FRESH RITUALS

n Celebrate environmental stewardship by planting and growing a Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush.

Even gift wrapping can become a fun and eco-smart family game by challenging everyone to creatively repurpose everything from old maps and fabrics to magazines and paper bags, perhaps decorated with artwork and nature finds. If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However they are wrapped, gifts demonstrate in these unprecedented times that deep joy comes not from acquiring new stuff, but from caring for and giving to each other—especially our children. “In the end, the most precious gift parents can give their children this holiday is their attention, infused with a little bit of festive magic,” says Kempton.

Ronica O’Hara, a Denver-based health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

Gentle Self-Care for Parents

“Feelings of melancholy are a reality for many people over the holidays, and this year it is likely to affect more of us than usual, given how so many of us have lost someone or something this year,” says Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy. “It is vital to acknowledge these feelings and accommodate them, whilst also making space for joy. This comes down to talking about it, letting people know what you need or asking what they need and being prepared for the emotions to rise to the surface in the middle of things.” She suggests “putting some slack in your schedule, taking extra care of your health, reaching out for support and giving yourself permission to do things differently this year.”

Fresh Rituals for a New Year

ksenia makagonova/Unsplash.com ksenia makagonova/Unsplash.com

The end of one year and the beginning of another marks a hopeful transition that many of us choose to celebrate with fireworks and glitzy parties. Here are several New Year’s rituals to help us connect more deeply to our loved ones, to ourselves and to a richer sense of purpose as we embrace the promise of 2021. Reevaluate the past year. While many people focus only on what lies ahead on New Year’s Day, consider taking a therapeutic and spiritual look at the past 12 months, evaluating personal accomplishments and deviations from goals and aspirations. Take note of lessons learned and challenges faced, as well as the top 10 highlights of the year. Declutter. In Italy, people throw things out of their windows on New Year’s Eve; getting rid of items that are no longer of service is just as important as welcoming the new. In that spirit, this is a good time to gather clothing, books and other items collecting dust and donate them to a local charity where they may be useful to someone else. Formally invite prosperity. Many cultures around the world celebrate New Year’s Day with rituals that are meant to ward off bad luck and attract good fortune. Some of them espouse throwing money over the threshold the first time someone enters their home after the new year has begun. Here’s a modern twist: Gather the family together and bless a few coins or paper bills, either through prayer or as a statement of hope and anticipation. Then, donate the money to charity as a way to spiritually pay it forward. Spend New Year’s Eve in meditation. Quiet meditation or prayer is a great way to usher in a sense of peace and harmony. Make sure the session begins before midnight and extends into the new year. This can be done at home alone, with friends or at a local meet-up group, yoga center or spiritual organization. Place special emphasis on the first 12 days. For many people, the first 12 days of a new year represent each of the 12 months to come. To set a positive course for 2021, spend each of those days exhibiting aspirations for the coming year, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen to manifest an interest in being more charitable, or reading a book about immigrants to become more culturally sensitive.

Yoga Corner

Yamas & Niyamas

by Nicole Zornitzer

The Western world view of the practice of yoga is often that of movement and exercise. However, there is much more to yoga than the pure “asana” (movement); in fact, asana is only one limb of the Eight Limbed Path of Yoga. In the Eastern world, yoga is a way of life—for some it is a spiritual experience; for others it is a means to better comprehend all that life tosses our way. In my case, yoga has saved my life multiple times and it is not because I can comfortably go upside down. Yoga goes much deeper than this.

Many years ago, in my quest for knowledge and a deeper understanding, I began to dive deep into the yamas and the niyamas. These Sanskrit words and ideas of wisdom have molded the way in which I have chosen to live my life, experience my yoga and educate the population on such concepts.

The yamas and niyamas can be viewed as yogic ethical disciplines or observances that offer the practitioner a means to move through life both on and off the mat in a mindful and meaningful way. They encourage acceptance of and kindness to all, including one’s self, and offer tangible and non-tangible methods to heal.

The 5 Yamas are translated as “restraints” or social disciplines:

◊ Ahimsa (non-violence) – invites one to be non-harmful to oneself, others and the environment. ◊ Satya (truthfulness) – encourages one to live life authentically. ◊ Asteya (non-stealing) – introduces one to live life with integrity, in the present moment with gratitude. ◊ Brahmacharya (non-excess) – enables one to accept that one has enough versus grasping for more. ◊ Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) – asks one to let go of how one thinks life should be and instead accept the life one has to truly arrive present.

The 5 Niyamas are translated as “observances” or ethical conduct:

◊ Saucha (purity) – Maintain a pure body, thoughts and actions. Santosha (contentment) – To be content with what we have and live authentically in the moment. Tapas (self-discipline) – Exude your pure character and continue on a path of wellness. Svadhyaya (self-study) – Understanding oneself to create a pathway of knowledge and acceptance. Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender) – To let go of ego and open the heart to live life fully.

Yoga and the yamas and niyamas have provided me a pathway to wellness, the ability to be compassionate toward myself and others, and the framework to effectively and efficiently live a full life. The greatest lesson I have learned is that this life is short; thus, to live in the present, truly acknowledging all moments, appreciative for others who have entered and existed and understand that I was meant to experience them all. A full life is one that can be reflected upon at death with gratitude for everything.

Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey, and Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

Winter Solstice A New Season – A New Era Celebrate The Light

by Janet StraightArrow

Every year we celebrate the Winter Solstice as the day that awakens the light. December 21 is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As the sun moves into Capricorn, the winter season begins, often bringing cold weather for us in New Jersey.

This year, a special planetary alignment at the Winter Solstice occurs when planets Saturn and Jupiter join at zero degrees Aquarius. These two planets meet in the sky every 20 years bringing a new phase for the world to experience.

A theme for Aquarius is all for one and one for all. Both a personal and collective focus at the same time. Aquarius awakens us to collective responsibility as our true selves. For this to occur on the 2020 Winter Solstice portends a big shift point and change coming.

As we gather on the Winter Solstice, it is good to explore a grander purpose for all of us to be self-sustaining and productive. Discovering who we are and what our place is, on the whole, is an important theme to explore. Living our true self with clarity and peace serves all.

Aquarius is represented by the planet Uranus which is known for lightning bolt change. What changes do we need to make to improve society now? What is our part in this change?

How might Saturn (structure) and Jupiter (expansion)inspire a new era? Both of these energies joined in Aquarius offers opportunities to work together. The adventure continues as we try to work through the divisions in thought and resistance to cooperation within our part of the world.

On the solstice, join with family, gather on Zoom with a spiritual community or alone to meditate, pray, celebrate and set your intentions for the New Season, Year, and 20-year cycle opening. Reach for the stars, the highest truth, and love. Let’s say a collective prayer for this next cycle to advance the best change for all.

Janet StraightArrow, founder of Be The Medicine, is a shaman, healer and sage. Join Janet StraightArrow on December 21, at 7 p.m., on Zoom. Sliding Scale donations. For details, see the calendar listing on page xx or visit BeTheMedicine.com. See ad, page 7.