Anniversary

Tarn and I recently celebrated our 51st anniversary. Living together for so long has been an incredible journey. We’ve experienced all the ups and downs that a relationship can bestow and have entered that “forever” space we vowed to attain. I realize nothing is forever, but this feeling of abiding love seems like it could qualify. An anniversary does not do anything but confirm we have an ongoing commitment for however long it will last, mortality being what it is.

The word anniversary comes from the Latin word anniversarius, which means “returning yearly”. This combines two Latin roots: annus (meaning “year”) and versus (meaning “to turn”). Literally, the word signifies “the turning of the year” or a yearly cycle completed. The etymology makes it sound more like a cosmological event, a natural rhythm based on sun and moon cycles. This feels more like our experience; our relationship is connected with the earth and sky, stable and spacious.

So, as Tarn and I re-enlist for another year, we offer prayers of gratitude for the love and strength our relationship offers us. We also pray that all beings may find deep abiding connections with other humans and with the greater natural systems that support our shared journeys; on this planet, in this solar system, in this universe. May we all make an ongoing commitment to re-enlist in our intention to walk in love and tread lightly on the earth.

Every day is a turning of the year. Happy anniversary!