Last fall I had the opportunity to visit the beach with friends for a weekend. We walked on the beach, went to the autumn market, enjoyed freshly baked foccacia and croissants, ate chicken salad sandwiches and drank lemonade. Then we walked on the beach some more and finally sat on the beach and watched the sun set.
I thought it might be fun to revisit this warm, autumn weekend in the midst of winter as a reminder that summer will come again . . .
Photo R. MesharPhoto R. MesharPhoto R. MesharPhoto R. MesharPhoto R. Meshar
Last year I picked one word to focus on for the year. My word was “romantic” and focusing on it allowed romance to enter my life in a more conscious and continuous way.
This year another word has emerged. It fits my on-going task of going deeper; going deeper into my life, into life around me, into the life of women, into the lives of those struggling with poverty and into our education, economic, religious and political systems. The word is authentic.
Dictionary.com defines “authentic” as “one who acts independently.” The word “authentic” comes from the Latin word “authenticus” meaning “coming from the author.” This, in turn, is from the Greek word “authentikos,” from “auto” plus “hent” – a doer.
To be authentic includes acting, writing and speaking from an original or unique point of view. Going deeper into life allows us to do this because we allow life to more fully develop who we are – our personhood.
We are not meant to be passive. We are not called to be doers on automatic pilot. We are called to be autonomous doers; acting and thinking independently, authentically and for ourselves, not blindly following others.
We are not victims of the powers that be or the systems in the world around us — unless we choose to be. To choose this is to choose a distortion of what it means to live a truly human life. To be “nice and quiet” neighbors, citizens, or individuals is to live life on the default setting. On the other hand we can choose to be autonomous, to observe and create new, different and better choices.
Each of us is given just one life. We can author this life in any way we choose. But it is our life to author – to live and to create.
I’ll return to the word “authentic” as the year unfolds. It will be interesting to observe what authenticity brings to the year ahead.
A happy and healthy New Year to all of you – my InnerPacific readers!
With New Year’s visiting and celebrations just around the corner – how do you put together a fun meal that takes various diet considerations into account? Why, “on the side” of course!
Byerly’s Real Food magazine (Winter 2011) offered some terrific chili recipes, but in every case, the Chorizo sausage, turkey or seasoned, cooked ground beef is served on the side. This is an excellent idea for many reasons:
1. It encourages guests to stop and think about how they will incorporate meat into their meal, or even if they will add it.
2. The meat is used as a flavoring, rather than the main course. This is a very healthy and planet-friendly way to eat.
3. It’s respectful of those who don’t eat meat or would rather not eat meat at the moment.
4. Guests can control the amount of meat so there is less waste and overall less meat consumed.
This can be done with chilis, with casseroles like chili mac or tuna casserole, fajitas, burritos, Asian stir-fried dinners and with salads.
Allowing guests to create their own meal combination means less work for the host. Simply place the ingredients on the coffee table or buffet – ready to go. Guests grab a low bowl or plate and take what they need. You enjoy your guests. Everyone wins.
Today’s the day we celebrate that God is incarnate (or “enfleshed”), meaning within each and every human person. God became a human person in Jesus, who was truly human. Therefore human beings are appropriate dwelling places for God.
God lives within each of us and loves each of us. God (Reality) is fundamentally good, holy and whole. We are a part of this.
How do we celebrate? Well, to begin with – ignore “Hallmark” Christmas ideas. These are based on cultural fantasy. Likewise, shopping, stress, and over-scheduling will not do. These activities won’t make anyone feel grateful, peaceful or mindful of the sacred within.
How do YOU want to celebrate the Spirit, Life Force or life energy that’s living in you? What will make you – and your family – feel sacred, holy and whole?
Some may want to volunteer or assist those who are struggling. The existence of poverty and hunger is an abomination to the very idea of Christmas. Some may want to rest. Others may want to share their abundance with friends or family. At your house maybe it’s a movie & popcorn? How about a silent retreat?
Consider clicking on one of the On-line Retreats above. Maybe a walk in the woods? A bubble bath?
At our house, we may have a late morning with pizza (post about this to follow) and time with friends. We shall see . . .
