Family Birthdays

’tis the season for birthdays, for many in my family. Mine is also looming. I just wished my oldest son a happy birthday and asked if he had any plans. He told me that at his age, he hasn’t felt the need to celebrate his birthday for quite some time now.

That got me to thinking; and I responed with: I don’t celebrate like I did when I was much younger (partying and such), but I do use the occasion to contemplate/meditate on my latest revolution of old Sol. Yes, I do a similar contemplation every New Year’s Eve, but the context is a little different.

On New Year’s Eve, I’m putting the last year in context with the overall evolution of our civilization… or lack thereof. On my birthday, I’m more concentrated on my personal path and growth, my journey to whatever end seems impending, without dwelling or obsessing on it.

I generally treat myself to a nice dinner out and spend my day in some creative endeavor and said comtemplation. So no, I don’t dwell on birthdays, but I do use mine as an occasion for reflection.

–LE