A New Leaf
One of my favorite worship rituals takes place at the beginning of the year. It is when we welcome the New Year with paper made during the service from notes that we wrote on scrap paper. As the January 6, 2013 Order of Service stated, “We all have different intentions—to carry on important work or memories, to let go of habits or thoughts that weigh us down, to appreciate what we have, and to make improvements where we can.”
Our master paper-maker, Stefanie Kompathoum, describes the ritual as “similar to a Jewish observance during Rosh Hashanah called Tashlich. “Tashlich” means “casting off” in Hebrew. It involves symbolically casting off the sins (or those things that keep one from moving forward fully) of the past year by tossing pieces of bread into a body of flowing water. Just as the water carries away the bread so too are the sins carried away, allowing the participants to begin the new year with a clean slate.”
Many traditions involve some form of letting go. In the paper-making process, however, we emphasize what we are going to create and bring together in the new paper. The January 1, 2012 Order of Service proclaimed, “The paper-making process mirrors the community; individual pieces of paper infused with our own intentions are blended together and bonded into something new and strong and full of experience and potential.”
After small pieces of scrap paper were distributed during worship, I wrote down the personal characteristics and behaviors I wished to relinquish: fear, anger, and holding onto resentments. The pieces were collected and used to make new paper. Sheets of new paper measuring approximately 4 x 5 could be picked up in Fellowship Hall after worship, when they were dry. As soon as I got home, I wrote in heavy black ink the new behaviors I wished to embrace: patience, support, and empathy.
The new paper is so heavy and handsome that it seems to lend authenticity to my resolutions. I pinned the note to the side of a wooden file cabinet near my desk. I see the resolutions each day. Have I fully realized my intentions? Of course not. I claim spiritual progress—or at least a persistent attempt at progress—rather than spiritual perfection. The ritual of creating a new leaf is a powerful process in my journey. It helps inspire me to be mindful and reflective and to embrace change. I am grateful for the loving environment at UUFH that encourages my journey.
I thank Jim McKinley for graciously providing a copy of his January 6, 2013 reflection, “A New Leaf for a New Year,” along with his comments on the paper-making process. I heartily thank Stefanie Kompathoum for the love and skill she brings to paper-making. I applaud her talent. I shudder to think of the history of human civilization without paper makers like Stefanie.
Believe in Peace,
Be Peace,
Create Peace,
Chuck Elston