Ahh. The New Year has begun. Have you recovered from the hustle and bustle of the holidays? I feel as though I’m just starting to resettle after Christmas and New Years and all of the things that this busy time of year brings!
As I mentioned in my previous post, “Reflections and Intentions”, I love choosing a word or two as a little guide for me to stay connected to my inner growth, to keep my focus as we re-enter the New Year. I think all of my intentions have always been an effort to navigate towards these three things:
1) being more present;
2) experiencing more inner freedom;
3) being the truest version of myself;
When I slow down, everything has a sacredness; the simple joy of pouring my tea and seeing the swirling milk and the steam rise; leaving for work just a few minutes early so that I don’t feel the hovering tick of time as I hit every red light; but rather, I notice the pitter patter of rhythmic rain as it falls to my windshield; These are all such simple, sacred moments and when I slow down enough to be fully present for them, they ground me. It’s healing.
In contrast, nothing is sacred when done from a place of striving and urgency. Staying “productive” up until the very last minute before leaving for work brings a frantic energy into my drive which makes me feel overwhelmed and impatient behind the wheel. The irony of rushing to go teach yoga class! Face palm. It’s true, even your most “woke” yoga teachers have their pitfalls!
My question for you and for me: are you living from a place of relentless effort, or effortless ease and calm? Does your to-do list include things that bring you joy, freedom and playfulness? Does your to-do list honor your mind and body’s need for rest and down-regulating from life’s demands? If not, I invite you to start implementing that. Joy nourishes the mind, body, and soul.
With all that said (drum roll please), I’ve chosen this year’s words: freedom and service.
To me, freedom means:
letting go of perfection
leaning into spontaneity and playfulness
choosing positive memories around food with friends, rather than religiously “sticking to the plan”
prioritizing joy as it pertains to movement, how I spend my time, the food choices I make
mental flexibility (not everything in life needs to be routined and structured)
challenging my self-beliefs
mindfully choosing authenticity over perfection
Earlier last year in my article, 4 Ways You Can Start Healing Today, I referenced the yogic philosophy "seva” which translates as “self-less service.” I believe the more I am connected and committed to my purpose, the more I can serve others from the deepest, truest place in my heart and soul. Isn’t that what we all want?
To me, service looks like:
1) Intentional acts of kindness: What is one, intentional thing I can do to show kindness today?
2) Deepening my knowledge in my areas of expertise: whether it be in yoga, mindfulness, personal training, nutrition etc. What’s the most I can give to each person I have the honor of working with?
3) “Wise use of energy” — in yoga this is one of the “Yamas” which are “guiding principles” to help relieve suffering. Am I spending my time and energy on things that lead me to the truest, freest version of myself? Or am I striving?
Are you interested in choosing a word or two to guide and inspire you? Are you feeling a little stuck or unsure where to begin?
How To Choose An Intention For The Year:
I suggest taking some time aside to reflect on how you want to feel (“energized,” “rested”, “connected”, “joyful”). What words embody that feeling for you? For example, in therapy I’ve become keenly aware of all the rigid rules I’d been imprisoning myself with. And that’s truly how I felt: encaged. This is why the word “freedom” really sparked light into my soul.
If you’re having trouble coming up with something that really strikes a chord, notice over the next few days if there are any themes that come up, whether you notice yourself thinking “gosh I used to have so much more energy” or “wow I should do ___ more often, that sparked joy today!” Perhaps there are external cues. Examples: someone complimenting you on your work and realizing you have something special in that area, or the same word keeps reappearing in conversation, or you find yourself having reoccurring feelings (good or bad). I believe these are “spiritual wake up calls” and it’s up to us to be open to seeing them!
Some other questions that may help:
When do you feel most fully alive?
What would inspire you to feel more focused and committed to your sense of purpose and aliveness?
What’s something you want to learn more about?
What’s something you love that you wish you “did more often”?
Lean into the insights that come up here! Dream! I believe intentions open our eyes to see opportunities, next steps, and even new horizons!
Sending so much love and serenity as we enter this New Year together,
Colleen