Ushering in 2025

Touchstone 1, George (c) 2024, stone and acrylic paint

As my family and I watched the festivities in Times Square, it occurred to me that we were witnessing the creation and celebration of a powerful and enduring ritual.  Indeed, the Ancestors, in this case Lennon, Sinatra and Charles were present. The elements, in the form of thunder and rain, were also present.  As we prepared to usher in 2025, I listened to the talented songstress Mickey Guyton’s stirring rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine, one of my all-time favorite songs.  Lennon invites us to use our gifts of creative visualization to fashion a world of peace and unity for us all. After the iconic ball dropped, the loud speakers reminded us that we were in Times Square by playing Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York, an equally iconic tune. I, however, found Ray Charles’ version of America deeply moving as it, no doubt, suggests that we can embody Black Elk’s vision of the Rainbow People. His prophecy extols the virtues and values of peace, mutual respect and equality.

As human beings, we need ritual containers to provide context and meaning in our lives.  Ritual forms the connective tissue and furnishes ways for us to mark and manage transitions. A life devoid of ritual lacks meaning and substance. Rituals empower us both individually and collectively. They remind us of the power and efficacy of that ancient African philosophical construct, Ubuntu which teaches I am because we are and we are because I am. To you, members of the Beloved Community, I say together let’s make 2025 count by envisioning a world at peace, reconciled to provide all of our children the love, nurturing and sustenance they need to thrive. #DrG, #Generative_Gaze, #Peace, #Ritual, #BelovedCommunity