I had the unexpected privilege of taking part in a ritual on New Year's Eve. We went into the back yard, sat in a close circle around a fire, and chanted in Sanskrit.

We chanted each mantra 108 times while the host counted on a string of beads. After the first dozen repetitions the mantra becomes automatic and you zone out. Staring at the fire has the same mesmerizing effect. As a result I kept an empty mind for half an hour, and that always feels healthy.

We also threw spices into the fire, which was supposed to symbolize something, but it didn't do much for me.

After the chanting we brightened the atmosphere by singing a song. Then we went around the circle, sharing our hopes and goals for the coming year. I think if we knew each other better we would have shared more.