The Word

[ofearthandstars]

To recap - back in 2008, I began the tradition of "The Word". It's easier than attempting to define a rambling list of resolutions, and it gives me something to hold on to throughout the year and a simple way to focus on developing personal qualities that I value. Seven years later, I still find it valuable.

In 2008, I was still healing from my divorce, and the word I chose was "clarity", hoping to find a new path in my life.

In 2009, I found myself feeling more whole, but less focused than I wanted to be. I settled on "deliberate" to guide my thinking and actions.

In 2010, I was feeling more loved than at any other point in my life (because Lucas was so good to me!), and I wanted to share that. So I went with "generous".

In 2011, I was learning to deal with my anxiety, as I was preparing for our wedding and struggling with my son's diagnosis. I chose the word "yielding" to remind me that I don't need to obsess over having constant control of my life.

In 2012, I settled on "strength" to remind myself to hold fast even when everything was falling apart around me - it seemed to a lot, that year. I still don't know if I have that one conquered, but then again... I am blessed by having a partner who gives me strength, and a supporting and loving family that buoys me when times are tough.

In 2013, I wanted to recognize that I am blessed in a multitude of ways, even when I don't feel it. I chose the phrase "desperately seeking joy", and tried to hang onto it during the most difficult parts of the year (and believe me, this year has been one of my most difficult). Having my depression come back to the degree that it did made this one seem unreachable. But, I'm still here, I'm still hanging on, still clawing around for joy in the corners where no one else has looked.

This fall, I have been moving towards a focus on the interconnectedness of our lives on this Earth, and reflecting on the suffering of life and the beauty of compassion and kindness. And I would like to live in a way that recognizes these connections between us. I want to connect deeply with others, to reflect more on my interactions with the world, and to live in a way that creates peace and diminishes violence. I've been thinking a bit on the practice of metta, or loving-kindness meditation. I think the words of the Metta Sutta capture the feeling:

So with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings,
Radiating kindness over the entire world,
Spreading upwards to the skies, and downwards to the depths,
Outwards and unbounded, freed from hatred and ill-will.

I like to think of it as radical compassion and love, in which you work not only to extend compassion and kindness and love towards yourself, but to those closest to you, to those not so close to you, to those that you wish weren't so close to you, and to those who you do not personally know, but with which this universe has you inexplicably twined. I believe that peace comes through love - selfless love - and through practice of this selfless love towards others. I know that it is needed in my heart, and it is needed in my household, and it is needed in this world. And so I think for 2014, I will focus on cultivating and bringing loving-kindness to my life.

Comments

[calissa]

I am quite a fan of loving-kindness meditations, so I am very much looking forward to hearing how this word manifests for you as the year progresses.

I would also love to hear your thoughts on interconnectedness, if you have the time to share them :)

May 2014 be filled with light, love and laughter.

[ofearthandstars]

At some point, I hope to share those. I'm trying to figure out how to carve out more time to write here, since I miss having a space to put down more meaningful reflections.

And thank you. I hope that you have a lovely and warm 2014. ♥

[syntaxofthings]

I think a word or phrase to guide you works better than a resolution. That way you can be surprised by where you get with it, and life is often so surprising. Go loving-kindness!