Of Gratitude and New Beginnings

Happy New Year to all readers of The Holy Rover!

Several weeks ago I mentioned that I want to deepen my practice of gratitude during the new year. I recommended the book by Angeles Arrien, Living in Gratitude: A Journey That Will Change Your Life, and suggested that some of you might want to join me in reading it throughout the year (it’s designed to be read a chapter a month).

Arrien begins the chapter for January by reflecting on the Roman god for whom the month is named. As you can see from the picture, Janus had one head that faced the past and another that faced the future. Because of his dual sight, Janus was the god of new beginnings and transitions (and also of doorways and gates, where that dual eyesight was also handy).

Taking inspiration from Janus, Arrien writes that the first step in a gratitude practice is to be grateful for the strengths we have acquired in the past and thankful for the possibilities that lie before us. Arrien asks us to reflect on the experiences that have helped us gain courage, for example, or a greater capacity for compassion. Looking to the past helps us recognize the strengths that we take with us into this new year.

Arrien also writes about the Christian season of Epiphany, which begins January 6. The holiday marks the journey of the Three Magi to visit the Christ Child. Its symbolism is suffused with light (which references the star that the kings followed to reach Bethlehem). This imagery has filtered into the larger world through the word epiphany, which describes a sudden insight often initiated by some simple or commonplace experience.

Epiphanies come most often when we are in a state of innocence and wonder—what the Buddhists would call beginner mind. It’s fitting to begin the year with that sort of childlike wonder, writes Arrien, for January brings with it the chance to re-make ourselves anew. She asks readers to consider how they can bring childlike curiosity and wonder into their work, relationships, finances, health, and personal growth.

She then gives a list of suggested practices for deepening gratitude this month. The one I’m going to take on is very simple: At the end of each day, I’m going to notice what or who made me happy, and then I’m going to give thanks for each person or circumstance that brought joy into my life that day. If you’re interested in joining me on this gratitude journey, perhaps you might try it too.