It is a warmish winter day here in Wettenbostel. The quietness of my solo experience at the Seminar Haus is shifting as familiar and friendly faces begin to make their way back into my world. Last night my friend Jörn made his appearance, returning to Wettenbostel after a three-week hiatus in near-bye Lüneburg. And today, my American friend and former porch companion, Dan, will return with his friend Ulla to celebrate the New Year.
The sun is shining today. A nice break from the wintry darkness that has been mostly filling my world for the past several weeks. Days have gotten very short here in Northern Germany. When I wake at 7:30 or 8am it is still dark outside and as the evening nears 4pm the day already feels like it is coming to a close, dark by about 5pm. Days are getting longer, I am told by Christian, Wettenbostel regular and Seminar Haus electrician and general do-everything person. He says that the 23 or 24th were the shortest days of the year… so slowly we begin to expand and creep out of the silent, darker days of winter.
The New Year is bright on my mind, taking time to consider and honor this year that is passing away, a quiet death making way for a new beginning. And what a year it has been! It seems that gratitude is the key for me… to the MANY people who have been there and touched my life this year. My many friends and supporters in New Orleans and throughout the US, the international Reiki Community as well as the international SGI Community. New friends, helpers and companions I have met on my travels. My family. Without the inspiration and support, personal, spiritual and financial, from the many friends and family this year would not have happened, would not have been possible. So it is with humility that I take note of all of them, young and old, and thank you for who are in the world and in my life.
The day is still very early by Wettenbostel standards…. particularly over the holidays. It is around 10:30 am and so far I am the only being that is moving around the grounds of the Seminar Haus. I am told Dan arrives sometimes today and I have heard a passing word of a spaghetti dinner for this evening.
A mostly quiet time intended for me for this New Years eve, known here as Silvester. Honoring the old, the waking of the new and celebrating and laying the groundwork of good intentions, healing and prosperity for the year to come. Good fortune to you as this year comes to a close and much fullness of life, love and richness in the New Year!
-Photo of sweatlodge constructed in the woods of the Seminar Haus, 2008, by Michael Hartley
Gypsy Woman 
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