The "Inspirtions For A New Year!" Story

 It was an ordinary day.  Looking at a publication that I had never read before which I found as I was leaving one of the few grocery stores that Carol and I visit each week.  Healthy Living Healthy Planet 'natural awakenings' was sitting next to "The Fishwrapper" as we exited the Stauffers of Kissel Hill store near Lititz, Pennsylvania.

 "The Fishwrapper" is a bi-monthly 16 page publication printed in black and white on medium weight white paper that has short religious stories in it as well as puzzles, jokes and plenty of advertisements.  The new publication that I discovered today is a 56 page publication printed on newsprint, but in full color.  Very interesting publication whose stories all deal with health and well-being.  There naturally are advertisements, but not as many as most other publications.  I enjoyed one story that talked about transforming the planet with love.  The article talked about a variety of lessons written by Matt Kahn who is a spiritual teacher and empathic healer with a global audience.

 But, the half-page article titled "Fresh Rituals for a New Year" was most interesting as well as useful to me.  Story was about the ending of one year and beginning of another which marks a transition that many celebrate with fireworks and parties.  But, there can be more to that celebration which can enrich our lives and help us deal with our loved ones better than just a glitzy celebration.  He writes about five topics such as reevaluating the past year, decluttering, formally inviting prosperity, spending the new year in meditation and placing a special emphasis on the first 12 days of the year.  His thoughts tell about taking a look back at the past year to determine what our accomplishments may have been and what challenges we may face in the coming year.  He also tells about Italians who celebrate by throwing unwanted items out their windows to help declutter.  He says it is a good time to gather different books, clothing and other items and get rid of the old at the same time.  

He suggests gathering the family together and bless a few coins and bills and donate the money to charity as a way to spiritually pay it forward.  Quiet meditation or prayer can help usher in the new year and can be done alone or with friends as the old year ends and the new year begins.  And finally, the first 12 days of the new year represent each the 12 months to come.  Spend each of these 12 days exhibiting aspirations for the coming year such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or reading a book about immigrants to help you become more culturally sensitive.  For some of you reading my story today, you perhaps are interested in the ideas expressed by the authors of the two stories I just wrote, but then again, there may be some that will read this and might find something that would make them feel better about themselves if they followed what I have written.  As for me, the fact that I have shared the article with you and knowing that some of you may take advantage of the suggestions...well, perhaps I have helped forward some of the aspirations of the writers of the articles.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  P.S.  A little bit of fun to start your New Year follows: