I think it is important for each of us to cultivate silence, to cleanse our ears with peace.
The news today and yesterday is beyond comment for me right now. I keep thinking that my task is to cultivate peace in myself and offer it to the world. I don't believe in war as solution. I think we can meet in a place of forgiveness and it requires a great deal of work. May 2009 be the year of that work, the work of allowing our ears a place to rest, and our throats a place to widen beyond a viewpoint that is only ours, so there is a place for each of us at the table of life.
Many cut down a Christmas tree this time of year and bring it into their home. It is a wonderful tradition of celebrating the evergreen, the return of light, and yet, I wonder if we then honor the recycling of the tree, or toss it into the street without a thought as to its dissolution, knowing the garbage truck will pick it up. I think now of the famous story by Hans Christian Anderson, The Fir Tree. You can read it here:
http://hca.gilead.org.il/fir_tree.html
It is to honor the cycles of life, the seasons, knowing that for each of us there are only a certain number of winters and springs. How do we allow the intensity of silence and peace that silences discord and war?
It is time to be considering resolutions for the New Year. What does each of us want to see? What matters most?
I'm voting for silence, ethics and peace.