Why Am I Declaring January Mediation Month?

Because January is a good month to make this declaration. The nights are still long and there is a continuing hibernation aspect to it. And yet, the morning light has begun to shift imperceptibly and you can sense it. There is a stark beauty to deep winter. The trees are bare and dark against the winter sky; the days are frigid; frost and snow are still on the way; and everything in nature is in an exquisitely dormant state.

Because the winter holidays are in the not-too-distant past. We can take a breath, put those decorations away and allow the gestation of what has been latent in us to slowly begin to sprout. Just as beneath the ground plants and trees are resting as they store energy for the big break through the soil when the longer days ascend and the light sheds its heat and illumination.

Because there are no extended time-off holidays this month. There is nothing in our way now to occlude our focus on those ideas and resolutions we considered as we turned the page to the New Year.

Because it can be a time for serious contemplation of what is no longer serving us. It can be a time for reconsideration and a reassessment of ALL our relationships, whether they are with family, friends, volunteer commitments, hobbies, career or even perhaps, marriage.

Because, as we mediators know, this is the time of year that the calls come in with alacrity, to inquire about mediation services.

Because this year, with Christmas and the New Year falling the way they did, mid-week, there were almost 2 full weeks of festivities for those who felt festive, but difficult for those who suffered as the reality of the transition for the family was fully present. We mediators know the anguish and stress of trying to “keep it together” for the holidays and the huge toll it takes.

Because as we allow our thoughts to turn into intentions and our intentions turn into declarations and declarations turn into actions – now is as good a time as any for new beginnings. It’s January after all.

Because January is the perfect month to contemplate mediation as a means to complete our resolve to move forward in our lives in a wholesome, sane and clean way.

Because by declaring it, it comes into being!