A Gratitude Walk for the New Year
On the first day of 2022, I am returning to an old favorite tradition of bringing in the year by doing a Gratitude Walk.
As I walk to the labyrinth from my house I recall the year I have just finished. With each step I retrace the journey of time by asking these questions:
What did I have to surrender and let go of this year?
Who were the people who brought kindness, joy, and laughter into my life?
What challenges became my biggest teachers?
What were my unexpected and favorite discoveries?
What new things lit up my soul?
Where did I discover new vitality?
As I approach the labyrinth, there is a path of newly fallen snow. The path has not been stepped on yet. As I walk on the path, I mention aloud all that I’m thankful for.
When I arrive at the labyrinth I begin this new year walk in gratitude for the people who have passed this year and the contributions they have made to my life. As I reach the center I stand there and name them and place a stone in the center. There will be special markers for my very fun and loving teacher Hank Wesselman, another for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and yet others for family and friends who have traveled to the other side.
As I walk out of the labyrinth I’m walking out as a different person than the one I walked in as. I have reflected and released the previous year. I have walked in gratitude for all that has come into my life and for the people who frequent it. I have honored those whose memories have become my blessings and now I walk in joy and gratitude into a fresh new canvas of the unknown.
May your year be filled with Simple Wonders.
