January 2009     
                   Reflection                        

                      By Angeles Arrien

January, the first month of the new year, was symbolized in Greece by Janus, the two-headed god. One head reflecting back on the year before; and the other head looking forward into a new year of unknown possibilities and opportunities to start anew. Janus reminds us that January has been seen as a “transition month” of closing out and giving gratitude for the previous year; and planning or looking into possibilities for the year ahead. January is a month of hope, re-dreaming, course correcting, and considering new opportunities for one’s work, relationships, health, finances, community, nation, and the world.

The month of January is also the first month of winter, a seasonal time of incubation and gestation to discover what is wanting to emerge and be harvested in the coming year. It is a time of integration, preparation, reflection, and unseen growth. In many cultures, the new year offers the opportunity to become better in our own nature and character, by making resolutions or self-promises for improvement and increased effectiveness. What we do know about every new year, is that it will offer its own variety of blessings, learnings, mercies and protections. January is the month to open to all those possibilities and respond to them with more grace, ease, and creativity than we have before. Essentially, Janus’s message for the new year is “not like before; but anew with curiosity and courage.”

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Let us join together to alleviate the suffering within our own natures, in all our relations, and in the world in 2009!