Happy Chinese New Year 2023: The Year of the Rabbit

I want to dearly wish everyone prosperity, joy, safety, resilience and imaginative moments for 2023, The Year of the Rabbit. There’s tons out there but here’s a start:) https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rabbit/. I planned to write a novel for the New Year but, really, the most important things in life are different for all. I can only wish you the thoughts which keep me going.

My hopes for family, friends and wider community for 2023

In 2023, be the best person you can be with what you have. Don’t compare yourself to others. Forgive yourself and others (hard as it is) for not being perfect - and just persist in trying, failing, trying, failing - try again. Respect the pain and the fear in the people that disrespect you, get out of their way, and if you can, send them the help they need (they don’t have to accept and may still dislike you).

Don’t suppress your anger - channel it. Make things out of nothing. Reach deep within yourself to endure difficult times and, for those without Faith, I still wish you faith in something which returns you time and again to a moment or memory of when you loved yourself, loved those around you and loved your surroundings. Keep returning to that vision again and again in the quiet silences where you can be yourself. Strive for peace:)

Some reflections for 2023

This year is the 90th birthday of my late father Ramanathan. He had a passion for the work of Father Bede Griffiths, the English Benedictine Monk who went to India and became a very revered spiritual teacher. This is a video to reflect on, of a lecture Father Bede gave in Perth in 1985 attended by my father. He was so excited when he returned home, and in 2023 it feels very right to invite others to share in my memories.

A Sigil for 2023

William Blake’s Los