Kwanzaa Day 2

The second day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah), which is self-determination: Thinking for myself, and deciding what I will say and what I will do with my life.

Self-determination requires me to understand who I am- personally, historically, and culturally. I need to know the history of my people and where I come from, so that I can live grounded in my past. My English, Welsh, German, Swiss, French, and Dutch (Mennonite and Quaker) ancestors have much wisdom and insight to offer me.

Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa ceremony
3. Update my intentions poster
4. Start where I am

1. Journal queries:
Even though I am white, and therefore a part of the dominant culture of this country, I choose to live outside many of this culture's conventions. I need to know what my personal Truth is, think for myself, and make my own choices for the future. I need to speak truth to power and live in a way that supports all humans.

Who am I and how do I define myself- personally, historically, and culturally? 
How do I express my individuality?

Begin to consider what my New Year’s resolutions might be... 

What dreams do I have for the New Year? 
What might I do in the New Year to better define myself?

2. Kwanzaa ceremony:

I light the black candle and the blue again, for the people, saying this affirmation:
I will work in unity with those within and without my circle.

Then I light the inside red candle for the fire in my heart that keeps me working hard for the things I believe in, and recite this affirmation-
I will define myself, create for myself, and speak for myself. I will accomplish my dreams for the future.

3. Update my intentions poster:
Each year for my "Self-determination project", I work on a giant collage Intentions Poster-- a visual way to show my plans for the new year.

My Intentions Poster for 2018, organized into 9 sections--
Top- Synergy, Depth, Stillness
Middle- Joy, Balance, Strength
Bottom- Receptivity, Integrity, Abundance

Today I plan to examine 2018's poster to see what I've accomplished- remove the items that I've finished or no longer need, and consider what I might like to add for next year.

4. Start where I am:
I just finished reading the small book "Your Art Will Save Your Life", by Beth Pickens. Beth writes about using art as a source of strength in bad times. 

She says I can "start exactly where I am, with what I have, to work towards justice and be of service to someone more vulnerable than I am. I don't have to wait. I don't have to become someone else or wish for different skills."

This year I will continue to use my art and teaching skills to support causes I believe in, in as many creative ways as I can think of.