Lessons from Plough Monday

I recently learned about a tradition from the British Isles called Plough Monday. It's a celebration of returning to work after the Twelfth Night of Christmas celebration (yes, the really did take 12 days off from work to celebrate Christmas!) A plough was paraded through the streets to honor a return to work. And the writer of the article asked "How can we return to our work with better spirit?"

Whatever our work may be and however we currently feel about it, meditating upon the nature of our work can be transformative. We can ask ourselves what the effect or finished product of our work might be. My guess is we can all find something in our work that affects others and our world in a positive way.The author goes on to ask what tool or object might be emblematic of our work and can we find a small object and create a ritual dedicated to honoring the work of our hands and asking for a blessing upon our work.

As a hospice physician, I was drawn to this image of the energy that comes from touch that has the power to heal if not cure. What image or symbol speaks to you?