InterWeavings

Simplicity

Love

Order

Faith

Joy

Respect

Beauty

Gratitude

Self Dicipline and Self Reliance

Peace

Charity

Courage

These virtues are going to be our inspiration this calendar year of 2012. I feel that many of these virtues are no longer a part of our society.  Each and everyone of them is not only a gift to ourselves, but to our family and the greater world as well. It seems at first glance to be an easy thing to do and we automatically assume there is nothing for us to learn. But it is much more than a list of words that make us feel good about ourselves. Incorporating these ideas into our daily round as we interact with those who do not share our beliefs is the test. Can we hold these virtues while stuck on the tarmak for four hours in a plane that has an infant screaming? Or yet another long line at a store when we really need to be somewhere else? How about sharing living space with someone who feels our beliefs are wrong. The challenge is to put hands and feet to our spiritual beliefs.  The challenge is to live authentically.

Let’s begin January with Simplicity.

In a complex world the thought of simplicity seems old fashioned and idealistic. Yet, most of us yearn for simpler times. The past takes on a rosy glow as we think back on days with less stress and obligations. Simplicity and the good ole’ days. Yep, that’s what we picture.

How do we bring simplicity into our busy days without giving up too much? What does the Shaker hymn, “Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free” mean? Can I still have my iphone and a thousand apps while embracing simplicity? The answer to these questions lies within us.

Simplicity in it’s purest form for me is a deep breath of January’s cold night air. A single candle bringing light to a darkend room during meditation. A sip of cool water to cleanse myself before a ritual. The glistening of an amethist crystal in the candlelight.  Thus, simiplicity becomes serenity.

To simplify our desk, diet, and domecile is a start. Feng shui can guide us in right placement of our things and thus open more energy and serenity. So can common sense.

Our work enviroment may not be easy to tackle if there are requirements from others. Our desks reflect back to us our inner state of being. Calm or distracted? Don’t overlook the desktop of your computer. Even with work we are not thrilled to have, we can still find ways to simplify our way of handleing tasks and our attitude towards those tasks. After all, intention is powerful.

Our diet at this time of year is ready for simple fare. Hearty soup, good bread and a warm beverage restores our body and spirit. Keeping body and soul well fed as the cold and dark of winter envelops us is powerful magic. A crock pot is my favorite new fangled cauldron. A magic pot that cooks by itself all day.  What a gift to enter the house after a long day and smell dinner ready!

The domecile part of this discussion can seem overwhelming. It does at our house right now. Downsizing is not an option in the current housing market and our plans to do so by now are on hold. And as in all things, the universe hates a vacumme so any and all space is full of stuff. With the recent passing of my mother our house accuired it’s share of extra furnature. Our daughter’s graduation from college meant storage of her things until she get’s settled. And let’s not overlook my difficulty in letting go of things I “might” need later on! That is truly “lack” mentality at it’s best. Baby steps are all that’s required. Organize the spice cabinet or linen closet. Clear off horizontal surfaces in the living areas. Breathe.

Simplify rituals and spells for the month of January. Bring the focus of intent to the forefront of magical work. I can get caught up in the intricacy of rituals. I love bringing together many different images and symbols of what I need. Yet, the simple ritual I started this article with is just as powerful, if not more so, for me during winter. A rock, a flame, a breath and water. A reminder that, for me, I dwell within the Goddess and the Goddess dwells within me. Graceful.   Powerful. Simple.