Happy New Year everyone!
I hope that this New Year brings you all a year of personal growth and happiness. In Japan, at the end of each year, they vote to select a kanji that best represents the closing year for all to reflect on for the coming New Year.
At the end of 2011, the chosen kanji read as “kizuna,” which means bond or connection. For the Japanese, it was the connections made throughout all of Japan after the earthquake and tsunami hit Northern Japan. The whole nation came together quickly, bonded, and helped to work toward a steady recovery. The Japanese also noted they felt the connection from the whole world as it stepped up and helped in aid, recovery, and rebuilding.
I have learned from the actions of Japan as they continue their recovery process. They inspire me with their calm and their willingness to extend out to others despite their experience of hardships and the sometimes slow and difficult progress toward rebuilding their lives. By necessity, the Japanese have connected as family, community, nation, country, and now all countries reach out to connect with them. This is the power of unity and communities,
both small and large.
This year the AWA both gained and lost valued members. Certain bonds and connections within our family were strengthened while others were weakened or broken. As our training continues, it is important for us all to keep aspects of the AWA mission and...
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