Just before turning off the bedside light after New Year’s Eve, I glanced at my iPhone. The calendar in the little white box read “1.” The number was black, below red lettering of the word, “Thursday.” I was struck by how much space there was in that box. After all the celebrations of this season, space feels like the stillness after a windstorm. I lay back and took a deep breath, thinking about the meaning of one.
Here are a few of the expressions involving one:
At one
For one
One for all, all for one,
One by one
One and only
One-of-a-kind
One and all
One is like the color black. It encompasses all. It is both an only, as in an individual, and all—everyone or everything all rolled into one. One is the sign of union, the universe, and of wholeness. For some people it is also the word for the Creator, as in the Divine or Supreme Being. In the philosophy of one, marriage is sometimes given the equation, 1 + 1 = 1. Two individuals become one, yet for a healthy union they must also remain one unto themselves.
This brings me to the subject of love. To love another deeply, we must begin by loving ourselves. To love ourselves, we must have received love from others. Love is one ever-expanding circle. It has no limits.
At breakfast on New Year’s Day, Paul and I sat down with dear friends and held hands to say a blessing. These are the words that came from me:
May love heal all.
May love be all.
May love be in all
as we heal towards wholeness.
This is my blessing to each of you as we begin a new year, one and all.
Beautiful message….we are one!
We are indeed! One for one, one for all…
Thank you for writing.
From someone who has recently gone thru a physical healing over the past several months after surgery; my emotions and heart have opened up. I am feeling very blessed and grateful; a warmness toward the people who have helped me heal; trust in their skill and caring have been transformative; and I like to think that I am giving that to others; paying it forward. Very well written.
Dear Jill, this is one of the ironies of healing, that through our wounds we find light. Rumi says: “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” I’m sure you are paying it forward. Brava!
Synergy “says” 1 + 1 = 3 .
I am watching the movie, “Under The Bomb” and am scared away by your red leaves and white ice photo and imagery… I remain an all american citizen with an old Arab Christian ancestry !
What can I end this note on ? Happy Little Christmas .
Sorry the photo of stone and leaves frightened you. It was taken of a bridge in Acadia National Park, built by my grandfather. I loved how the line led your eye outwards to the ever-expanding circle of love. May you find yourself in it.
Very interesting blog to start the New Year. When I think of “one” I have a yin/yang experience. That is, as a single lady, I sometimes feel lonely especially around the holidays. I think of isolation and singularity, as in sometimes feeling like a lone wolf or the only one who thinks or feels a certain way.
But, then, I also think of “one” in a more positive, life-affirming way. One door, one window (may lead to a bright new opening); saving one life (at a time). Have you ever heard the story about the boy who was walking on a Starfish-covered beach, tossing back as many as he could. When, someone passes by and chuckles: “You’ll never be able to save all those critters, why bother at all?” To which the boy holds up ONE lone Starfish and replies: “Maybe not, but it’ll mean the world to him!”
When I feel alone in life, in my thoughts or my heart, I try to think about the uniqueness of each and every living Being (animals included) and try to appreciate our unique qualities, gifts, skills and talents. One need not be the loneliest number that you’ll ever know (as the song, by Three Dog Night, goes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5ab8BOu4LE ). It can be an ignition switch to a bright and beautiful idea, invention or contribution—unique to one’s Self—embraced by the whole world.
The Numerology Meaning of the Number 1
The Primal Force
Positive Characteristics: Individualistic and independent, showing leadership and drive. The 1 is focused, an originator and self-starter; it is also progressive, strong-willed, courageous, self-reliant and rebellious (in a constructive way).
A befitting thought for the beginning of a NEW YEAR. Happiness to ALL!
Thanks Phyll for reminding me/us of the primal force. There’s so much to the number 1. And I love the starfish story too. Hugs to you. Eileen
Interesting meditation on a number.
It brought to my mind the idea of zero. 0. A circle encompassing empty space.
If I remember my history correctly, zero is a concept that is comparatively modern in terms of the eons of time humanity has been thinking and developing.
More than a placeholder for nothing, less than everything else, yet holds all in place, creating a root, a space above which numbers can exist.
What a beautiful concept, Sally! Thanks for that. Actually, when I wrote out the number as “One” I was thinking about that circle. I guess that’s why I ended with that photograph! And thanks for your wonderful blog. You are an inspiration!
Oh, Eileen you do get us thinking! I’ve always liked one – a beginning that stands on its
own and can go into infinity. Perfect for the New Year when all manner of adventures
are ahead.
Alice O.
Dear Alice, I’m so happy you found out how to respond! Thank you for your wisdom of one stretching into infinity – which I believe it does. Happy and Healthy New Year! Eileen
Hi Eileen, You need not have apologized to me regarding your powerful photo, suggesting the everlasting nature of love and love for nature. Had I known that the bridge in Arcadia National Park was a special favorite of yours, I would have returned a compliment to you, suggesting appreciation. I do apologize. How high minded that your grandfather sponsored Beatrix Farrand, a female who created beautiful long lasting gardens.