Measures of Rest

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Growing up, I remember hearing that how I bring in the New Year sets the tone for the rest of the year. I think of that old saying every New Years’ Eve. However, this is the first time I am intentionally choosing stillness and silence as my New Years’ Eve partners.

Like many, my days and weeks are full. Busier than I prefer, at times. The other night, in the midst of band practice, I had an aha moment. It happened while the brass and percussion were working hard and the clarinet section had multiple measures of rest. In that rehearsal, I decided to design my personal 2014 musical score to include more measures of rest.

I will begin this New Year fully awake in stillness and silence. In doing so, I hope to ‘set a tone’ for the coming year - paying attention to the instruments of God’s voice while noticing what is going on within me during my measures of rest. My commitment to an active and contemplative life as a sister supports this. Plus, I’ve always learned best when I am quiet.

What are your hopes for the New Year? What intention are you willing to set in motion?

Tanya Williams, OP

St. Louis Park,  MN

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