Acceptance & Reflection: A New Year's Message #newyearseve #2022 #2023

We have come upon the culmination of year 2022 and for many it is a day of celebration and mirth, others a time of quiet meditation and reflection.  For myself, I find myself leaning towards the latter with perhaps a slight tidbit of the former coming through in moments.  For the most part today, I spent the day following the schedule of my own choosing, putting the necessities of work for the coming weeks aside until later in the day and only that which I felt must be done, such as this blog and the monthly newsletter.  Thus, I find myself struggling to adjust the words for this entry, desiring more than anything to run towards my room scrolling through YouTube searching for some a form of distraction.  

Perhaps for me there is a tinge of sadness as this year comes to a close, 2022 was a beautiful year for me, one of healing, growth, acknowledgment of past sins and amends made, immense heart-ache, but overall a year blessed and fruitful.  Increasingly, I found myself leaning further into the reality of acceptance of all parts of myself, my past, present, and desires for the future.  Acceptance for the ones of my past who caused some ill towards myself or others, for those who broke my heart and shattered my sense of being, yet I accept them now for the gifts they have given.  For not always was our time together full of pain, but also times of joy and laughter.  I accept both as spokes on the wheel that led me to my wholeness.

So many approach the New Year with the dedication of the resolution yet increasingly I find myself seeing this day as a time of quiet meditative pondering over the lessons learned throughout the passing year.  For me, a resolution or intention is not made at a singular point but hourly, daily, monthly meditated and focused upon as the years unfold.  As I ponder within this year fading, I celebrate the long held intentions achieved and recognize all that I still have to attain.  These intentions are not birthed into being by simply saying, then believing, nay, that is only the first step.  The subsequent steps are the daily actions taken reaching to a smaller goal towards the final achievement.  It's all the little steps each moment taken with mindfulness that lead to success.  What is success then is not the winning Oscar, the published novel, (of which all should be celebrated) but honoring all the mindful moments in movement that led to that achievement, finally reached, a sigh of relief and gratitude transpires.

This year, more than ever before, I have found peace in the knowing I am finally attaining wholeness within.  More and more, I do not feel any lack within or without, giving me both a seriousness upon my desires and intentions, but also the ability to be silly and child-like in the enjoyment of each life.  The true purpose of my life, then, is to continue the path towards healing for myself and those I encounter.  

So, as this year reaches its culmination heading towards the cemetery of time, let all be laid down in restful slumber, carried within as tokens of lessons of maturity deepening, and as the new year dawns, awakening with the splendor and freshness of birth, let your heart continue its focus on the intentions already set, not in wishful inaction, but in the allowance of daily steps taken.  For resolutions be damned, a year is a human construction of this life we spend and is somewhat meaningless in the grand scheme of all, but take with you a simple guidance to achieve with mindfulness that which you desire.  May you be provided all that you need and above as you continuously focus within on your set intentions.   Although there may be thousands of pathways you wish to walk down, becoming intentionally focused is the answer towards furthering your journey.

For my part, my desire in the coming year is to be more community centered and active, not where I am forced to do, but in where I feel led and comfortable.  I wish to continue my journey of healing and let that be the impetus for connection with others.  

Good Night, 2022! Welcome 2023! #happynewyear2023

As 2022 dawned, brighter and lighter feeling than years previous, our hearts united in always remembering to cherish each moment, holding the new lessons learned, through a time difficult for all, never failing to lift one another up, treasuring each other, making our way, honoring those we loved and lost, Good night 2022, Welcome 2023!

Kwanzaa: The Origin & Tradition #firstfruits

A Brief History of the Kwanzaa Holiday and Six Amazing Facts

Beginning on December 26, the day after Christmas, through January 1st every year, is the festival of Kwanzaa.  Originated in 1966 by a CSU Long Beach professor, Dr. Maulana Karenga, created Kwanzaa as an African-American holiday to give blacks an alternative to Christmas and not to have to continue to practice what is established as well to honor and understand their own culture and heritage.  Karenga, a powerful leader of the 1960s-1970s Black Power Movement, believed strongly that before a violent revolution can occur there must first be a cultural revolution, which gives identity, purpose, and direction for the fight against oppression and racism.  He created the festival of Kwanzaa after witnessing the atrocious attacks of the Watt Riots. 

In the origins of Kwanzaa, Karenga saw Jesus as psychotic and that Christianity a "White Religion" was meant to dominate blacks and thus should be shunned.  Later on, as the holiday became more mainstream, he altered his views on this, allowing for those who celebrate Christmas to also honor Kwanzaa.  It was then stated that Kwanzaa was not meant to replace Christmas, was not religious but secular, and was not political.   

Karenga used the word "Kwanza", a Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" meaning "first fruits", which aligns with the First Fruits festival celebrated in Africa during the southern solstice.  An extra "A" was added to the original spelling to co-relate with the seven days of the holiday.

Each of the seven days honors a certain principle of the celebration.  Beginning on December 26th with the principle Umoja (Unity, the intention is to seek unity within family, community, nation, and race.  The second day, December 27th, Kujichagula (Self Determination) is the set aside to focus on how one identifies and validates within and without.  The third day, December 28th, is Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) is intended to help in the building up of community and resolving each others problems collectively.  The fourth day, December 29, is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) has the focus of maintaining healthy businesses and collaborating for their success.  The fifth day, Nia (Purpose) sets the intention to collectively build up and develop the strength of community so that the people can regain their power.  On December 31st, the fifth day, Kuumba (Creativity) celebrants focus on doing whatever they can to leave their community and world more beautiful.  Finally, the last day, January 1st, is Imani (Faith) which calls upon one to put their faith in their people, their community, those seeking righteousness in their struggles.

Each evening a candle is lit and a discussion is held corresponding to the principal of the day.

Kwanzaa also has seven symbols in conjunction with the principles.

Mazao is the symbol representing the crops and the rewards for productivity and collective labor.  Mkeka is known as The Mat and symbolizes the foundation of one's tradition and history.  Muhindi or Vibunzi is the representation of the ear of corn which shows the abundance that children can bring to the future.  Mishumaa Saba, the Seven Candles of kwanzaa, is the reminder to meditate on the seven principles.  Kinara as the Candle Holder encourages the celebrant to remember always their ancestry.  The Unity Cup, known as Kikombe Cha Umoja, is passed around during the Karamu Feast held on December 29th connecting all in the gift of unity.  On the final day of Kwanzaa, the Zawadi (gifts) are distributed that encourage the incorporation of the seven principles throughout the year.  

2021 Kwanzaa Celebration Playlist

Articles used as reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kwanzaa

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history

https://nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa

What the hell is Boxing Day anyway? #boxingday #ststephens

 

Why Is December 26 Known as ‘Boxing Day?’

So, what the hell is Boxing Day?  This was a question I often asked as a young child, sans the profanity, the day after Christmas.  The responses varied but were murky, at best, something like "It's the day people box their presents up" to jokingly chiding "get your gloves on, let's duke it out".  But whatever the answer, I was always left in the dark and for the most part I was fine with that.  In America, Boxing Day is not celebrated in anyway, other than an official Federal Holiday, but it being the day after Christmas, it never really affected me one way or another, especially as a child.

But, I must admit, the holiday did always leave me with a bit of intrigue.  Why is it even a holiday? What significance does it hold and why do so many countries such as the United Kingdom and its former territories like Canada and Australia celebrate?

Aligned with Saint Stephen's Day, Boxing Day originated as a day for giving to the poor and less fortunate.  Stephen was an apostle of Jesus who became the patron saint of the less fortunate and was also the first martyred, stoned to death.  The methods of giving ranged from opening up the alms box secured for the poor, giving gifts to those less fortunate, and allowing days off from work for those servants and lower class who had to work on Christmas Day.  Among the Christian church, Boxing Day and Saint Stephen's' Day fall on the second day of Christmastide.  

The term "Christmas box" dates back to the 17th century, and among other things meant:

"A present or gratuity given at Christmas: in Great Britain, usually confined to gratuities given to those who are supposed to have a vague claim upon the donor for services rendered to him as one of the general public by whom they are employed and paid, or as a customer of their legal employer; the undefined theory being that as they have done offices for this person, for which he has not directly paid them, some direct acknowledgement is becoming at Christmas."

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day)

As it is believed that the animal Saint Stephen had dominion over was the horse, Boxing Day soon became more aligned with sport, such as fox-hunting, horse-racing, and rugby.  Today, those are the current ways of celebrations, however, also spending time with family and prolonging the festive feeling is also significant.

Articles used for research:

Boxing Day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day

The Boxing Day questions you’ve probably Googled

What Is Boxing Day? Everything to Know About the Holiday’s History

Boxing Day 2022: What Is Boxing Day?

Reclaim Christmas #holydays #birthdayforjesus

SILENT NIGHT by SISSEL

Today is the day, December 25, 2022, Christmas day.  I awoke from my slumber and busied myself with the preparations of coffee and mimosas before my partner and I settled down to open our presents from each other and family alike.  We had a lovely breakfast of bacon and eggs, then he scurried off for a few hours of work and leisurely I read on the couch, sprawled out, with my reader glasses pouring through The Odyssey, then lightly cleaning and organizing the living room.  As I spent this day in relaxation, laying aside all thought of work until the morn of the next, my mind pondered the true meaning and history of Christmas.

In the Western culture of America, Europe, as well throughout the world, Christmas is seen as a Christian holiday, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

Historical and anecdotal evidence would show that the birth of Jesus, were it actually known, would not be in the middle of December, most likely sometime in late Spring or early Summer.  Yes, even the Bible does not declare a date of his birth, but does recount the story we have grown accustomed to hearing even if we have don't affiliate with Christianity.  For many a year until the 4th Century, only Easter was celebrated in reverence to the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Then, in the 4th Century, the religious leaders decreed that a special holiday be set forth in honor of their Savior's birth.  But, why in the midst of cold December?

For a myriad of centuries before this proclamation, a variety of other spiritual faiths honored their gods and traditions during the month of December, such as Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, and others. (See: Winter Solstice: The Coming Light #saturnalia #feastofjuul #dongzhi #albanarthan) What, then, was the reasoning for celebrating the birth of the Christian Savior in the midst of these already established holidays?  Take a guess, why don't you?

As the rule of the land swiftly declared Christianity the one true religion and law of the land, that dominance brought the destruction of other beliefs and peoples, leading to the Christian rulers wrapping up the original 'Pagan' holiday practices into a nice little package of Christmas with a bow to be passed down through the ages.  Did you catch that?  The Christian rulers incorporated the practices of the so-called "Pagan religious holidays" within the context of their 'Christmas' in order to sway the non-believer to be converted to their ways.  

This gives me pause to reflect, do Christians, in fact, have the right to fight against the supposed war on Christmas when it was their faith that arrested and vanquished the holy days away and declared theirs the victor?  Nay, those whose celebrations and spiritual beliefs were persecuted against and made to convert or face death have the right to declare this war, yet they do not.

Still, it was not the early Christians, and especially not Jesus himself, that declared any war on Christmas due to the belief that the secular world wishes to destroy Christianity.  This even in the times when to be outside the law of the land even in belief was persecuted unto death, hence, the whole crucifixion of Jesus thing.  Yes, even as he was being led to the slaughter, he did not cry down vengeance or scream persecution, a reflection of, you know, the whole 'turn the other cheek, lay down your lives' decree.  This appears to be quite a different way of being from the contemporary Christian fundamentalist who march in front of Planned Parenthood or boycott bakeries baking cakes for same sex marriages.  Even in the days of recent past, (is it just in the past?), when those in the South dressed in white robes violently approached a neighbor's yard burning a cross merely because they did not like the color of their skin.  None of these seem to me to match with the teachings of non-judgment and unconditional love of the one they claim to 'trust and obey'.  

No, none of this and more, reflects the true nature and teachings of Jesus, if it is believed he lived, whether he be man, God, or both.  Nor do I think those that practice such horrors in the name of Christ truly know him.   

Yet I, on the other side of deconstruction from fundamentalist Christianity, do admire the teachings of Jesus and the book that speaks of him, the Holy Bible, as a spiritual leader and a spiritual holy book.  Thus, is the crux of the need to reclaim Christmas from those who insist their religion is being persecuted because of a 'red cup', from those who march preaching bigotry pretending it to be love, who fight to remove the rights of others, who alone are causing this war with their self-righteously spewed hatred.  

Yes, our part in this battle is to reclaim Jesus, the story of his birth, and Christmas, not to lift it higher or make it seemingly better than the other December holy-days, but to allow the small babe of Jesus himself to rest in his manger bed alongside the other days.  

This is the unity of love and pure undefiled religion.  This, I believe, Jesus himself and God above would truly dig.

Evidence of Jesus' Birth Revealed | Full Episode

(It must also be shared that the story of Jesus, a miraculous birth, a sacrificial death and resurrection, is a story all too familiar found in religions previous to the usage of it in Christianity.)

Articles used as research:

History of Christmas

Christmas

The Christmas Story in the Bible

What's the History of Christmas? What to Know About Your Most Joyful Traditions

What is the Christmas story? The real meaning behind Christmas and why we celebrate it on 25th December

The Real Story of Christmas

Birth of Jesus - Nativity Bible Story

Happiest Time? CW: depression, seasonal affective disorder, self harm, suicidal ideation

#LetsTalkAboutIt: How to Cope with Seasonal Depression

 

Walking through the mall, holiday music piped through, busy shoppers rushing by, all ages enjoying the seasonal festivities with enthusiasm, yet you find yourself drained and as if carrying a huge weight upon your entire frame.  

Have you experienced this?  If you have, fear not.  You are not alone.  The above is only one scenario among a myriad wherein the effects of seasonal depression or a heightening of a clinical mental health condition is a struggle.  

The American Psychological Association found in their studies that 38% of Americans suffer with increased stress levels during the December holidays.  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) stated that 64% of those with mental health conditions shared the effects of depression worsened during these holidays.  There are many root causes as to why one suffers more with depression during the december holidays, from the stressors of social interactions, financial strain, societal expectations, feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, memories of past trauma during holiday gatherings, as well the lack of light in the shorter days can affect the body's natural rhythms and nuerochemical balance affecting your perspective.   The heavy weight of depression can lead to self destructive thoughts and behaviors, such as changes in sleep pattern,  increasing or decreasing,  changes in diet (increasing or decreasing), over-indulging in activities such as addictive substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or even sugar, as a means of coping.  Lastly, this darkness of mood can lead to more peril with self-harm and suicidal ideation.  

Relief can be found in the reality that we are not alone in our sufferings of low mood disorder during the holiday season.  And, when one is in this heightened emotional state, it is difficult to feel anything but alone and lonely.  But, as reported 38% suffer with lowness of mood during the season and those with mental health diagnoses who admit their symptoms worsen during the holidays reaches 64% of the population. 

Secondly, relief arrives not just in knowing you aren't alone but also in admitting that you are suffering for that is the first step towards doing what is needed to combat the low mood disorder.  The methods of self care include maintaining you regular sleep schedule, exercise, limiting mood enhancing beverages and substances, eating healthy, and surrounding yourself with other positive influences.  These techniques are even more important during the blues of the Holidays and should be even more enhanced and adhered.  It can be tempting during the festivities to change or skip something in the realm of self care, but one detraction that can cause dysregulation in one's moods heightening the depression.

Finally, if you find yourself struggling with depression, I am including information for reaching out to those who can help.  Please don't hesitate to do so, you are not alone and people do care.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Crisis hotlines and resources

Crisis Text Line

Articles used in this entry:

Dealing with depression during the holidays

Stress management

Holiday Depression & Stress

How to Cope With Holiday Stress and Depression

Christmas Blues: Why the “most wonderful” time of the year is sometimes the saddest

Winter, the holidays and depression

5 Ways to Cope With Depression During the Holiday Season

Journaling Through The Years, Ep. 59: Someone Loves Me, I'm Okay #relive...

In this episode, I share more my budding relationship and first love? experience with none other than Bird Boyfriend, which leads to a discussion on how my self esteem soared when I had someone loving me, a distraction from my pain, yet how the effects of expanding one's network helps mature and grow the mind. Fun with first time dates too! A new 'cast-member' emerges, with returning "cast", B & Bad A!

#relivemychildhood #firstboyfriend #firstkiss #firstdate #vlogging

Winter Solstice: The Coming Light #saturnalia #feastofjuul #dongzhi #albanarthan

 

Enter the night and you'll find the light,

That will carry you to your dreams.

Enter the night, let your spirit take flight,

In the field of infinite possibilities

December 21, 2022 is this year's Solstice, that of, winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.  For those on the Northern side, it's the time of the longest night of the year, daylight at its shortest.  For those on the Southern side, it marks the time where daylight reigns supreme and night is at its least.  On June 21st of each year, this reality is switched.  Because of the earth's tilted axis, upon reaching this day, the Earth's southern part is facing towards the sun whereas the northern part is tilted away.  After this day, the days increasingly grow longer with more light in the North or shorter with less light in the South.

Because of this many ancient religions have practiced a variety of spiritual ceremonial traditions throughout the ages during time which have heavily influenced the celebrations in contemporary Western Culture of Christmas and New Year's Eve.  

The Ancient Romans honored the God of agriculture, Saturn, beginning on December 17th and lasting for 7 days in a celebration called "Saturnalia".  Celebratants enjoyed "Mardi-Gras" like festivals and grudges of all sorts were forgotton during that time period, as well those who were enslaved were temporarily freed, wars were put on hold.   A time where discipline and order were relaxed, these holidays were public tradition until the fourth ceremony when the Christian faith became the rule of the land and outlawed such practices.  However, celebrations still continue privately.

The feast of Juul is a Scandinavian celebration where fires are burnt to honor the heat, light, and life-giving of the returning Sun.  For their god, Thor, the "Yule" or "Juul" log was brought to the hearthstone and lit with the belief that Thor would maintain their warmth through the darkness until the Sun's return. Many traditions allowed the log to become ash which they saved and then scattered on the fields to assist in the growth of their crop, where others did not let the log burn in its entirety but used it as kindling for the following year's celebration.

Dongzhi, loosely translated "extreme of winter" is a celebration from ancient Chinese tradition that believes that the darkness and cold of winter is akin with 'yin' and the lightness and warmth of summer is akin with 'yang'.  This celebration is meant to honor the return of yang, the slow ascent of warmth and light.

Alban Arthan, meaning the light of winter, is a tradition from ancient Druid religion that is closest to this Celtic Pagan girl's heart.  For the pagan, this moment is that of death and rebirth, where all life is being renewed.  Seen as the pagan new year, with the dying of the old sun on December 21st and birth of the New Sun on December 22nd, this time is when a presence mystical fills the earth reviving the lost souls and spirits departed.  The most famous place of celebrating Alban Arthan is at "Newgrange" built in 3200 BCE in Ireland (older than Stonehenge).  

The meaning and purpose of all of these practices is that of reflection, release, a spiritual,mental,and emotional decluttering.  A time of stillness, to bask in the warmth of a fire, releasing with gratitude what has come before and becoming fresh with the beginning of the newness to follow, the return of the light.

On the longest night we search for the light,

And we find it deep within.

Open your eyes to embrace what is wise,

And see the light of your own soul shining.

Lisa Thiel - Yule (Winter Solstice Song)

Articles used for research:

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/winter-solstice-2022-shortest-day-of-the-year-is-long-on-pagan-rituals/

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/winter-solstice-first-day-winter

https://asanee44.com/winter-solstice-2022-rituals-for-embracing-the-season/

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/12/20/spiritual-meaning-of-2022s-winter-solstice-explained-as-it-arrives-on-december-21/

https://www.angelicalbalance.com/spirituality/spiritual-meaning-of-winter-solstice/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/winter-solstice-2022

Chag sameach! #happyhanukkah #chanukah #xanuka

 

Hanukkah with Mayim Bialik | You Know How I Know?

As I sat down to write this blog and mined through the pages and pages saved for research, fresh in my mind was the recent rise of anti-Semitism running amok in today's society, wondering how that would affect and impact the reasoning for celebrating Hanukkah this year.  However, anti-Semitic bigotry and hatred is not a new phenomenon, but an all too frequent occurrence throughout history.  From such major catastrophic vitriol as the slaughter of World War Two to tweets on Twitter, the degradation of the Jewish people is something not unfamiliar.  As a Fundie Christian, I was taught that the Jewish peoples and nation were Chosen of God, with the pastors quoting the scripture to back up this rhetoric, "I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you" (Genesis 12:3), insinuating that America must continue to unabashedly support Israel or face the curse of the Almighty.  Imagine my utter surprise and horror when I learned of the atrocities of the Israeli government...yet this isn't an expose on the crimes of governments and my country, USA, is not innocent in horrors of conquer. Moreover, the people of Israel and those who align themselves either by religion or otherwise are not guilty of the crimes of their government, like any other country, and are not deserving of such spiteful degradation.  On a level more discreet, the heightened hype of the holiday season's focus on Christmas, (commercially and, in the growing rise of Fundamentalist Christianity, religiously, if it can be called that), the Jewish people seem to smile with understanding, humility, and a true grace that reflects true religion setting them apart from other belief structures.

All of that shared, the importance of sharing the history and meaning of these "Eight Crazy Nights" is all the more necessary.  

During the second century BCE, the Holy Land of Israel was controlled by the Syrian-Greeks who tried to force the Jewish people to denounce the Jewish religion and take up the Greek religion and culture. In 165 BCE, Emperor Antiochus IV desecrated the Jewish temple leading to a revolt by the Jewish priest, Mattathias, and his son, Judah the Maccabee, who overtook one of the strongest armies in the world.  Upon taking back the city, Judas Maccabee returned to purify the altar and temple, finding only a small jar of oil enough for the candle burning of one day.  However, miraculously, the oil sustained the candles for eight days, in honor of this Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days during which candles are lit on the menorah each night.  (Another tradition details that on the first night all eight candles should be lit, then decreasing the lighting over the next seven days.)  

This occurred in the Jewish month of Kislev 25, according to the Gregorian calendar, that month is December.  However, the Jewish tradition follows that of the lunar calendar, the reasoning behind why Hanukkah occurs on eight different dates each year.  Although considered a minor holiday in comparison to the high holy days such as Yom Kippur, Purim, or Passover, Hanukkah has become a holiday of significance both commercially and spiritually.  More than just eight days of presents, the celebration marks the understanding that God will prevail and sustain through the darknesses within and without. 

WATCH LIVE: National Menorah lighting ceremony on the Ellipse

Articles uses as research:

Hanukkah

What Is Hanukkah? Dates, Traditions, Story

What Is Hanukkah?

Everything you need to know about Hanukkah (or is it Chanukah?)

Hanukkah and the History of Antisemitism

What Do You Say on Hanukkah? Songs, Quotes and Prayers for the Festival of Lights

How To Say “Happy Hanukkah”: Appropriate Greetings & Wishes

Happy Holidays From The TimeKeys TimeLords! #doctorwho #fanfiction

Love from The Doctor, Romana, The Master, Rassilon, The Rani, Susan, & More!

Journaling Through The Years, Episode 58: Bird Boyfriend & Lia & How The...

In this episode, I go deeper into the early stages of my dating life ( it didn't start on a high note), which leads deeper into the night I met Bird-Boyfriend, which was full of love, and not just because of him. Highlights include: fabulous 90's songs, red cups, Jennifer Love Hewitt makes a cameo, and me trying to be discreet about what high school parties were really like!

Human Rights: Who Needs 'Em? #humanrightsday #decembertenth

 

Human Rights Day Interview

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly signed into action the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Two years later, on December 4, 1950, Human Rights Day was officially made a holiday commerating this declaration.  

This proclamation allowed the "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations" which declared that all peoples and nations should "strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance".  However, sadly, many believe this measure is more celebratory than legistated, a gesture of good will and not a binding law.  

Yet, even so, this declaration, though not legally binding, activated more than 60 human rights measures to be officially made international standard.  This makes the original measure in 1948 more significantly impactual in its statement that human rights are endowed for all peoples' everywhere.  The most translated document, the Declaration of Human Rights, has been distributed into 500 different languages around the world.  It emphasizes the importance that in every person in every country are deserving of the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness.  

On December 10th each year, we celebrate and honor this declaration and these rights, yet, as the theme of 2014, it is important to always remember that "Every Day Is Human Rights Day".

                       Human Rights Day 2022 (Dec 10) - UN Chief Message | United Nations

Articles used as reference:

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day

HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Enlightenment Achieved: Bodhi Day #bodhiday #buddhism

 

What is Bodhi Day?

Siddhārtha Gautama, a rich prince living in Nepal, lived a life of emmense luxury and knew nothing of the sufferings of the outside world.  Upon leaving the palace one day, he was suddenly struck with the immensity of sufferings and tribulations of others.  This revelation shocked him into seeing the emptiness of his life of leisure and sent him on a quest to understand truly the purpose of life, seeking enlightenment.  For six years, he studied with six different teachers hoping they could help him, putting himself in the most desperate of situations he could, but despite his efforts, he came up lacking.  

There are two days on which Bodhi Day is celebrated, one considered secular and the other the actual day.  The reason for this is that the place where the Bodhi Tree was located, where Siddhartha found enlightenment, is in Bodhgaya, India, which follows the Lunar calendar.  Thus, the days are celebrated differently from each other whether it be the Solar or Lunar Calendar.  The Solar calendar date is always the 8th day of the 12 month, that being, December 8th, and that is considered for the devout, the secular version of the holiday. 

Exhausted and in despair, he collapsed in agony under a tree, today known as the Bodhi Tree, and there he determined to sit until he would achieve enlightenment.  The Holy texts differ in the length of time he sat, either 7 to 49 days, in meditation not peaceful but full of anguish and tumult.  Then, on the 8th day of the 12th day, he awoke from his feverish focus with the Venus, the Morning star in his focus.  And, with that light, came upon his light, enlightenment achieved.  

Four Noble Truths

 All of the baggage and tricks in his mind dissolved into silence and peace, he truly saw and understood for the first time what would be the basis of the Four Noble Truths, leading him to become The Buddha.

As he sat there in this new discovery, a girl from the village came by, offering him a meal of rice and milk, which sustained him as he began his 40 days of teaching.  

In any religious or spiritual practice, or even having none, finding stillness within is important for all.  In this fast paced world full of its daily tumult, this importance is even more paramount.  My deepist wish is that time is taken from the busyness to ponder the significance of Bodhi Day for oneself personally.  My belief is that this holiday fits well with the other holidays of this month in preparation for each celebration and the beginning of the New Year.

Bodhi Day

Articles used as reference:

Bodhi Day 2022: Date, History and Significance

When is Bodhi Day 2018?

https://bodhiday.org/

Remembering Pearl Harbour #december71941 #dayofinfamy

 

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

Years before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, decades before the attack on September 11,2001 and the January 6, 2021 insurrection, there was the  December 7, 1941 day of infamy, the bombing attack on Pearl Harbour in Hawaii.

World War Two had already been a battle raged in Europe long before this day of infamy and the United States were trying their best not to send soldiers to join the forces against Hitler.  Too many men had been lost in the previous World War, that the United States only planned on sernding military aid to the allies, such as money, supplies, and ammunition.  During this time, Japan, acting in their own self-interest and need for natural resources found in China, Indochina, and the Pacific, were conducting large scale attacks of their own in order to acquire these needs.  The United States seeing the actions of Japan already playing out and also seeing the value of such resources placed restrictions against, resulting in fueling Japan's ire even further.  

The United States believed any attack from Japan would fall upon the Pacific Islands further out in the ocean, and therefore, Pearl Harbour was less defended.  On December 7, 1941 at 8:00 am, seizing the opportunity to attack a defenseless military base and major port of USA, Japan's military airforce filled the skies above Pearl Harbour, Oahu, Hawaii.  Ten minutes later, 8:10 am, the bombs were dropped upon every battleship in Pearl Harbour, USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Utah, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee and USS Nevada.  USS Arizona and USS Utah ships were the only ones unable to be salvaged and repaired after the attack.  

On that day, over 2,000 American citizens lost their lives and 1,000 injured, both military personnel and the local population.  These attacks led to Canada immediately declaring war on Japan with the United States soon following suit and both joined forces with the European allies to defeat fascist control in World War 2. 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt Declares War on Japan (Full Speech) | War Archives

Imagine never having seen anything of this magnitude on American soil until this day of infamy.  It's hard to imagine now with current past history, such as 9/11, January 6, and the all too frequent mass-shootings, but this was a day that changed all of that for the United States for all time. 

Tomorrow, December 7th, 2022, marks the 81st anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbour. 

Last Pearl Harbor survivors remember "Day of Infamy"

Articles used as reference in this entry:

How Was the US Involved in WWII Before Pearl Harbor?

Everlasting Legacy

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the United States

A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2022
 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Why Japan Attacked Pearl Harbor