A different New Year's Eve

This year on New Year's Eve, I was recovering from the flu with a mild fever. Going "outside" to celebrate was not reasonable, so I decided to go "inside" and appreciate. ​

I spent most of the night in meditation together with a friend of mine I consider a Brother. 

Later on, I marvelled the beautiful fireworks from my window. Fireworks are among the most common rituals during New Year's celebrations worldwide. They originated in China in the 7th century to scare away evil. Their short-lived existence and exquisite beauty reveal the fleeting impermanence of the "present" and remind us to pay attention to the only moment we live in. 

The time of stillness in combination with the inspiring allure of the fireworks led to some reflections.

Contemplating my recent illness filled me with gratitude and appreciation for the robust health and strong body I have, which was able to deal with it quickly.
In perspective, all the so called "problems" I had during the year turned out to be precious reminders that I needed to change or learn a lesson.
All the people whom I had "difficulties" with, played a crucial role in helping me see things anew and grow as a human being.

Only if I had that perspective at the time of the arising of these challenges... I could have avoided all the discomfort and suffering that comes from resistance...

The reality, though, is that we can only weave such a meaningful narrative by looking at the past.

So my wish for myself and everyone else reading this is...

May we be willing to accept every situation or person in our life, just as they are.
In the cosmic order of things, each and every one of us and each and every thing is fulfilling its role in the collective evolution of consciousness perfectly.

​May we be filled with trust and gratitude in 2017!