Clearing for the new year
In Colorado, we’ve had quite a cold spell in the last few days. On my drive to work yesterday, a thermometer showed -12 F (-24 C). Luckily, it heated up to the 20s by the afternoon–warm enough for the dogs to enjoy a bit of a stroll in the cool, bright sunlight. And, I’m hoping our lovely blanket of snow protected most of the plants from our frigid weather.
When it gets this chilly, it is especially inviting to stay in, reflecting and clearing in anticipation of the year to come. Over the last month or so, I’ve been focused on clearing things out–getting rid of shoes that were too well worn and those “solo socks” lingering in the drawer, donating clothes in good shape that don’t fit or that I simply don’t feel inspired to wear, completing small projects, organizing the files on my computer drive… Simultaneously, I’ve been clearing internally: examining aspects of my life and thought patterns, considering what is ready to be released, and where I might most beneficially grow.
For many of us, our lives get so busy in the lead-up to year’s end that it is hard to find time for reflection. If that’s true for you, perhaps you’ll find a welcome opportunity for clearing in the next few days, when so many of our work lives are still operating at the slower pace of “holiday mode,” and yet there are few events to plan and to attend.
Welcoming the new year
If you feel inspired, what a beautiful time to spend in quiet reflection, acknowledging and feeling grateful for moments in the last year–moments of challenge, of connection, of accomplishment, of apparent defeat, of ease, of sadness, of love, of frustration, of joy. How lovely to truly reflect on gratitude for yourself, for your loved ones, for your community, for the opportunities and discoveries that you encountered along your path. I find that gratitude is incredibly powerful in opening my heart to the present, and in softening the grasp of thoughts like “could have, would have, should have.”
A visualization for gratitude
When gratitude is difficult to tap into, it can be tremendously helpful to begin with a visualization meditation, grounding in light. For this meditation, first find your meditative seat–a place of balance and ease in your physical body, whether sitting or lying down. Next, reach through your seat (and feet, if in a chair) with roots, extending into the earth, feeling supported and nourished. Visualize a golden sphere around you, and light pouring through your crown, filling you and your sphere with light, support, and love. You may also find it exquisite to visualize light pouring through the back of your heart and out the front, filling your heart with love that flows out, filling your sphere. When your meditation feels complete, dissolve your roots, seal your crown and back, and visualize the dissolution of your sphere. Rest in love and support for as long as you like, perhaps completing your meditation with heartfelt gratitude for whatever arose.
Traveling your authentic path in 2015
Gratitude can be tremendously profound in supporting your opening to whatever and whoever is present in your life, and to opening your heart to what your spirit would most love to create in the new year. As you step into 2015, I invite you to take time for reflection, for gratitude, and for visioning–tapping into what changes in your life would most truly serve you and your authentic path. I’d love to hear from you about your discoveries.
I hope you have an extraordinary, joy-filled 2015!