I have never so intentionally celebrated all twelve days of Christmas but this year, the year that will end the "teens" and usher in a new round of "roaring 20s", reaching back to an old tradition gives me a feeling of preparedness. And so, I'm inviting you to join me whenever you like throughout these 12 days - I'll be posting different things here - music, art, videos, other commentary...and hopefully we can all go together into the New Year, awake and ready for whatever 2020 brings us.

This first post is simple - I found this aphorism in a little collection that I use for meditation:

"Like the mother of the world, touch each being as your beloved child."

I often wish I could take everyone up in my arms and comfort everybody across the planet who is in distress, and so with that thought I offer this beautiful piece of music by the Cuban singer Daymé Arocena, entitled Yemayá. It filled me with so much hope for our world...I hope you feel it too. We can't go backward in time to retrieve old and better days, but we can move forward in hope, compassion and strength...