I'm sure I'm not the only one who does this -- listening in for the last few weeks of the year for the whisper of the word that will carry me into the new year. It's usually a pretty fascinating process. Maybe it's because I'm paying deeper attention to what's being said, or to what I'm reading. There is usually a word that shows itself for reflection.
I've had all kinds of words over the years -- joy, surrender, quiet, and one year was a wild ride when "unreasonable" made its way into my world.
But when this year's word first popped up a few weeks ago, I had a tingly feeling of truth about it that had me quick-like-a-bunny looking for other options. I even tried bargaining with whatever universal word chooser exists, but it was a no-go. The word just kept coming back to me in all kinds of ways. I've spent longer than I care to admit scrolling through social media and other people's words, hoping to find a way out of this, but it seems once the word chooses you, it's just yours.
Friends, say hello to FRAGILITY, my 2023 word.
I've made quite the ruckus about this. And now that I've calmed down about the whole thing I realized that I've been making this mean something that it does not -- broken.
Fragility is the quality of being easily broken. But it does not mean already broken.
As I dig in to my word more, I feel fragility represents a sacred balance that requires staying in the present moment. It's about holding ourselves and one another in a state of care. Getting what we need, taking time to nourish and replenish as needed, and supporting those around us as they do the same to lessen the opportunity of brokenness.
And if, when, we or things get broken, there is the opportunity for growth and healing. Because let's face it -- we have all felt broken at times for all kinds of reasons.
In her book, Standing at the Edge; Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, Roshi Joan Halifax wrote about the Japanese practice called, "kintsukuroi," meaning "golden repair." This practice is the art of repairing broken pottery with powdered gold so that the repair reflects the history of the breakage.
She says, "The 'repaired' object mirrors the fragility, imperfection, and beauty of life and its strength. It returns to wholeness." I love this concept. Our brokenness is included as part of our wholeness.
The reality is, fragility is part of our lives. Our bodies are strong until they aren't. We don't need help, suddenly we do. We feel vibrant, later we feel diminished. It's part of life's process.
Fragility requires extra attention, extra care. At a time when our words and actions could not matter more in the world, maybe fragility is the reminder I need to slow down and focus on what's important.
May you honor and be present to the important people and pieces in your own life.
I wish all of you a very happy new year with a grateful heart for all you do in the world to build community and support us and one another.
Peace.
~ Deb
PS. Drop me a line if you choose a word for 2023 and want to share. I'd love to hear what's inspiring you as you embrace the new year.