The Burning Bowl - A New Year's Tradition
This post is for everyone- cancer or no cancer- it's a great way to start the New Year.
Many years ago I attended a church service that conducted a Burning Bowl Ceremony. As the years have passed, I adapted it to my own needs, but, church or no church, the ceremony is an excellent way to start the New Year. You can do the Burning Bowl by yourself, but it is much more fun to do with a group of people. Here are the things you will need:
A candle
Firepit , fireplace or a place to safely burn your letter.
Paper and Pens
Old magazines
Self addressed stamped envelope
Start by writing down all of the negative things, people and experiences you have come into contact with in the last year. Take a few moments, really try to remember each event. It can be a big grievance or some rude lady you bumped into at the grocery store. Take the list and bless each and every person or thing on the list and then place the paper into the firepot , literally releasing them from your life. I like to say a special prayer to myself while the paper is burning. “I release and I let go, I let the Spirit run my life.” This too was taken from a Unity songbook.
Next, on another piece of paper, write down all the blessings in your life. All the things you are grateful for and all the things you wish to do in upcoming year. Again, this can be a little or big as you want to make it, but remember, the Universe hears all things big and little- so why not ask big?
Use the magazine to cut out pictures of people, places and things you wish to attract into your life. Thank God as if these things already happened in your life. Then place the contents in an envelope and either give it to a person who you can trust to send it back to you in a year’ s time. Or you can place it with your Christmas decorations so you will find it in a year.
Throughout the year forget about the letter. You will be amazed when you open the letter in a year’s time how much has come true. Some years I am shocked more than others and some years, I simply don’t know what to put down for myself and that’s what I get too. This year I have a lot to write about. I find it to be a very cleansing process.
I know my mom has had great success with her "Burning Bowl Parties". Everyone really looks forward to them.
So, Happy New Year to all of You! I wish you a New Year filled with joy, health and prosperity! I hope all your wishes come true
Categories: Starting New, Goal Setting, New Year's Tradition, forgivenes, Letting Go, party
Mom, if you read this post- please let everyone about your yearly parties and what they mean to you and your friends!
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To Angella and friends of innertoughgirl,
Yes, this is a great way to start out the new year. What they say about getting rid of the old to make room for the new to come in, is exactly how this works, except as Angella mentioned, at the end of the year and you read your letter, wow !! what a true delight.
it's not only a good feeling of release
but also very spiritual cleansing. I have done this (thanks to you Angie)
for 15 years now. Last year I skipped due to moving into my new home. Boy did I disappoint a lot of women. Actually
Angie suggested along time ago that I
make a "more fun atmosphere to it" by
everyone bringing a covered dish. So now it's a Pot Luck Bowl Burning Party.
Now, I have another comment. Before I wrote this, I was thinking about how
you are always doing and coming up with something to make someones life better.
I guess i just want to let people know
that you're just that type of person.
It's even started when you were three,
from giving Dad 4 pennies to help him out at tax time, jumping up to a young woman who wrote monthly newsletters of
wonderful thoughts and information, the
Make a Difference Book you put together
(I still have some and periodically give them to someone I feel would want)
to now.....THIS !!!! The innertoughgirl
Blog. You are a very giving special person and I am proud to have you as my daughter and dear friend.
Love,
Mom
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Mom- you are making me blush. That's funny about the pennies- I don't remember that. I love you- It makes me feel so good that you are so proud of me. I'm just. . . . being me.
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Hi and I met you last Thurs at chemo. I have had Breast Cancer for nine years. The last three years I have been fighting it in my lungs as well. I call him Big Papa. This chemo is my seventh different one but as long as they have them I will take them.I haven't lost my hair this time but I keep an eye on it it can be sneaky. (I cried too) You are right you have to be inner tough because sometimes the body isnt as strong as the mind.Just remember on the days you think you cant you really can. Even if you just pick one thing to do and you get it done.I like you have chose to not let cancer rule my life I work full time in surgery and have three kids and a new granddaughter,not to mention the few things I like to do.I wont say how great you are or I admire you because other than the cancer you have found something people search for there whole life and may never see Themselves. I hope its ok I write once in awhile. I have a ton of funny stories and not so fun ones. But most of all its nice to talk to someone who is just trying to do exactly what we are trying to do- just live-.Love ya talk to ya later or maybe i will see you on Thurs I go once a week (sick for four days then two good ones and boom chemo again nobody said life was going to be beautiful but its a great ride).Take care of you.
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Hi Shelly,
Yes! I remember you - I was admiring your beautiful curly locks. 9 years -I can't even imagine. I hope you write and share often. I am sure you have a wealth of information for people and you are just the kind of 'tough girl' we need in the world. I would love to hear all of your stories - funny and not so funny. I hope you will feel you can share them here.
I go to chemo on Thursdays every other week. Maybe I will see you then. But if not, you can catch me on this blog anytime.
Take care of yourself too- I am sending big hugs!
Angella
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