January 2010 Commentary: New calendar year as the times they are a’changin’ (it’s about time)

Bob Dylan’s first album and title track, “ ‘The times they are a’changin’,” written and recorded from August-October 1963 and released for sale in January 1964, was a call for social change against the backdrop of racism, poverty, and the Viet Nam war. As the New Year begins again in 2010, January offers a time of reflection, renewed hope for the future with new beginnings and commitments. Whether you prefer to organize and plan your time using a Western calendar of linear progression or a cyclic wheel of time as many indigenous cultures observe, constructive change through affirmative, healthy choices can help build family, community and a sustainable future. It’s about time.