A New Year, A New Decade

When we were Thailand and Cambodia last year, the Ganesh kept presenting itself and finally, I succumbed and purchased a wooden replica to put on my spirit house. Because it was of greater value to me, I sparely put the spirit house out but kept it in the house most of the time so it would be "safe". One of the main lessons of the Ganesh, the Keeper of the Threshold, is to remind us of boundaries and guarding our space. Boundaries are not just barriers to intrusions but practical guidelines to help us function.
I became aware this past year that I often stand outside my life waiting for a passerby to ask something of me so I don’t tend to my own life. In viewing my own insanity, I found that I often stepped up even when not asked nor wanted and then often feel badly when not thanked.
This past year, like many times in my life, I did not pay attention but assumed that I was OK, would be tended to, and that my giving was reciprocal. Boundaries like the people and things change and there is an ever present need to pay attention and balance the need to take care of you while letting down the guard to remain sensitive to the messages at hand.
Last night, as the fireworks crackled overhead, I walked Lady past the neighborhood private party that was in full swing and that I was not invited to attend - could see the cars, or had talked to several in my life that would be there with their friends to celebrate the new day.
I stood on the corner with one of my first neighborhood friends who is now a community recluse. We stood with our dogs, as the colors jumped over our heads on one corner as folks came and left the gathering to the tune of bang, pop, etc. and I was aware that boundaries are very different when you set them from exclusion when you are outside looking in and I asked forgiveness for any and all times, that I left someone out in the rain. Happy and a Good year Herb, and walked home and went to bed.