Ox, time now to pull
Till the ground, shoulder burdens,
Pure honest labors.
With the January 26th new moon, we open the door into the Chinese New Year of the Ox. All Good Wishes!
So what can we expect from an Ox year? Tradition says “Prosperity through fortitude and hard work.” I’m not sure about the hard part – I don’t think work has to be difficult, but I do believe no success can be achieved without conscientious efforts. So maybe I’ll adopt the mantra for this year as: “Prosperity through fortitude and honest labors of joy.” I’d love to see everyone doing what brings them joy!
With the emphasis on slow, steady attention this might be the year to look at and tackle those areas in life that could benefit from some disciplined action. Heaven knows I have a few of those! Certainly I’d like to institute some changes in my eating and exercise patterns and a dose of disciplined action would do wonders.
I also suspect we’ll be feeling the yoke of responsibility coming down on us this year. On so many levels it feels like time to step it up – to awaken to our connections to one another and truly figure out how to support each other in ways that benefit all.
For me a very important part of my business involves donating a portion of my sales to causes that I feel resonance with and wish to support. In honor of this Year of the Ox (also known as Buffalo, by the way) – I’ll be supporting an initiative by Heifer International to provide Water Buffalo to those in need. Two things I like most and respect about the Heifer International program is the training in animal care they give to recipients before bestowing the gift; and the “passing on the gift” component which is fundamental to their mission. Those who are gifted with an animal pledge that they will share the offspring with their community – along with their knowledge, resources, and skills – creating an ever expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance. Yes! This is exactly what I mean about the yoke of responsibility being something that can be a beautiful blessing.
What does the Year of the Ox inspire for you?