 Dear Friends,
As well as a year of infinite possibilities, 2008 is a leap year.
It was Julius Caesar in 46BC who, together with an astronomer, created the first leap year, originally to bring months into line with the seasons. Each year being 365-and-a-quarter days long, until the fourth year when the additional day resulted in the 366 days. Over the past 2000+ years there have been numerous reforms to the calendar based on lunar, solar and various religious influences, to name but a few. Each civilisation has made changes to the calendar, but in our lifetime the extra day placed at the end of February occurs every four years.
Even with the addition of one more day, February is the shortest month of the year. Just as well; it’s often the bleakest. Seemingly lifeless days devoid of light hover at the edge of the Spring Equinox, just a step away from a rise in both sap and spirits.
If a leap year were truly that, a whole year, would you want to take a leap forward or back? Advance into the unknown, or retreat to the past. Leap into a future shaped by challenges, choices and dreams, searched for by the soul, or take a step back to a time of familiarity and comfort?
Perhaps the demons of the past have become the flowers of future blossoming.
One thing is for sure: there is no leap in time, forward or back, to be granted; only a leap of faith to face each present day. Within every day lies the possibility of transformation. Actual events of the past cannot be changed, but our response to them can, freeing the outcome of future situations.
Some changes and reforms have taken centuries to bring about, lifetimes to witness: shifts in consciousness gradually developing new perceptions and understanding. However, as the lyrics of a song remind us: ‘What a difference a day makes, twenty four little hours’. This present leap year brings us an extra special day. Surely we cannot let it pass without being conscious of making a difference; let us put ourselves into service that day for the benefit of all.
The soul in service
Share at least one smile with another human soul or life-force as you live that day, from dawn till dusk.
Treasure each word of truth spoken in kindness from your heart to both friend and stranger alike. Speak of the certain change we see developing in human consciousness. Stand up and be counted as one who not only carries the light, but who is joyfully courageous enough to reveal it.
Taste the sweetness of a shared meal, cook for your partner, family or a neighbour, with love; meet for a coffee. Quench loneliness by being a true companion.
Listen to your beating heart, and may its rhythm calm and guide you to remember and share what is precious. Be a silent support to another, just by being there.
Look around, at your blessings. Gaze into the future with hope, and healing will happen, clouded vision will clear, clarity will be restored.
Leave no regrets, no sadness, no reason to look backwards in anything other than gratitude as that special day gives way to the month of March, heralding the long-awaited signs of Spring and new life.
The day that we enjoy only once every four years will have served us well, and we will have served others by acceptance of all that they are, fellow travellers, sharing a planet, a destiny and a purpose: to bring love and understanding into every day.
May we know in one day all the beauty and glorious experience of being human with a universal, loving heart. Share all you are; be the change you want to see.
After all, the next time we have this opportunity will be 2012! Now there’s a thought.
With love, enough to share,
Mary
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