When young, we love to celebrate New Year’s at parties. But growing older, one begins to celebrate in other ways, too, like in thinking deeply about the past and trying to gain some perspective on the life thus far lived, even days before the New Year arrives. Recently, we’ve had some respite from winter’s chill, so I’ve had the luxury of spending more time outside, where reflection is buoyed by sunshine and the beautiful though stubborn stalwarts of nature that persist in living vigorously while others sleep. So, for example, while a very large oak tree I admire in the view-shed from my back yard is now bare and lifeless, a most lively hawk still occasionally finds comfort high up near its top branches for an unobstructed view of the lesser lifeforms like me, far below.
The hawk is good company. It doesn’t say much, and neither do I. But we are simpatico.
To many tribal people, such an exquisite bird as this serves as a messenger who carries prayers to Great Spirit. That certainly makes sense to me, since I’ve watched hawks throughout my life, and have seen them soar far above and beyond my sight into the heavens.
And one sunny day last week, I think this hawk showed up for duty.
I had a prayer to send along.
I write about that prayer, the hawk, and other things on my main blog for this advent of a fledgling New Year. Yes, it’s a reflection piece, something written by one who now rather prefers partying in nature most of the time. It’s called “Guns, And A Prayer For The New Year.”
I’d like to know of your reflections on the past and of what you see ahead, so feel free to swap an email or comment any time.
I wish you the brightest and best year yet.
Aho & Namaste,
–Bob
