It’s a New Year. Time for resolutions and resolve. Hopes and dreams.
Around the world, people are choosing their resolutions. Yet, you know how that goes. You begin strong and full of vim and vigor. Then, like many, you lose your focus and momentum. Until Summer when you find your journal and that entry filled with resolutions and hope.
Research from the University of Bristol suggests that 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail with a large amount simply forgotten along the way.
And yet, a New Year offers a New Threshold. A glimpse into your potential. A recommitment to live a life more aligned with meaning, and pleasure, and purpose.
There is good energy behind this intent. I applaud and encourage you to create a way of being that is deeply meaningful, enjoyable, and purposeful. Use the New Year energy. And the new moon energy. And any positive practice and action which supports your intent.
I’m a big fan of Tiny Actions.
What might you do today to take a small step toward these aspirations? That’s just one question but you can use it everyday. Tiny actions over time changes the world. To be specific, your world. And when your world changes, then mine claims that potential as well. I thank you for that. I can use all the Tiny Action momentum you have to offer.
Along the way, I hope you listen to the voice of your Soul more than the clamor of society.
I’ve discovered that this clamor, streaming in 24/7 from the world, has taken up residence in my mind and rented space in my body. Like a guest invited for dinner who is still here a year later. I don’t recall inviting the world to live in me, yet, despite my best intentions, here it is.
I find it harder to listen to my Soul with all this noise.
I’ve never done a silent retreat. I’m not even that good of a meditator.
I like to stream the wisdom of the Angels, the Sacred Feminine, or the Great Wisdom. This is my comfort zone which opens me to the Divine in ways that make me whole.
I love to be on retreat and learn from genius teachers, ponder a bit on my own, and gather with like minded souls for depth discussion. Preferably in a warm climate full of sunshine and scattered hammocks. But that’s not what is unfolding for me at the start of a hopeful New Year.
Instead, I’ll sit with my own nature. In silence.
In preparation, I’ve finished my work and cleared my schedule. I’ll be putting away my phone and computer. Wondering who I’ll be without work – such a strong part of my identity. Choosing to step away from television, leaving the house, talking to anyone (perhaps my dog on occasion), and limiting access to reading material.
I have a blank journal, two books from a wise man, and one short audio course to guide my Path. And silence.
In anticipation of returning to the world, I unsubscribed from all my emails. All of them. That in itself was a bit disconcerting. What if I needed that information? What if I insulted my friend or colleague by signing off? What if I missed something? One thing that surprised me as I let go was how much thought I had about it. I expected the relief from clearing my clutter, but not the mild anxiety as I let go and let go.
And so it begins.
People are excited for me. I’m grateful for that. I’m not excited. I’ve got lots of trepidation. As if I’m heading off to climb Everest rather than sit in my room for over a week. My goodness. That clamor in my mind has so much to say. I wonder what happens when I’ve nothing else to distract me from its noise. I wonder what I’ll discover as I listen more deeply in the stillness than I do in my movement.
I received some lovely advice as I prepared to unplug. Be patient. Be curious. Be tremendously kind to yourself. Offers of prayers, love, and support. And a precious mantra “I have everything I need.”
And you do as well. I hope you discover a way to connect so deeply with your Soul in this coming year. I wish that for me as well. This year, may we dive deeply into the wonder of existence only to find that we’ve always resided there.
Quietly splendid.
Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.
Your brain likes to meditate. Silent contemplation, or simply closing your eyes and breathing, activates neural pathways that support calm. These pathways underlie beneficial traits such as feeling present, grateful, and steady. With meditation you can deliberately stimulate that circuitry and bring such experience into awareness. Activating calm, steadfastness, and contentment within your body actually converts those experiences into lasting change in neural structure and function. Explore psychologist Rick Hanson’s books Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain to understand neuroplasticity and the benefits of meditation.
Learn the one essential skill that allows you to face any challenge with confidence, sturdiness, and inner calm.
More than a technique. It’s a game changer.
As I climbed the hills in the Sacred Valley, every step was a prayer of gratitude. Pausing often to catch my breath in the high altitude, I drank in the beauty of the mountains, valleys, small towns, and roaming llamas.
It was a beautiful May day at Bryn Mawr College. I was looking forward to partaking in the annual May Day celebration at this college so infused with Welsh traditions.
Here’s a letter from my kid. She’s my favorite Difference Maker, but you’re also on that list. I hope you enjoy and participate if this calls to you.
Aspirational Dreaming. It’s a thing. Consider how many times you are presented with someone who does something truly amazing or simply appealing.
The New Year is upon you. Right on the tail of your full belly, busy schedule, and (hopefully) positive feelings about your world.
It’s dark and getting colder in much of the world. Inviting you to slow down, light your candles, warm your hands by the fire, and enjoy your time indoors.
