I was aware this morning that today was Friday the 13th. Being one who does not believe in luck, good or bad, nor one ruled by superstition, knowing the date and day of the week didn’t bring fear, but instead a heightened determination to make my own amazing day even more beautiful, more joyful.
Curiosity about why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky did lead me on a search of discovery. I found three possible explanations for the uneasiness around this day:
* The number 12 is considered to be the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve months of the year, twelve hours of the clock day, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, or the twelve signs of the Zodiac. In contrast the number thirteen is considered irregular, transgressing this completeness.
* Friday has been considered an unlucky day to undertake a journey or begin a new project, at least since the 14th century, as recorded by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
* On Friday, October 13, 1307, hundreds of the Knights Templar were arrested in France by King Philip IV, possibly giving rise to the fear of a curse on that day.
Whatever it’s origin, Friday the 13th continues to at the least be a day to remark on, and at the most, a day to be fearful on, staying home, staying safe.
I celebrated the day by engaging others and connecting, giving hugs and teaching a class on meditation, laughing with daughter Adriel and receiving a precious Valentine from Aubrey. As I thought my day was winding down Greg suggested a trip to Springfield. We browsed at Barnes & Noble Bookstore and enjoyed an excellent dinner at Longhorn Steak House. The Flo’s Filet steak melted in my mouth. The grilled asparagus was tender and flavorful and we tried a new appetizer, recommended by our charming waiter, Matthew…the crab and artichoke dip with flat bread. Delicious.
The day is what I make it to be. If I’m fearful, I’ll find things to be afraid of…angry, things that will boil my blood…and if I’m joyful, I’ll find more things to bring me joy. It sounds simplistic and yet I’ve been walking this path long enough to find that it’s true. What I expect to get out of the day, I get. Today, I opened to greater joy and connectedness, and that’s exactly what I encountered. Happy Friday the 13th to me!
