Hello Beloved,
I find the beginning of the calendar year interesting.
As someone who follows seasons and cycles, I’ve rarely felt a ‘new beginning’ or a shift on January 1st and it seems random, manufactured in a way.
Instead, I tend to feel a change on Dec 21st, which marks the Winter Solstice, a shift in the light or on the Lunar New Year, when the moon begins its new annual cycle (Feb 10th this year). Or even March 21st, the beginning of the new solar cycle, the emergence of Spring and the newness it brings.
On these days, I feel connected to the energetic shift within these natural cycles. In January, I most often feel like I'm in the midst of something or replenishing rather than at the beginning of something.
But that said, there’s something about the collective agreement that something new is happening when we all agree to start writing 2024.
So all that I guess just to say…Happy New Year All!
I also bring it up because while we collectively agree the new year is here, if you are still feeling like 2024 is off to a slow start…take heart. You are not lagging behind, or the only one.
Instead, I would suggest that you release the expectations or ‘should’ that come with this time and simply be with, become curious and interested in whatever it seems Life is presenting to you or asking of you.
It is when we become present with what is, and where we are not our wish of how we'd like it to be - we find the most meaning and peace in life.
This season my practice of being with my life, means that I’m not lettign expectations drive. (It’s a practice!)
Whether with myself, in my relationships, celebrating my birthday, interactions with family and in my relationship to my ever-changing body.
When I start to experience lethargy, anxiousness, and the sensation of unease I begin to make inquiries into my heart and body.
I ask:
“What is here?”
“Is there something that this moment/this feeling in my body is bringing for me to see?
“Am I able to clearly look at it or am I running from it?
“Is there anything preventing me from embracing this moment fully as it is?”
“Is there a fantasy of expression that I’m chasing? Or by-passing something?”
“Is there an unacknowledged desire that this moment is bringing to light for me?”
Considering these questions, or ones like it, brings us into an intimacy with ourselves - an intimacy where we are honest with ourselves, and looking at those places within us that are unexamined, denied, hidden or unconscious, what some refer to as our shadow.
This kind of honest self-inquiry, when approached with deep and tender compassion opens the way to living your life present with things that fulfill rather and conscious of what depletes you. Then you can make adjustments from an intentional not reactive way.
It’s brave living, courageous living and I invite you to try it this season.
The cool winter temperature and dark evenings create the perfect moments for becoming intimate with Self.
Brew a cup of your favorite tea, light a candle, an incense – create an environment of warmth that invites those quieter parts of you into conversation.
Look upon any insight you have with the most amount of tenderness that you can muster. We can be so harsh with ourselves as we’re growing along our paths.
In this season of Self-intimacy and getting to more present with life, treat your inner exploration as you would offer when learning about a lover – with exquisite attention, willingness to learn, and affirming intent.
I think I have more to say on this, and I'd love to hear your thoughts
…stay tuned for next Sunday.
Until then..
Let Love Guide the Way,
Angela