07/31/2025
Hmm. I’ve never really been one for tradition.
Growing up the way I did, I always felt the need to question, to understand, to decide for myself.
Not that I always got it right — I’ve misunderstood and misused that drive plenty of times. But at least now, the awareness of my own conditioning feels more present, maybe even a little broader.
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about birthday traditions… or rather, the social obligations, meaning...
Not caring for the social obligations, the expectations — all the ways the “I” pushes against the grain.
So I’ve been doing a little reflecting.
I used to care quite a bit about being celebrated — about the whole thing. The attention, the ritual, the love translated through gesture.
But as I’ve gotten older (and hopefully, a little wiser), I don’t hold on to that tightly anymore.
It’s just another day, in a way.
I’ve never had many traditions of my own — but I’ve been subject to many.
And you know what? I think I’d like to have some.
There’s wisdom in why certain things are passed on, why they became traditions in the first place. Moment in life.
The good clichés of life — they endure for a reason.
So, as I turn another circle around the sun,
I’m choosing to begin a tradition for myself — an intention:
To honor that I was born.
To honor that I exist.
To be grateful that I am.
To appreciate the human experience, in all its mess and magic.
To stand in awe of life, shared with every soul I’ve known — those I’ve loved, love, and those I haven’t. Those who love me and those who don’t.
Thank you for every breath.
For every stance.
For movement and stillness.
For every lesson I had to learn the hard way.
To marvel at this activity that is me — this beingness, this Self.
The one who feels it all, and the one who watches.
Because I am that.
Om so hum.
Thank you for being on this ride with me, It’s been a trip. Thank you for love, space and presence. Amituofo. ✨
P.S. I also would like to honor Trees. Cuz trees are awesome.