Happy December!
As we enter the holiday season, there are many celebrations happening in numerous cultures here in Canada and around the world. It truly is a festive month!
I love this story attributed to Margaret Mead. To me it really highlights what this season is about:
“Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.
But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink, or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety, and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said.
We are at our best when we serve others.”
Credit: Ira Byock
‘Tis the Season!
While my family celebrates Christmas, I have a number of friends who celebrate other cultural holidays at this time of year – as I’m sure you do.
Whatever holiday you, your friends, and your family are involved in, I wish you the best of the season and an even better 2022!