![]() I'm digging deep within ourselves to assess if my espoused core values to freedom and equity, mercy and justice are aligned with the way we live, the values and habits of “being” that we institutionalize daily, in our public and private thoughts, words, rituals and actions. The prophetic insights of MLK essentially said, we would be unable to go forward if we did not experience a “true revolution of values.” I'm drawing upon the lessons learned through the innumerable examples of social movements here and abroad where against ALL odds those under threat stood their ground and altered a course bent on destruction. Self-observation requires continuing practice. Wherever your pattern of attention and energy go, your behavior follows.Ģ. To change your behavior requires self-observation of your pattern of attention and energy.ģ. Self-observation becomes easier as you practice it, however it never becomes habitual. Values such as generosity of spirit, a welcoming attitude to the lost and oppressed, justice and mercy seem to have been overwhelmed by fruitless emotions such as fear of the unknown, a desire for certainty through power over and a need to “other” those who are different from ourselves.Īs we prepare for the celebration of returning to the light, I'm reflecting deeply and more clearly on the opening of a poem by Theodore Roethke: "In a dark time, the eye begins to see." I'm also mindful of the “Three Laws of Behavior:”ġ. We are horrified by the stories of suffering among people who have lost their land, their home, their children, autonomy over their bodies, repeal of their civil rights… resulting in the loss of their equitable and safe place in the world. We are appalled by the white supremacy, misogyny, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and climate denialism. ![]() ![]() This concept took firm root in many other cultures including Christians adopting it in 567 AD when Church leaders proclaimed the 12 days from December 25 to Epiphany as a sacred, festive season.Īll December holidays this year come at a nefarious time, a time of significant disruptive change in the world some of us thought we knew. The midwinter festival of the ancient Egyptians celebrated the birth of Horus – son of Isis (the divine mother-goddess). They set the length of the festival at 12 days, to reflect the 12 divisions in their sun calendar. Five thousand years ago, ancient Egyptians celebrated the rebirth of the sun at this time of year. Many modern Christian traditions, such as the Christmas tree, the Christmas wreath, the Yule log, and others, are direct descendants of the ancient winter solstice customs and traditions. ![]() In this season of darkness, people have always celebrated the beginning of the return of the light. ![]()
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