Sunday, December 21. This morning was very cold, and too icy on the paths for our usual walks. We had a lovely talk and contemplation though, and remembered that in the Middle East, rain is falling.
We continued our conversation from last month about the inner transformation that we pursue this time of year, following the High Holy Days, using the image of a caterpillar’s metamorphosis. If we are to make good on the promises we made to ourselves at the holidays for a new life, we must transform. In Cheshvan we entered the cocoon, breaking ourselves down into basic molecules, abandoning old structures; in Kislev we remained in the darkness, forming up our new bones from elemental discs of memory that remained with us, our fundamental selves. Now, in Tevet, responding to the lights of Chanukah, we begin to break out of the chrysalis. This is hard work, causing frustration and anger, requiring patience and some pain. It is necessary work, and yet it does not stop there – we must continue the process, transforming our negative emotion into goodness.
In the words of poet Maria Popova,
you too possess
this elemental power
of turning
the stone in the heart
into golden dust.[1]
As we experience the difficulty of Tevet, may we also experience its transformation, facing the coming season with hope. Chodesh tov! — K. Miriam
Our next Rosh Chodesh Walking Meditation will honor the month of Shvat, Monday, January 19, 8:30 am. Rain or snow or shine! Contact us for location.
[1] Maria Popova, Forgiveness, https://www.themarginalian.org/2025/01/17/forgiveness/
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 