What DOES "Auld Lang Syne" mean anyway?

"It's just another New Year's Eve, It's just another Auld Lang Syne, But when we're through this New Year You'll see, WE'LL be just fine. We're not alone, we've got the world you know. And it won't let us down, just wait and see. And we'll grow old, but think how wise we'll grow. There's more you know, it's only New Year's Eve..." Thank you, Mr. Barry Manilow.

For the MANY, MANY years that I was single, I found New Year's Eve to be the most depressing of all the holidays. That was until I was invited to take part in a ceremony that changed my outlook about the whole New Year's experience.

Every New Year's Eve or within the first day or two of the New Year, I take part in what is known as a Burning Bowl Ceremony.

While there are numerous places of worship that offer this service, and there are several ways of doing it, there is no wrong way. Whatever works for you, and it is not necessary to leave your own back yard, to paraphrase Dorothy.

The Burning Bowl ceremony is a time to relinquish anything that burdens your mind and at the same time identify those things in your life that you wish to occur in the coming year.

Here's how it works: I write things on a piece of paper that I want to be rid of. Burdens that I have carried with me throughout the year. Anger, unresolved issues, bad habits, destructive behaviors, fears, etc. The next step is to say whatever prayer or affirmation I feel best releases these things from my grasp. Then it is time to burn it! Literally. I burn it and watch the smoke and bits of burning paper fly into the heavens. An actual bowl is not necessary but it helps prevent yard fires.

Then, when I am ready, I switch gears emotionally. I take another piece of paper and write down what I wish to bring into my life. It might be a goal that has to do with work or relationships or a state of mind. Perhaps it is a resolution of sorts, such as exercising and getting healthy. (AMEN!) Whatever it is that is a deep desire, I write it down. And POOF! Watch it go out into the universe in the same manner as the first list. Some people keep the second list (or a copy) in a sealed envelope and open a year later. But I don't choose to do that. Mostly because I'm afraid I'll want to shoot myself if I read it and have accomplished none of the goals I set for myself.

So does it work? It makes me feel better. So yeah, it works at least on that level. And it can't hurt, unless you try this after having a few drinks and do something stupid. But my eyebrows grew back in about three weeks.

Happy New Year!