In the Buddhist tradition, the passing of an old year and the beginning of a new one is celebrated in a sacred manner. We take stock of the past year, our life and relationships, our activities and endeavors, and make a sincere inventory of the actions of our body, speech and mind. Then, symbolically freeing ourselves from the baggage of the past year, we start the New Year with renewed focus, motivation and inspiration. Rather than celebrating the New Year by numbing and clouding the mind, we renew our commitment to awaken to the richness and beauty of life’s fullest potential. Truly, we begin anew.