NEW YEAR WELCOME IN EARTH DRAGON THAILAND

My son, Galon and myself, on the temple steps, New Year's 2007, near the Sankhampang Hot Springs - before a most wonderful soak in a traditional Thai park near Doi Saket.

The Buddhist temples or 'wats' are a part of every village and community - golden sparkling buildings and dragon steps representing the power of earth energy. Near Tao Garden in Doi Saket a magnificent wat overlooks the traditional farming village from the top of a hill and even in the little village near Tao Garden there is a sparkling golden temple. In the Sunday market in the old walled city within the modern Chiang Mai the temples open their gates to enterprising Thai hill tribes who make food and drinks in their lively booths and offer crafts and clothing for sale.

The Buddhist temples are part of the life and you see the saffron robed monks everywhere, especially in the morning with their begging bowls. The positive influence of the benevolent beloved King and Buddhism are a loving and stabilizing influence. Today I saw a pink tee shirt on one of the Pakua Clinic staff and two rabbits faced each other in an embroidered heart - apparently the King and Queen of Thailand are both born in the year of the Rabbit. These touches of love are very endearing - pink and golden shirts and banners liven every street and community.

Soon I will be leaving Thailand, January 9th I fly to New Zealand for 3 weeks and then back to Boulder, Colorado. This long sabbatical has woven deep experiences of growth and learning into my being and I am thankful for the many blessings received in this country.

New Years shared with my son, Galon, proved a quiet reflection and pleasant welcome. Today, New Year's Day, I share some thoughts on our Self Healing path:

Our goal is truth

Our practice is relationship with self and soul and then with others around us, our community, the world and our universe.

Through commitment to Self Healing we learn self love and self care.

As we develop these qualities within ourselves we extend them outward as we learn to heal, guide, support and love others.

As we live with true self love and extend love in service and duty we connect more deeply with our source and soul and fulfil our life purpose as truly compassionate human beings.