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The other day I was thinking about crafting a message for the New Year, and what I might say. First I had to consider its purpose. Was it merely to be part of a new tradition based on the warm response to last year’s message? No, of course not. If I were to do another the reason would have to be more compelling than that. So, I thought quite long and hard, and following this period of rich reflection, the answer emerged – the reason would be that I am a teacher. And as I begin my 45^th year of teaching, I recognize that one of the reasons I have always found teaching so rewarding is the opportunity to make a difference in another person’s life.

Fortunately, somewhere quite early in my journey, I realized that if there was even the slightest chance for such a presumptuous possibility manifesting- to truly have the honor of becoming the teacher I envisioned- one that created opportunity for transformative, depthful and authentic learning and the requisite changes commensurate with this level of learning to take place – I would first have to develop the skills – technical/philosophical/intellectual/spiritual, within myself to be even marginally qualified for such a noble undertaking. I recognized that for me to teach I would first have to be willing to learn. To learn how to: communicate/listen/see/ know/risk/ trust/act/ be patient/reveal/claim/accept – but not settle/discover the questions you want to ask and the unceasing passion to need the answers/let go/persevere/surrender/comfort/nurture/stand for something/how to work/how to play/be with my Self/how to be with others how to – just be!

I also realized I would have to learn how to dream and to turn the dream into a vision to be fulfilled. For that to happen, I had to learn to be a “pragmatic visionary” – a man who didn’t merely dream, but strived to make the dream come true – to show others how to fulfill their dreams - to make them “real.” To help others take their journey as empoweringly as possible – I first had to try and do this for my Self.

With the recognition of what was/is required – I began.

One of my favorite books- for myriad reasons - is Cervantes’ Don Quixote. One of my favorite musicals is the “Man of La Mancha”, loosely based both on Miguel de Cervantes extraordinary life/ journey, as well as on his profound novel. One of my favorite songs to sing is from “Man of La Mancha”- “The Impossible Dream,” by Joe Darion and Mitch Leigh.

Earlier this week, when I was in solitude- in conversation with my Deeper Self, I thought about this song. I have literally sung it hundreds of times, but until this week, I never quite recognized there really are no “Impossible Dreams.” For, if we can imagine it, dream it, envision it, we can make it come true.

So, my wish as we embark upon our journey this January 2009, is that we all “Dream the Possible Dream!” Dream and know that it is possible to: have world peace, economic stability, eradicate all disease, rid our planet of poverty, be happy, be wealthy - in all ways and always, be a best friend, have a best friend, be healthy, be happy, sing, dance, finger paint, cook really well, care for others and to be cared for as well, to give - boundlessly and to receive abundantly as well, serve God and your Deeper Self in synchronistic bliss each and every day!

As I begin my 45^th year of teaching and learning and my 63^rd year this January 23^rd, I lovingly offer my New Year’s message to listen deeply, hear keenly and believe – unflinchingly, unequivocably in the possibility of our dream/s coming true, and to do all in your power to make this happen.

How you take the journey and who you are matters. Act accordingly.

Sincerely - in faith and gratitude,

ARTHUR SAMUEL JOSEPH

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