My Word for the Year: Gathering

Gathering is my word for the year. I've gone through a lot of words to get here. Words like

Balance

Harmony

and Reciprocation

all these seemed like worthy, valid choices.

But then I was meditating on the new year and what lies ahead for myself. I thought about everything I wanted to do, and everything I wanted to learn.

I envisioned myself gathering supplies, and knowlege, and people to build on what I've done and to grow both for myself, and for the larger community.

I'm gathering my courage.

I'm gathering my inner fortitude.

I'm gathering my tools.

Our ancient ancestral women were gatherers, finding what they needed as they traveled, digging tubers and roots, picking herbs and seeds, tending children and the men they loved along the way.

Traveling forward in time, I imagine these women of long ago, spinning thread on drop spindles to clothe themselves and their families, gathering wood, and wild berries for the winter.

Then my mind travels forward in time again, to my great-grandmothers, and the stories I've gathered of them, the pictures and the mystery of them. I think of my Mother's Father's Mother, Ada, for whom my youngest is named, and my matrilineal great grandmother, Sarah. These women created families, raised children, and lived their lives in a time of transition from a farming economy to an industrial economy.

I would continue that line of gathering women. Walking my path, finding what I need while I go. Making a beautiful life out of what comes to hand.

Gathering.