Welcome. Willkommen. Aloha. Bienvenue. The list goes on and on, although sadly my knowledge of languages is a little limited!
On looking at the possible different translations of ‘welcome’ into other languages, it is fascinating to see the similarities, as well as the differences, around the world. There is an amazing ‘overlap’ of language which shows the interconnectedness of humanity and avenues of commonality that link us all together.
Of course, on looking at the history and origin of some of these words, wars, conflict and invasion all form important parts of the equation, but these are not the point of this observation! Not wanting to ignore this completely though, when we look closer at the world in which we live we find connections of a positive and a not so positive nature that span back through time reaching deeply into the hearts and souls of so many. It is important to honour all that went before in order to fully appreciate the present...
Anyway, as you know, welcome is a way of greeting someone, but it is far more than a word; a true greeting is heartfelt and emotive, and the vibration of the word has power, shape and form. In fact, it is the energy of the word that probably matters more than the word itself as if it is spoken with lifeless eyes and a lack of heart, there is no real welcome and it feels hollow and empty.
This may all be interesting to read, but what is its relevance in December? Well, throughout the month ahead there is a sense of opening up to the true nature and power of words: to speak, and live, from the heart and to act with meaning and purpose. Of course, many of us do this to some extent already, but this looks set to intensify now as we are asked to ‘put our money where our mouth is’ and reach out into the world (both within and without) in order to live, breathe and be truth.