The UUC Zen Group is offering the opportunity to consider your Life Vows as a practice for the New Year, in a UU-friendly, contemporary Zen Buddhist ritual of discernment and renewal. You're invited to join us from 9 am to noon on Saturday, January 3, in the Knatvold Room and on Zoom. 

During the first hour, we'll sit in silent meditation and share a short Zen liturgy. Following a brief break for movement, the Life Vows ritual will be the focus from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. While full-time attendance is encouraged, it’s also fine to drop in for just part of the day as your schedule allows. The morning will invite several body practices—short chants, walking meditation and bowing. 

The annual practice of commitment to Life Vows differs from the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions. Our process begins with a guided meditation, short chants to clear our minds and set our intentions. We'll have time in silence for personal reflection to consider the commitments you want to make for yourself in 2026. These become your Life Vows to support your intentions as the year ahead unfolds. How you honor your Life Vows may change throughout the year because it’s rare that time proceeds exactly as we foresee, even when our intentions are clear and strong. 

You’ll have space during the process to contemplate and distill a simple written statement of your Life Vows for the New Year. Bring paper and pen/ pencil/ art supplies, whether you are participating in person or online. Basic supplies, as well as tea and light refreshments, will be available on-site during this time; you are welcome to bring snacks to share at UUC. Those on Zoom are encouraged to have a chalice, candle, or incense at hand, along with a beverage and small treats. 

After refining our intentions to no more than three primary vows for the New Year, we'll come together to seal our vows. You may share them with the Sangha if you wish; which offers witness in a community of spiritual support. Those participating online are encouraged to create an altar and writing space which can include any images or mementos of teachers and ancestors who have been meaningful guides and witnesses to your life. 

Last year's print-friendly Order of Service, which includes all chants, is available for download. (It's designed to view on-screen or print double-sided in landscape orientation, then folded into a half-page program.) Please have this with you if you are joining online. A copy will be provided if you are attending in-person at UUC.

After the ceremony, we suggest you keep your vows on your home altar or carry them with you through the months ahead to remind yourself of your deepest intentions and how you are choosing to keep them alive.

For more information on this opportunity to create Life Vows for 2026, including the Zoom link if you need it, contact Rev. Janine Seitetsu Larsen in advance.