Here we go again.
We say goodbye to another year and hello to the new one.
Who determined that January 1 was the start of another year?
Hang on. I’ll check. Be right back.
Okay, so a hasty google search turned up that Julius Caesar picked January because the god Janus symbolized new beginnings.
Then there was a bunch of information about the Gregorian calendar, the Catholic church and so on and so forth.
But, I’m sticking with the whole new beginnings/Janus god stuff. Janus was symbolized by gates and doorways and has two faces, obstensibly one face gazed forward and one looked backwards.
Got it.
So, before we look into our future, it makes sense to look at what we are leaving behind.
Collectively 2022 has been a time of war, a new normal filled with contagious viruses and scientific minds coming up with ways in which we can protect ourselves and each other. It has been a time of moving backwards politically in some arenas and moving forward in others – hey, Janus. We feel you. You know, the whole backwards/forwards thing.
Maybe that is what life is. We move forward. We slip backwards. We leap into the future with hope at the same time we sometimes find ourselves sitting in a sauce of regret and past resentments.
We change. We stay the same. We evolve. We regress.
Here’s my hope. It’s for you, for me, for our country and for the world.
I hope that we take more steps toward evolution and less toward, um… what’s the opposite of evolution? It’s not involution. Because evolution involves involution, going inward. You can’t really progress without self – and collective – examination.
So, I hope you start off your new year by looking inward, assessing, and then taking steps to evolve and grow and change where change is important and stay the same where staying centered and rooted in who you are is vital.
Maybe the opposite of evolution is stagnation. You can stay rooted and centered without stagnating, right? I think stagnating is living in a pool of our own self-centeredness, our own lack of awareness and growth.
So, let’s learn about ourselves, each other and the world in which we live. Let’s walk through the gate that the forward head of Janus is holding open and let’s hold the door for the people around us. Let’s hold open the gate, guys. Let’s plan our next incarnation and let’s help our friends who are in the midst of their own growth.
It’s important because growth can be messy and chaotic. It isn’t always pretty. So, things like mercy and grace and kindness and forgiveness are key ingredients for our own growth (are we ever really as mean to others as we are to ourselves) and for the growth of others.
Happy January. Walking through the door. Let’s enter it together.
Amanda,
I always read your “reflections” because you offer options in your assessments. This one fits your pattern. I don’t know if it requires lots of research or if it’s just part of your thought process of writing off the cuff.
One of favorite magazine is The Atlantic. Get your resume together and send it to them. Your style fits there’s and you’d be an asset. After all, your smart, funny, open to others and young.
Love, Barbara anne
Thank you. Love the Atlantic. Maybe I’ll continue reading it, rather than writing for it! 😉 And, yes, my blogs are off the cuff. Kind of a stream of consciousness. I love you and your beautiful and constant support. Happy New Year!
All well said and yes many of us make resolutions, I never did , I reflect on what the year thought me and try to bring something new with the next if I can. This year’s focus is on health , rebuilding healthy relationships kindness and love.
Happy ,Healthy and prosperous New Year
Those are beautiful intentions, Jadwiga. I’m thankful you walked in the Chamber door and I got to meet you! Happy New Year!
Great reflection on New Years and Janus, especially the message about holding the door open for others along the journey, with mercy, grace, kindness and forgiveness. Looking forward to staying connected to your blog ♥️
Thank you so much, Eric! I think I’ll step up my blogging. I so appreciate the encouragement. I’m looking forward to connecting with our community of do-ers, dreamers and supporters!
You are already helping me with my New Years goal of trying meditation. Thank you so much for that. You are the best!
Lin
Thank you for helping me on my journey to become a Certified Chopra Primordial Sound Meditation teacher. YOU are helping ME with my New Year’s goal – to get certified! xo