Happy Imbolc

Over the past few years, we have all experienced a hollowing of culture, family and ancestral connection. Additionally, the way we see ourselves has shifted as we continually merge with the magic mirror. 

We have all experienced the anxiety and depression that comes from depriving humans of exactly what it means to be human.

No matter your culture, heritage, or skin color, it is your birthright to celebrate being alive. Not just in the churches, dance halls, or over zoom.

We need rituals to anchor us to our ancestors and our traditions. No matter if you are ¼ or an ⅛ something, even if you don’t know the traditions of your ancestors, or if you’re a stranger in a strange land. Study after study confirms, the happiest people are those who feel connected to cultural celebrations, and those who regularly gather with friends and family to celebrate being alive. 

I have had the pleasure of living throughout Asia for years of my life. I was astounded by the number of festivals and holidays that populate their calendar. It seemed like there was always a reason to celebrate and feast. 

As the machine and capitalist thinking fuses with our holidays and traditions, we need to remember our roots now more than ever. We need to remember that celebration has nothing to do with what we buy at the store. As culture orphans in the United states, many of us are grappling with meaning without traditions. 

Meaning, as I learned late in life, comes from belonging. In your family, and your community. It is in needing others and being needed. Meaning is found in moments of play as you come together with friends and family to feast, sing and dance. 

As the earth blooms with creative energy, may your life bloom with creativity, energy and strength. May you gather with the people you care about. And may you remember, you are free to be anyone you want to be. 

Pictured above: An image of Nepali women as they gathered for a… business meeting.