As the New Year dawns, I find myself in the "City of Dawn:" Auroville, a place where an international community of folks have gathered to celebrate human potential, and care for The Mother, our earth. The cabin I have been renting is named “celebration.” A not-so subtle reminder to me to celebrate the changes we are facing on the planet, and remember possibility exists in every moment. I have documented many examples of this celebration of creativity, and living well with the earth, including a musician who is working with ex-gang kids from the Auroville area; bored Tamil youth apparently, in search of themselves like youth the world-over. He teaches them how to collect natural materials, and make their own musical instruments; some are a fusion of traditional instruments, while others are clearly tribal, and still others are other-worldly, like the black granite device that is rubbed with water to create a sound that is near angelic.

 
Auroville is a wholly unique place teeming with folks all bonded to common ideals born of Sri Aurobindo’s early vision of human potential. There are craftsmen/women of all kinds; woodworking, stonework, those working the in the green movement with sustainable methods. Many folks are using black, and grey water systems that are so efficient they have water taps throughout the community, with running water being used on vegetables, as well as fruit trees. There is sacredness infused into each of these, and the hundreds of other efforts here from years of intentionality, stemming from The Mother’s inspiration to carry out Sri Auobindo’s vision.

Every morning since I’ve been here in Auroville, loud speakers ricochet Hindi prayers, and music off my eardrums till 3 and even 5:30 AM! This wild, and foreign music is played in celebration of the Tamil New Year. I pray we will all celebrate this New Year with as much enthusiasm toward a deeper commitment to living life in acceptance of “what is,” while at the same time intend to live with greater simplicity, in harmony with the earth, as the Aurovillian's have. Their organic growing methods, and biodynamic permaculture for growing food, and medicines has been going on for years now, turning what was once a barren sea of red washes, into a lush, vital oasis in the desert. I could spend far more time on Auroville singing its praises, but the full moon is waxing, which is my cue to move along to Tiruvinammali for their celebration of the moon, as folks will come to offer their prayers,  gathered at the feet of sacred mount Arunachula.

 May we all take greater care in the New Year, and face what lies ahead with grace, and great dignity for all of creation.
Bruce