Ringing Out, Ringing In

     The time when two calendar years meet is our opportunity to look back over the year that is passing and to make our wishes for the year to come.  Our fondest memories are often of moments of love and kindness that touched our hearts.

    There is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice of reciting, aloud or silently, a prayer of loving-kindness for ourselves and others. It often begins with wishes for our self.  If you find it hard to wish for yourself first, remember the familiar wisdom of "charity (love) begins at home".  Loving-kindness is a practice initiated from our own heart and moving out into wider and wider circles. It will not be new to many of you and it has many versions.  Below is one that takes just a minute or two, perfect to ring out 2013 and ring in a bright New Year.  Simple wishes from one to all, from the heart.

It begins.....

May I be happy.

May I be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

May I be protected from all harm.

May I find my true heart's desire.

Recite again, this time for someone you know and love

May You be happy.

May You be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

May You be protected from all harm.

May You find Your true heart's desire.
 

Again, for someone you do not know, the clerk at the coffee shop, or the folks in the elevator

May You be happy.

May You be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

May You be protected from all harm.

May You find Your true heart's desire.

This time for someone you know, with whom you may have some resentment  or challenge

May You be happy.

May You be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

May You be protected from all harm.

May You find Your true heart's desire.
  

One more time, for All Beings everywhere

May All Beings be happy.

May All Beings be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

May All Beings be protected from harm.

May All Beings find their true heart's desire.
 

      You can add as many circles as you'd like, you can use your own words, and you can end with another round of wishes for yourself.  Do it as often as your heart is inspired.  You might just see some amazing results.  As you all show me so frequently, the love that rings out is the love that rings us in.   Thank you for all the love.  Have a wonderful New Year's holiday!