Thursday, December 27, 2012

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.

6 comments:

  1. I, of course, hurried to Google to discover the meaning of ishibashi. It means "stone bridge", How appropriate the stone bridge imagery is between your grandmother's tradition with the other villagers and your tradition you hold to today. Is ishibashi your grandmother's surname or perhaps the name of the town she came from?

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  2. Beautiful reflections on the new year, traditions, and mindfulness!

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  3. Beautiful reflections on the new year, traditions, and mindfulness!

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  4. Irene,
    You describe such a beautiful tradition..a taking of time to be grateful and mindful of everything that we have in our lives.

    I too have had the GREAT privilege of seeing a Tibetan sand mandala be created with delicate care and precision.

    happy happy new year!!!
    x...x

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  5. Irene! Happy New Year to you! Here is to a wonderful healthy creative 2013 for us all!

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  6. LOL! the above comment is from me... I hit anonymous by accident!

    Irene! Happy New Year to you! Here is to a wonderful healthy creative 2013 for us all!

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