2017: Our Time for (Peaceful) Revolution
I'm a little late to the party, but Happy New Year, fellow humans!
Well, as of January 1st we survived another revolution around our shining sun. I'm typically up and running at full-throttle by now but this year is different. I’ve been doing my best to usher in the new energy this month but if I'm being honest, I'm not really feeling it.
In fact, I decided to delay publishing this post because I wanted to see how I'd feel after the “historic” inauguration last week. I didn't know if I'd be sad, mad, scared, inspired or motivated (by fear) to take action. For the record = I'm unamused and still not feeling it!
So I've decided enough is enough. It's time for me to snap out of it and do some good in my little corner of the world. I'll be sharing a couple of helpful exercises I do when I'm feeling disconnected or unfocused.
Again, HNY! I hope you find this content to be helpful and enough to inspire some action in your world!
5 STEPS TO CENTEREDNESS (EXERCISE 1)
STEP 1 - Bring Yourself to Center
- Close your eyes while taking 5 to 7 deep breaths (in and out through your nose)
- Engage in this process by filtering through each of your senses (sight, sound, smell, taste and touch). Take notice -- what are you currently experiencing through each as you take each breath?
Questions to consider:
- Can you FEEL the cool air moving in through your nose and down into your lungs? Can you feel your lungs expand or your diaphragm moving in response?
- How does the act of deep breathing feel in your body? Are you tense or relaxed? identify the location of this sensation? Describe it.
STEP 2 - Be Present
Take notice of where you are. Look down at the ground, give your body time to adjust to the environment.
Examples of activities to try:
- Feel the bare floor or earth below your feet.
- Notice the sound(s) or vibrations - are they loud or subtle? Any humming or buzzing?
- Smell the air. Feel the environment. Listen to the subtle sound of silence.
STEP 3 - Capture The Moment
Get in the habit of capturing your "moments" by allowing yourself to be an observational "watcher". If you're new to mindfulness, this may seem a little foreign at first, but trust me this practice will become second nature and hugely impactful over time.
Below are a few ways in which you can begin this type of practice:
- Write down observations on a piece of paper - be sure to include the date and time
- alternatively you could pen a short story, poem or a simple phrase/mantra.
- Record a voice note - talk or sing it!
- Snap a picture with your camera or draw/paint/carve whatever you see
- Blog or Vlog
STEP 4 - Return to Center
- Mindfully take at least 5 closing breaths
- *Try* to refrain from thoughts - just focus on listening/feeling your breath going in and out...
- Upon your last exhalation breath, take an extra moment to remain silent. When you're ready, slowly open your eyes and begin to wiggle your toes/fingers. Take your time returning to a state of conscious awareness.
- Gently change positions before you stand/move onto to your next activity
STEP 5 - Repeat as Need!
SHIFTING YOUR INTENTIONS (EXERCISE 2)
Now that you're focused, let's shift our attention to the present moment (actual date/time). Did anyone else happen to make a mental note of the "metaphoric significance" 2017 represents (especially given the climate of change we're experiencing in our country)? Well either way, continue reading for a little anecdotal fun!
IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING ABOUT HOW I GOT TO UNIVERSAL 1 YEAR...JUST ADD UP EACH SINGLE DIGIT IN THE YEAR UNTIL YOU REDUCE THE TOTAL SUM INTO A SINGLE NUMBER.
YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF NUMEROLOGY!
For those who believe in the power of auspicious signs, symbols or omens: 2017, came rolling in bearing the great gift of change and transition! According to Numerologists, we are in a 'Universal 1 Year' of a 9 year cycle. Serendipitous, eh?
Apparently this is a perfect time for us to be re-entering a new cycle. 2017 signifies a universal shift and the initiation of new beginnings.
I don't know about any of you, but I'm taking this as a mega sign to slow down, acknowledge and re-focus on harnessing my energetic power so I can have an EPIC start to another year/cycle!
This starts with me setting some simple intentions. This year I’m committed to engaging in respectful and meaningful conversations with people (especially those who may hold opposite views and/or challenge me to live my dharma). In addition, I intend to restart my daily asana (yoga) practice– something I’ve retreated from this past year as I struggled to balance work, motherhood and my countless endeavors. No more excuses though, it’s officially time to jump back into Chaturanga and strengthen from my feet up thru my crown!
Want to set some intentions in your life? Below are a few ways you can start the process:
- If you haven’t already, pull out an old journal/notebook, some index cards or fancy card stock and mindfully write down 1 or 2 goals, intentions, mantras or personal affirmations you're willing to commit to for the rest of this year
- Alternatively, if writing isn't your thing, consider meditating on a special symbol, crystal, gemstone or spirit animal that resonates with you and invite that energy to merge with yours
- Or you could try sketching a doodle of your 2017 vision
Examples of inspirational keywords to could use that will help activate your intentions and set the stage for a vibrationally positive year:
- Commit
- Start/Initiate/Begin
- Learn/Discover
- Engage
- Transform/Transition/Change
- New Beginnings
- Regenerate/restart/reset
- Replant
- Renew/renewal
Sounds a bit hokey, I know. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little auspiciousness or magic in our lives…especially now. We need a resurgence of Metta and light-hearted energy this week!
Here's to the rest of 2017 - may it be a year of peaceful revolution, prosperity and vitality!
❤️
ॐ Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om ॐ