I am in love with light and the silent moment by moment increase of
light fills me with hope precisely when I need it most – during the cold and
darkness of winter.
Moreover, the solstice is that moment in time when the
opposites are held in tension: light and dark, long and short, winter in the
northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere, youth and age. Each
has a unique energy. It reminds me, a lover of light and of uplifting experiences, that life
is about holding the opposites in the sort of dynamic balance one sees in
certain Japanese prints.
For a quarter of a century I have been celebrating a ritual
of 12 Days of Christmas – a time of gifts of self affirmation as I celebrate the
divine child within each of us. This year the season of
the solstice has announced itself differently, calling me to celebrate a Season
of Contemplative Action.
 |
| Freedom of Religion is protected by the US Bill of Rights. |
I heard this call when a certain self-proclaimed demigod and
presidential candidate denied a fundamental underpinning of American democracy
– the right of religious freedom. The first European pilgrims to the shores of
North America came because they sought freedom from religious persecution. Thus
they enshrined religious freedom in our Bill of Rights.
When I read that this man - I refuse to lend energy to him
by even saying or writing his name - is advocating the exclusion of Muslims
from our multi-cultural society, I said, “Maybe I should retire to a
contemplative convent and pray for the souls of such deranged fear mongers.”
Then I realized that as a solitary person, I already live in
a place of contemplation. I do not need to go somewhere else to perform acts
of contrition. Thus began the making of lists for a season of contemplative action.
 |
| Photo from Central Asia Institute's Pennies for Peace. The education of girls is the surest road to peace. |
12 Life Affirming Acts
Honoring others with gifts of gratitude for their presence in my life and for the gift of life on earth
12 Calls to Turn My Life Around
Standing present to my shortcomings
Acknowledging my personal transgressions is a difficult list to face. Clearly I harbor harsh feelings toward political reactionaries and fundamentalist religious fanatics. Though I know better, I still pollute my body with sugar and dairy products, by not drinking enough water, and not eating enough green leafy vegetables. I have a terrible habit of having my head in the clouds when I walk, leading to four falls in the past decade. Not to mention my lack of patience with rule-bound ‘service’ providers and institutional bean counters. Many of you could provide me with more suggestions for how I can become a better member of the human Community!
 |
| Photo from Central Asia Institute's Pennies for Peace program in which elementary children collect pennies and send them to help girls receive an education. |
12 Calls for Intercession
Dedication to the alleviation of suffering near and far
Your list of places, people and issues that require attention and care would no doubt be slightly different than mine. But perhaps we can agree that it was heartening that 195 nations around the world signed the Paris Accord, committing to reduce the amount of carbon with which we are polluting planet earth. Having Russia, Syria, United States, Arabia, and Iran agree to look for middle ground for ending the civil war in Syria is certainly a welcome sign toward peace on earth.
What would be on your lists? During this time in which darkness submits to light may each of us contribute to ...
What would be on your lists? During this time in which darkness submits to light may each of us contribute to ...
Peace on Earth
Good Will Toward All
