Now that my high-speed has been restored, I was blog-surfing again and saw this. Rebecca presents the idea of choosing a word for the new year. It's a good alternative to the "I won't [that] anymore" or "I will do [this] from now on."
The idea of the word is to create a theme for the year. It is around a central concept that will change the way we look at things. It's amazing how a different lens can change our perspectives.
My word is "reconciliation". The idea behind it is to begin building bridges instead of walls. I began working with the concept a few months ago, deciding that bearing the responsibility of changing an entire culture was a bit more than I can handle. Concentrating on finding the things that unite us rather than the things that separate us is what I will be doing in the future. It does take a conscious effort.
I started by reading a lot of books that are well outside my worldview to discover the commonalities. Talking to others who see things differently and listening with an open mind has revealed many things we share. We just say them differently. If we stick with the dialogue, we'll find that we mostly want the same things.
In the micro, it means "restoration of harmony".
That includes moving from a place where there is a lot of chaos, anger and upset to create a more peaceful environment of my own in a new residence.
It means restoring harmony to my body by treating it well.
It means restoring harmony to my relationships by stretching my own worldview to include new people.
It means making a conscious effort to honor the beliefs of others without finding a need to criticize or correct them.
It means participating in activities that promote a positive change. The paraphrased quote of Mother Teresa comes to mind. "I won't participate in an anti-war rally. Have a pro-peace rally and I'll be there."
It means finally being able to relax. It means an end to the feeling of urgency that propels me into warrior mode. God's business is God's business. Mine is to be a bit gentler, to step a bit more lightly.
That's my word. Reconciliation.
What will be your word?
Wishing all a peaceful, kinder, more fulfilling 2009.
~Chani
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Monday, December 29, 2008
Word of the Year.....
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An excellent word, an excellent theme.
I think my word would be acceptance. That is my lesson to learn.
Patience. I have been learning to wait for things.
I love this idea. I think I like the words peace and harmony. They are what I need in my life right now, but I'll ponder this for a bit more.
This is a pretty deep post considering that my words is "Chips."
Oh, there you go again Chani! Forcing us to think! New year's resolutions are trite at this point---I always fall off the wagon. But a word as a theme for life in the coming year is a wonderful idea. Taped on the bathroom mirror, we'd have a reminder every morning. Love it. Will have to think about it a while before I know what my word will be....Hope your word helps you to have a great year!
I like the idea of a word or theme. I don't have one though. I've just barely begun to think about the new year.
I really like the one you chose and the meaning behind it.
Patience. Definitely something I need to incorporate into my core.
Wishing you all the very best of health love and happiness in 2009 !
My word for 2009 is LIVE!
This is a wonderful concept. For me, the word would be "simplify". Happy New Year, Chani!
Thank you for your help the other night. I think my word will be "listen"
what a good exercise.
i think mine might just be "leap"
A truly fine idea Chani. I'll have to give it some thought. I very much like the idea though, and I 'll post on it when I come up with mine!
Chani,
What a beautiful word for you, and absolutely perfect!
I have been thinking about this for about a day, and have some ideas for myself, but need to work on it a bit more. For me, that's EXACTLY what New Year's Eve is for!!!
This year, I've decided I'm going to do some art, write, and come up with a word...
As always, Chani, you force us to think (I agree with Molly!),
Blessings and love,
O
Nice idea, Chani. A word certainly is much simpler than a whole list of resolutions! Still, I don't know that I am able to come with one for myself.
I like your definitions of reconciliation, especially the words "restoration of harmony" and "to be a bit gentler, to step a bit more lightly".
I feel lighter just thinking about that!
A pefect word and a splendid idea. I am going to ponder this. If I were to choose one it would probably be forgiveness. May all your reconciliations of 2009 transpire for you.
What an awesome idea. I'll get back to you with my "word".
Happy New Year, Chani.
Hugs,
Laurie
I was sure I had already commented on this but must have been distracted, so perhaps my word should be "focus."
That means not only being clear about my personal goals and working on them, but focusing completely on what others say without relating similar experiences in return because while my goal is to bond by sharing, it can dilute what they are expressing.
We all want to be heard but such sharing can feel like competition, so I'm going to work on this.
Glad you're back but only have time for a happy New Year, Chani!
Chani, I love this idea, too. In fact, I've been thinking about my word for 2009 for days now. I was pretty sure it was going to be Yes! I have one minute to 2009 and am thinking it may just be Scatter Joy. Yes, I know it's two words, but what a mantra. Gotta go now and whoop and holler. Happy new year.
My word will be "acceptance". Of myself, of others, of things I don't understand, of things I cannot change.
Great post Chani. Blessed 2009
One word is impossible for me. Goodness, if I have to pick one. No matter the situation, try to find the utter good, that way I can blanket it over everything else, the patience, acceptance, reconciliation, open-mindedness, respect that we need to make it a better world. (Perhaps respect would blanket it all, too.)
Happy New Year, Chani!
(Right now it needs to be medication. My back is killing me!)
I hadn't thought about finding a word, but remembering things that went through my mind, the word for me has to be 'relaxation'. I don't mean I intend to put my feet up while everybody else works; I mean I have to get away from feeling so tense about events or incidents, no matter what.
A happy and bright 2009 to you... thank you for blogging and being there.
Can I cheat a little and use a phrase? Because I'm going with "letting go"
Happy New Year!
I am linking to this post in my next blog entry. I think this idea is too brilliant not to be shared. Hope you don't mind.
this is a beautiful, inspirational post - thank you!
this is a beautiful, inspirational post - thank you!
My word is GRACE ... based on an I Ching (Yi Jing) divination I did on New Year's Eve ...
Live.
We're going to live this year... after years struggling to find our way onto a good path, we're here and I'm going to live life and enjoy every second.
what a great word. I was really moved by it when I visited the Coventry Cathedral, they do great work with reconciliation there. you may be interested... http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/about-us/our-reconciliation-ministry.php
It is around a central concept that will change the way we look at things. It's amazing how a different lens can change our perspectives.
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