It is another year, nearly done. There have been births and funerals, weddings and divorces, the flow of time is inexorable. As I write it is night and so very quiet, with all the sounds blanketed by the snow. I consider my own life this past year, and, while there has been much joy and some sense of accomplishment, I find it to have been less than I would have wanted. Not less in events or activities, of that there have been ample. But less in terms of coming to more deeply understand why I am here and what it is that is wished of me. Some progress, yes, but nevertheless insufficient. Perhaps you might feel the same about your own year. If that is so I offer these thoughts below from the greatest of the modern day philosopher kings, offering them to you as a fellow traveler on our journey.
Winter
The snow is falling, it has been falling for several days now. Traffic moves at half speed and even so the cars slide in slow motion into the ditches, their landings luckily cushioned by the white drifts. Meetings cancelled, trips rescheduled. I went to the small grocery store this morning, and, buying warm soup for two days instead of only one, I remembered someone I know very well who is mostly in her house now, and bought some for her. Then home. Even my dog Rory hesitates to go outside, for the snow is up to his chest, and long walks seem to be much less interesting. We are near the 49th parallel alongside the Canadian border and the days are much shorter. The solstice is in sight, only a few day away, and it is now completely dark sometime between four and five o’clock.
“Remember how long you’ve been putting this off, how many extensions the gods gave you and you didn’t use them. At some point you have to recognize what world it is that you belong to; what power rules it and from what source you spring, that there is a limit to the time assigned you, and if you don’t use it to free yourself it will be gone and will never return.” Marcus Aurelius
As always, comments are welcome. May you realize your wish in the year to come.
Thankyou for the heartfelt sharing, it made me reflect on my own year which left me with a similar sense of pondering.
Stunning photo✨
And thank you, Lindy. May the new year bring us both what it is we seek. Dennis
You always stimulate the thinking process in others! Lately, dreams have been pointing me to examine my own path–and a harsher judge seats in the seat at age 85. I find it an incentive to love more, judge less, and be forgiving–of myself and others.
Love it! We had two weddings this year and now I jokingly say, I have no purpose, the kids are on their own. I do. It is easy to look around and see the needs. My mentee, age 10 is behind on his reading. There are the elderly who are waiting for a call, even a home cooked meal would be special for them.
Thank you for the meditation you have provided here. Have a joyous holiday. Hello to Karen.
Beautifully written, Dennis, as always:)
I could feel the soft, muffled quiet of the winter night. Loved the quote: such a thoughtful boost of energy and determination looking forward to the New Year as I (finally) launch a community “project” I’ve been working towards🤞🏻
May you continue to thrive in 2023,
Debbie