Polar Bear Plunge for New Year’s Celebration

29th December, 2010 - Posted by L. John Mason -

There are people in the world who believe that the changing of the calendar on January 1st of each year should be marked in a special way. Some people like to participate in a ritual call the “Polar Bear Plunge” which means they gather with certain other people and perform a very cold baptism by jumping into ice cold water (or cooler than ice cold water) and swimming around until they get out, get dried off, and are recognized as not quite “normal.” Why do they do this? Are they “macho” and tough or are they trying to prove something to themselves. I respect these people for their follow through but I am not at all sure I respect their decision making… There are lots of rituals or activities that people participate in to celebrate the New Years. Some people stand out doors in Time Square in New York City, watch the “ball drop,” kiss strangers, and then go somewhere to sober up. Some people will reflect on the year’s past significance and make a plan for the upcoming new year. Some people make “New Years Resolutions” to make changes that they think they should have made in their lives…. and then break these sometime early in the new year.

I will probably stay up late and watch the people celebrating the New Year and wonder why these people are celebrating and I will consult the oracle by “throwing the I Ching” to get insight into the coming year. I will make a list of things that I want to achieve in the coming year. I will meditate on peace and health, and hope that life will be good for family and friends… I will give some thought to doing my taxes and organizing my piles of business transactions.

How do you celebrate the changing of the calendar? What rituals do you believe are useful to consider? Send me an email with the very best ones that you use or know that work for other successful New Year’s celebrators. The New Year can be an important time to take stock in your life and determine if you are headed in the right direction or if it is time for a “course correction.” Consider what is missing from your life that would make your life healthier or happier and perhaps, consider a reasonable plan to bring this missing piece into your life. As a time of reflection, this can become a good time start motion toward a positive, achieveable goal. Good luck your endeavors to make positive changes in your life.

AND, most importantly, have a happy and healthy New Year!

If you can, visit our website at www.dstress.com in the next year.