It's In My Bones

at the end of every year my ishibashi grandmother followed the tradition of her japanese village.

she cleaned and cleared out her home for the coming year.  every item was taken out, dusted, clothes were washed and ironed, the front doorway was swept for guests,  often a new outfit was worn on the first day of the year.  this tradition is in my bones.  while i may not touch each item i own, it is a time to evaluate the previous year, to take stock, to take pause and to reflect upon what was accomplished, what was ignored and what could be improved upon.  

it was a perfect tie in to this ritual that six exiled tibetan monks who now live in a 

most remote village in india came to my community

to create a sand mandala for peace and to promote 

compassion for all.    this mandala was meticulously and lovingly created over 

a period of several days only to be dusted away showing the transitory nature of life

during this time  of renewal and sharing.

for today, may each thing that your hands or heart touch be 

reflective of the beauty that resides within you.