Minister’s Column
I was away from the congregation on New Year’s Eve, when we held the traditional “burning bowl” ceremony letting go of the old year and welcoming in the new. Therefore I was excited to hear that my men’s group in Lansing was doing a version of the burning bowl at our meeting this week. Our leader instructed us to write on a piece of paper what we are letting go of from the past year, and mine came to me quite readily: I want to let go of self-doubt and any negative self-talk that can sometimes be in my head. Any version of “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not OK” (for whatever reason) does not serve me. When my turn came, I lit my piece of paper on fire and tossed it in the bowl with the others.
Next it was time for us to write down something we want to bring in for the new year. Rather than a resolution, our instructions were to write 4-5 “watch words” or a very short phrase that indicates our direction and intention for the new year. This took a little more reflection for me, and ultimately I came up with three things:
SELF-LOVE
CONNECTED
IN MY POWER
This paper is kept, not burned, and I have placed it on my altar at home. There was one final element to our ritual. The nine men at the meeting each got randomly assigned to another man to call and check in with. This builds further accountability and connection to the exercise: knowing that I’ll be getting a phone call from another man helps me to keep the intentions fresh in my mind.
I enjoy the burning bowl ceremony, as we have practiced it at UUFCM and in this slightly different version. The power of the ritual makes me feel connected and intentional and self-aware. And I reflect that these intentions – both letting go of negative self-talk and embracing self-love, connection, and personal empowerment—these intentions are daily ones. We don’t change our lives in one moment of awareness or intention, but our “Ah-hah!” moments carry us forward into the daily practice of self-improvement that is life-long. May each of us find these moments of self-awareness and intention; and may each of us find the strength to carry through with our intentions in the day-to-day cycle of life.
PRAYER:
Spirit of the year past, old man named 2023, go with my blessing. You are gone forever and I send away with you what does not serve me.
May we not be haunted by the past. May we let it go.
Spirit of the new year, little baby named 2024, be here now. I welcome the chance to accomplish things, to enjoy life, to love and be loved.
May we all embrace the present moment and lean into the hope and promise of the future. Today is a new day.
Blessed be.
Rev. Drew Frantz
January 16, 2024