Burning the Bowl...

Last week, Russ and I participated in a “Burning Bowl” ceremony in preparation and celebration of the New Year to come.  It was a new and inspiring event for me.

Basically, You write on a piece of paper all that You wish to release (all that no longer serves Your highest good).  Then burn it in a bowl as part of a sacred ceremony.  In this way, You bring to Your consciousness, all that You wish to let go of, in order that You make room for the new. 

A fitting service for the beginning of the New Year, the tradition appears to have originated in Unity Churches about fifty years ago.  There are many similar types of traditions (of course).  One popular site that comes up when You Google “Burning Bowl Ceremony” includes philosophies of Reiki.  (“A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing” – Reiki.org)

  

Reiki Burning Bowl Ceremony link... click here

In Judaism, there’s a ritual called “Tashlich” that is most commonly performed during Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year.  This involves the symbolic “casting off” of the previous year’s sins by throwing bread into flowing water.

Tashlich link... click here

We could make resolutions that may or may not last until the end of January.  We could also look at patterns in Our life – things We wish to change or let go of.  Then actually let go and invite new thoughts, ideas, creations, situations to enter Our lives. 

In Oprah’s Master Class, she speaks of letting go in terms of “surrender” – as in surrendering to God. 

Oprah's Master Class on YouTube... click here

Oftentimes, habits are hard to break because We tend to cling to what We know.  New frontiers tend to be scary.  But why?  Do they have to be?  Or, is that just one of the old and outdated views that no longer serves?  New frontiers can also bring great joy and excitement!  

As We enter this New Year… I embrace the choice to step boldly into the unknown frontier!

In My own album's opening song “Only Way Home” I say, “Boldly forward is the way back home…” meaning that this is the way to true peace and happiness.  (Isn’t it funny how We all benefit greatly from reminders of that which We already know?)

"Only Way Home" - click here to listen

Anyway, on this the first day of the New Year, I wish You all a beautiful new beginning and the ability and peace of heart to embrace it fully.

I truly believe that Our most precious dreams, goals and aspirations await Us patiently.  May We all have the courage, strength, faith and wisdom to step ever so closer to them on this, Our earthly journey this year.

“Once again I find I’m standing face to face – with a destiny that seems to patiently await” (lines from one of our new songs)

Blessings for the Year to come! Xoxo

Namaste