Happy New Year

... in Japan, that is. The Japanese New Year (shogatsu) comes on the first new moon after the winter solstice, which is today, Dec 30th. (Yeah, it's Dec 29th in the US, but it's the 30th in Japan right now).

The New Year is a big deal in Japan. It's not just a time of revelry, but also one of quiet contemplation, visiting friends, eating, shopping, and starting over fresh. This article captures a bit of the essence.

So as we pass into a new cycle of the never-ending cycle, I invite you to consider these wise words from T.S. Eliot:

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.