I AM FAIRLY certain most of us begin a new year with mixed emotions. Whenever we grapple with elements of time, the emotional back and forth–the reluctance to let go and move forward, coupled with excitement about a new year–is there. Most of us probably enjoyed a break from routine in December, and now we are faced with returning to that routine in whatever form it manifests in our lives. A little reluctance is normal. Maybe even necessary. Maybe we should be asking ourselves, in fact, how much of our routine can be updated, revised slightly, or even greatly modified. But sometimes it’s the smallish changes that surprise us the most, offering more impact than anticipated.
So I’m starting off a new year with one very simple change … I am going to look at the sky more often each day. I hope you will join me! A sky view is always expansive (as opposed to narrow, or based on fuzzy logic or past conditioning) and, nearly always, beautiful. Even if dark storm clouds threaten, there is MUCH to see … when we pause to look.
And though the sky itself may feel mysterious and magical and mystical all at once … it’s always there for our eyes and souls to consider whenever we take that deep breath, that deep pause. In the spirit of slowing down … even this can make a big difference.
We are living with a grayish winter sky these days, but maybe this is the sky of “hope” … knowing the light is there, just not revealed through the eyes.
Best wishes to everyone as we venture into uncharted territory this year. May you find inspiration, joy, and peace in the days ahead. And let me know if you are considering any smallish changes that hold the promise of something more. –dh
- My memoir, as many of you know was released in December. KINDLE edition now available for pre-order, forthcoming February 2016.
- You can also visit my book page here in SunnyRoomStudio or visit Amazon to learn more about THE SILENCE OF MORNING.
- The Silence of Morning, a compelling story of life and loss, culture and society, reveals why the author, in the face of profound tragedy, decides to confront the mysteries of existence in search of deeper understanding. For one thing, as a spiritual thinker with a sociological bent, Hickman’s looking for the universal message … a path through the wilderness that speaks to every living soul. But the author is also seeking safe, even fruitful, passage through the throes of intense grief.
- EACH LIFE is a reflection of the many mysteries we are born into. Mysteries lodged in silence. And ambiguity. Yet this fascinating memoir manages to penetrate that silence, as the author initially survives its fierce echo in the face of her son’s sudden death, and then realizes she must, one day, embrace it. Hickman notes, however, that she wasn’t remotely prepared for the curious demands of loss. But then, who is, she wonders. Would a saint be prepared, someone braver than I, perhaps, or someone who simply moved on with a heavy shrug of the shoulders, a fierce sigh, a wistful expression?
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll return by Friday, January 29th with another smallish change that holds the promise of something more.
