Celebrate

Two long nights, one short day, the Buddha smiles (haiku, author unknown)

More and more I hear people say they are not going to celebrate this season because it is full of crass commercialism, stress and stems from a tradition that they may be at odds with. I could not agree more that the meaning of the season can get lost in the melee of expectations that have been placed on this time.

Yet I cannot agree with throwing the whole enterprise out the door. If we look at most traditions around the world, including Christmas, Hanukah, Solstice, Chinese or Japanese New Year, Eid Al Adah, or Kwanzaa, we find a common denominator. They all involve light, food and community. Perhaps this is because, long ago, as people prepared for the cave journey, there was some fear that they would not make it through the winter, that there would not be enough food, warmth and hope to sustain them. It seems sensible then, that they would create a celebration filled with these things to sustain them through the dark times.

I believe that we do the same thing symbolically that our ancestors did physically. Winter time is the cave journey. It is a time when we are invited to go in and do some "housekeeping." Our ancestors spent the winter repairing their nets, pots and tools so they would be ready for spring. They spun wool and darned socks and sweaters. For us, the housekeeping asks us to turn inward, to notice what is stored in our cave (old baggage, false beliefs, hurts and wounds) and see if it needs tended to, healed, or released in preparation for the rebirth of spring.

The cave journey can feel dark and lonely at times. Perhaps this is why many people dread winter. However, as we know from yoga, if we never stop and listen, if we do not take the time to investigate, assimilate and integrate, the "stuff" of life continues to pile up creating emotional and/or physical distress. There is only one way through to spring - and that is through the cave.

I have come to think of this time of year as the big "bon voyage" party to send us off on the cave journey. The lights and candles that burn so brightly this time of year may represent hope and the light we will take with us to guide our journey. The food that abounds in celebrations may serve to give us trust and faith that we will have enough sustenance to survive, and the community reminds us that we will be kept safe and warm, and that we are never truly alone.

If this time of year if stressful and too filled with expectations, consider one tradition that does not serve you. Then let it go. In it's place create one that nourishes your spirit. And if you have already let go, create something new. Have a wonderful bon voyage party.

Let me know what rituals create light, hope and love for you this time of year. I'd love to hear how you celebrate and learn from you.
Shanti