New Year’s Day appears in its full exuberance: why do human beings need these benchmarks in time? It has to undoubtedly to do with the fact that we are cyclical creatures. We see magical birth, eventual maturity, ascendance to glory and our final demise as necessary parts of existence – hence the New Year celebrations. This signifies a new beginning, a fresh start. In Western countries, we are exposed to many characterizations of Baby New Year — eventually becoming wizened Father Time. (1) The holiday is an optimistic festival because it produces a powerful pause and the necessary reflection: now what? I recently asked a group of students what would the New Year portend. I was told it would be the same as this year: more tests and yet more homework. This surely is not how I should conceptualize life. Whether I am sixteen or sixty, I must be excited about my life. But then comes the old chestnut. Who is responsible for your life? The answer, rather tragically in many circumstances, is you are.
You are responsible for you. I think it would be fair to say that everyone is traumatized by life – to a lesser or greater degree. It is how we deal with this anguish that decides the course of “my piece of life,” to paraphrase Sadhguru. (2) It is not the horrific event or events that cause the greatest psychological damage, but a person’s response. I recently reread Elie Wiesel’s (1928-2016) book, Night. The work could be described as a metaphor for hope, in its own way. “There’s a long road of suffering ahead of you. But don’t lose courage. You’ve already escaped the gravest danger: selection. So now, muster your strength, and don’t lose heart. We shall all see the day of liberation. Have faith in life. Above all else, have faith. Drive out despair, and you will keep death away from yourselves. Hell is not for eternity. And now, a prayer – or rather, a piece of advice: let there be comradeship among you. We are all brothers, and we are all suffering the same fate. The same smoke floats over all our heads. Help one another. It is the only way to survive.” (3)
He, of course, is referring to his death camp experience. (4) But everyone is confronted with their own mortality at some point in life. We must overcome this shock and life’s attendant adversity if we are to become the functioning and joyous creatures that we are all entitled to be. There is little purpose in suffering if it does not advance us further down the road of spiritual and philosophical growth. One of the greatest cures for pessimism, I feel, is gratitude. Each of us must simply make a list of our gifts and fortunate circumstances to have a sense of relief wash over us: I am lucky to be alive and I am even luckier to be me. So, as we reflect on the New Year, let us be appreciative of the good fortune that comes our way. But, who makes my luck? For sure, I do – in my thoughts and in my actions: Happy New Year! The great poet, T.S. Eliot (1888-1965), leaves us with a thought: For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.
A closing thought: I recently spoke with a young woman who was greatly distressed by her job. She was visually upset – with halting, punctuated speech and stress in her eyes. I noted that all of us can identify with this time — some period of deep concern which includes, what seems to be, a life-altering experience. Later, when we view this occurrence through the lens of our own history, we realize it had very little value on where we eventually arrived in our life. This is the lesson of time. Every happening only has value when I give it value. This, unfortunately, is far easier to say than to do. It requires meditation and thoughtfulness. (5)
To sum up: This week, we spoke about the New Year and what it means to all of us.
To be noted: From Will Durant (1885-1981) — One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.
Just for fun: “Eugène Oneguine” paraphrase, Tchaikovsky
For reflection: The five major world religions – John Bellaimey
This week on your quiet walk, please reflect on how lucky you are to be given you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Quote: We must all appreciate that “the now” has no innatepower only tranquility.
Footnotes:
2) Sadhguru
3) Night