Of Inaugurations and New Beginnings

Welcome back to a new semester, a new calendar year, and a new term for state and national governance. In many arenas we are experiencing “inaugurations” – beginnings and introductions. Some of us are focused on inaugurating new classes with new professors, or new organizations with new student leaders. Others of us may be paying more attention to the bigger picture of new laws and policies that may be implemented with legislators that have either been newly elected for the first time or re-elected to begin another term.

In reflecting on this time of inauguration as a campus and as a country I discovered the etymology of the word inaugurate which is derived from French and Latin terms meaning installation and consecration. To consecrate something is to set it apart as sacred. What a wonderful way to begin a new year, a new semester, and even a new time of governing, by seeing this time as sacred, a gift from the Divine to be cherished.

While many of us inaugurate a new year with well-meaning resolutions to work out more, lose weight, de-clutter our living spaces, and other self-improvement gestures, we don’t always do so with a sense of spirituality in mind. What might this coming semester look like if we imagined that every day was a gift from God and that our response to God’s generosity was to invest each day with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, no matter what that day held?

One way to instill a sense of the sacred into each new day is to have some brief time of reflection, meditation, or devotion. Some of us practice scripture reading using the sacred texts of our own traditions.  Others receive daily reminders and words of wisdom through websites such as http://www.gratefulness.org/index.htm. The occasional YouTube clip may also provide inspiration – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID0kgP9IVhs.  Some of us may practice more embodied spiritual disciplines such as yoga or walking meditation.  My own personal mantra for 2013 – “Less is more” – has helped me to downsize the clutter in my office and hopefully de-clutter my spirit in the process.

Before the semester becomes even more hectic and chaotic, may each of us take some time to reflect on how we might be called to experience this new year in grateful appreciation. May we find ways to inaugurate and consecrate the coming days so that our attitudes reflect a generosity of spirit and our actions reflect a generosity of service. Welcome to 2013!

Peace,

Anne