The tradition of a new word
It is mind-boggling to believe that we have arrived at the end of another year. I find myself astonished to realize that on a number of levels I am standing at yet another cusp in my life.
Time, of course, is a human linear construct. But even though I tell myself that I still find myself honoring and responding to the rhythms of the seasons and the shifts that come with the calendar.
One tradition that for me has become a truly powerful practice is choosing a word of the year. Just one word that I can call in to be my touchstone, my guiding force. I find myself referring back to it frequently as I go through the year. I also find that when I choose a word, all brand new and sparkly at the beginning of the year, it often has unexpected resonance. I have always found myself astonished by how powerful and impactful the word becomes. In ways I couldn't even have imagined.
Choosing My Word
Although in some years my word flows to me, choosing just one word is never easy. This year was no exception. I was feeling stuck between two words and wound up having a conversation with a friend. She was helping me noodle out why I was considering the words. Then in the middle of our conversation she mentioned the word illuminate and I felt a resonance that let me know that was the word I had been seeking.
As always I turn to the dictionary to find the meaning of the word.
il·lu·mi·nate - (ĭ-lo͞o′mə-nāt′)
- To provide or brighten with light.
- To decorate or hang with lights.
a. To make understandable; clarify
b. To enlighten intellectually or spiritually; enable to understand:
- To adorn (a page of a book, for example) with ornamental designs, images, or lettering in brilliant colors or precious metals.
I'm drawn to the interpretation of brightening with light, both personally, to seek illumination in a variety of ways, and also for the gift of illuminating a path for others, helping them to understand. As always I'm intrigued to see how this word will show up in my life for the year ahead.
Prior Words
Each year as I chose my new word of the year I take a moment to reflect back on the words of prior years. This year I was introduced to the concept that the words stack on top of each other, creating layers or strata, amplifying and supporting the other words in the list. I really like that thought and I'm enjoying looking through the journey of the years that these words represent.
I'd like to encourage you to find a word of your own for the year. If you're looking for a community or for a list of words to choose from, one of my favorite resources is OneWord365. I'd also encourage you to sit quietly with a nice cup of tea, or have a conversation with a friend, and simply ponder. Chances are your word will find you. Then be open to the possibilities that word will bring into your life in the year ahead.
What's your one word?