posted by davee evans

Eirik Solheim made this video from photographs and recordings of his backyard in Norway in 2008. It reminds me of both how quickly time passes — and thereby how precious it really is — as well as its rhythm. That’s on my mind as I enter 2010.

Ten years ago I was at a new year’s party, where just before midnight four hundred revelers quieted down and sat silently in meditation. We were invited to meditate on our breath, or perhaps hold an intention for the coming year as our object of meditation. At midnight, someone rang a small bell. Then we sat awhile longer (and some sobs and sniffles were heard) until carefully chosen music invited everyone to dance.

I remember my intention ten years ago was to go deeper in my meditation practice, to finally take it to heart. In the years since then, my practice has become — slowly but steadily — a core part of my being and it has made an immeasurable difference for me personally. For this upcoming year, my intention is to reflect more on the precious and unpredictable qualities of life, and how I can avoid taking my short lifetime for granted.

Do you have some intentions for the coming year?