Winter Reflection

The end of the year has come and work remains to be done, but many of us are tired.

May we walk slower today and breathe deeper.

As much as we love the holidays—the good food, good friends, and the festive music—they add on additional tasks. We want to remember why we take time to celebrate these special and holy days of people and nature. 

May we smile at strangers on the street for no other reason

than to celebrate we’re alive.

When we’re working on a task, we want to think only about that task and bring ourselves into it. When we’re talking with another person, we want to listen for what they are reluctant to share.

May we respond to every person with kindness, not judgment,

because each of us is struggling with something. 

We want to linger in cafés with friendly staff, strong coffee, and freshly-baked cookies. We want to spend more time in nature, hear the wisdom of the elder trees, and watch squirrels chase each other through the woods like crazy six-year-olds.

May we spend time with people who glow with joy, 

and help each other shine brighter. 

We do not have to rush to fill our lives with wonder. Wonder exists all around us. 

May we slow down and fall in love with this moment, and the next. And in the coming year, may we be so spontaneous, creative, and courageous that we take our own breath away.