Hello friends!
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying life's moments however you choose to spend them these last days of 2021. It can be an interesting time of year that is happy for some and challenging for others. It's certainly an opportunity for reflection as we head into a new year in a time of deep uncertainty and concern for our world.
I agree with folks who say that we should practice being intentional daily and not just once per year. When we do we feel most like our true selves and so we show up more authentically for ourselves and others. This creates a ripple effect of connection and compassion that can become exponential and world healing.
I also agree that having seasonal pauses for a ritual of reflection is also helpful for motivation and inspiration to make changes. Heck, it's because of a New Year's Resolution I made in 1994 when I was 27 that I finally floss my teeth every day!
Nowadays, when I put some structure and/or ritual around taking time to think about what I want to manifest for myself in the coming year, I invite more energetic support from the universe to help me bring my goals to fruition. My personal practice is to spend time alone in the quiet after my yoga practice contemplating what feels most important to me now. I ask for support and guidance from my guides and ancestors. Then I share what comes up and feels right explicitly--either by speaking it or writing it down.
I even choose a word that I want to represent a theme I want to embody for the next year. My 2021 word is RECIPROCITY as I lean into a deeper understanding of our interdependence with each other and the world around us. My inspiration for that word was the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer which I highly recommend. I listened to it as an audio book which the author narrated and her voice and words together are powerful.
You may have an idea for a different ritual for yourself and I encourage you to go for it. Ultimately the point is to draw your intentions more deeply into your consciousness so you really own them. That thoughtful effort tends to bring you to identify goals that are truly best for you. Then they will guide you in your decision making even if you are not fully aware of it at the time.
Whether or not you make this time of year a moment for reflection, I wish you all the best always and hope to see you soon for practice!
SUBHAM ASTU! (Wishing you many good things!)
PS If resilience is a 2022 goal for you then self care practices like Yoga and Reiki are excellent for building and replenishing your vitality. I’d love to help and am offering $25 off all Yoga and Reiki session packages through March. Just use the code RESILIENT at check out. I now also offer a 2 week free trial for all class memberships. Check out the options HERE
