Happy New Year!
Is there something you wish to rekindle this year?
Had a reminder just before the holiday season of something I have loved doing in the past - flower arranging!
A group of colleagues decided that, instead of a seasonal sit down dinner or potluck, we would go to a floral arrangement class together. It was an event advertised online and I have no idea how they knew about it but…I signed up and went, not quite sure it was something I really wanted to do. I had studied Japanese floral arranging (Ikebana), but that was many years ago when I I lived in Japan. I had not done any other floral arranging since. And I wasn’t sure I wanted to. But I went.
We were able to order food and drinks and visit while we followed the step-by-step instructions we were given by the floral design instructor.
There was the minor discomfort of sap covered fingers from handling the pine boughs and negotiating space on the increasingly crowded table as our food and drinks were delivered. The mingling smells of the greenery and eggnog was festive. The laughter at our blunders and successes was invigorating. The camaraderie that developed as we cooperated to share our learnings and tips was reassuring. The delight in seeing our creations unfold, each piece unique despite all of us having had the same ingredients and instructions, was inspiring.
It made me remember how much I enjoyed working with my hands. Having something come into being because of my efforts.
That evening started the holiday season for me with a full cup of cheer and delight. I decided then that I would make a concerted effort to do something with my hands - to create something - at least once or twice this new year. That seemed “achievable”.
I’m still looking at the arrangement (it has a candle holder right in the middle and I have a beautiful tall blue candle in place) on my buffet table. It still looks beautiful and makes me smile.
Is there something you’d like to return your attention to as this new year dawns? Something that creates delight and brings a sense of accomplishment? Something that allows you to experience the power of creation? Why not find a way to give it a try - even just once this year?
Wishing you peace, love and many delights as you begin 2025!