Last year seems like a blur. So many decisions, transitions and newness tumbled into one. I remember that I knew “this was the year, this was the time,” but being scared to death to leap into the unknown. And now, BOOM. 2017, a new year. I did it, it happened. Now, I am ready to dive into those seemingly murky waters that I find hope in. Hope in knowing that what I envision beginning this year will align with who I am and how I am meant to serve. I am not much for resolutions. So, I decided to share in a communal gathering instead. This allowed me to celebrate the new, let go of the old, and set my truest intention to begin again. Although, we can begin again every day, with every breath, I wanted to be clear as I start this new year. Clear with my intentions for this new journey I am on and to share in the vibration of those trying to do the same.

COMMUNAL GATHERING

It was perfect timing when I saw the post inviting everyone to the Amala Foundation for a New Years meditation ceremony. My partner, Clay and I walked in and quickly found a spot to share among the almost full circle. As I looked around, my heart warmed knowing that everyone there had the same calling to share in this together. The new year brings out so many emotions and to have this supportive space and fellowship led by Jeremy I knew would be amazing. As it began, everyone shared their intentions. What is so amazing is that even though it can feel fearful to open your heart and be that vulnerable, this felt safe. I was safe in knowing that within each sharing, I could relate or understand in some way. No one judging. No longer branded by race, religion or gender, but sharing in this experience. Sharing community with new and old to build the foundation for a better world.

SETTING MY INTENTIONS

Resolutions never work for me. They always lose their luster about two months in. I knew I wanted to set a true intention. One that I could live by, refer to and let be my mantra to guide me into the next 365 days. I had discussed many with Clay on a long drive home in December and I knew he had set his own. But, it wasn’t until it was my turn to share with the circle that the words flowed out of mouth. My heart. {My friend had even asked me earlier that morning and I couldn’t articulate it.} But, at that moment, I knew. I knew what intention I needed to set to continue my growth on this journey and what stood in my way. It was such a relief to say it aloud and to feel embraced by everyone around. I think this process of sharing with others helps you feel it, understand it and live it much more authentically. How beautiful this new year will be, I can feel it!!

MEDITATION AND THE TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS

Meditation is now a part of my life, but a community meditating accompanied by the Tibetan singing bowls is something in its own realm. The vibration is higher, you are more clairvoyant, and you are in tune with your body in a different way. At least this has been my experience. Jeremy has a true gift for setting this space and helping to guide it and I am truly blessed to have been a witness and participant. Setting my intentions for the new year helped me find ease and comfort on what to focus on. There were moments that I thought I was the only one in the room, but could feel an energy all around me. The sound of the bowls is indescribable as it pierces every cell of your body. Eyes closed, I was immersed in all of the good intentions in the room and collectively felt as one.

This is how I decided to do it, but I know there are so many other powerful ways to set intentions for anything new. This gave me time to pause, reflect and breathe. I am clear about so many things.

HOW PRESENCE IS THE GREATEST GIFT.

Gifts are wonderful, but I really struggled with what to do this year. What to give, who to give to and how to make it more than just another unused item cluttering space. For some, I made items or baked, but for others it was the same old obligatory “stuff.” It is hard to see the wrapping paper flying, mass chaos at times with no one remembering just what happened. All a blur. But, really…what is the reason for the season? If it is about love and giving, don’t I have the most amazing gift within me? I realized after this weekend, being present IS the greatest gift I have to share. This was a big lesson and I wanted to share some special moments since they were fresh. Hey, it is also free and we can all do it. Simple little gestures if we are aware.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE DOWN

I know, I know. You, like me, just want to check it. Real quick. I torture myself with this one!! Let me just scroll and check out what is happening. It is a compulsive disorder I believe, lol. What is it that I think I am missing out there in cyber world that is more precious than the life in front of me? I know I can’t nor want to multitask, but I certainly know that I am not sharing the gift of presence when I am reading posts. I looked around at times and I took a mental picture of everyone {including me,} on some sort of device, even the littlest. We just keep saying, “this is the new world we live in, right?” No, we have a choice, I have a choice. From then on, I really tried to hide my phone or turn it off. I failed many times, but I tried. I tried so hard to be present and share this gift. And when someone would look me in the eye and talk to me, I listened and received their greatest gift just the same. Their presence, my presence just being in the here and now.

COFFEE ON THE HILLTOP

My husband’s family home is on this breathtaking hilltop among tall pine trees. It is where the fields and sky merge and become one. New bones with an old soul. We felt his grandmother’s spirit in every leaf passing by. Every morning, we would sit outside, swing on the porch and have our coffee and talk. No devices, just being fully present with those around us. Being fully present with nature. This was the greatest gift. You learn so much about each other, you share so many beautiful stories that could not otherwise be told when you are hustling and bustling. {We did this with my family on Thanksgiving in the backyard and oh, how I learned so much family history I never knew!} If I could rewind our holiday moments, it would be here. Sometimes, it was quiet, so silent you could hear the squirrels rustling around. We just smiled. Just smiled and relished in what we may not have been aware that we were receiving. But we felt something special that no store bought gift {no matter the value,} could ever give. Those tiny moments. Such a testament of how presence is truly the greatest gift.

PRESENCE ON MY MAT

I came back full but exhausted from our trip. I would have loved to have spent the next day lounging, but I knew I needed to be present for myself as well. My mind was spinning with lists in my head for future things I needed to do and it took me quite awhile to rest. Being present for myself is just as important to me {if not the most important,} thing there is. I finally found my space and gave myself this great gift on my mat that evening. Showing up for myself fills my spirit so that I can be more present for those around me. The slow flow and meditation was exactly what my body needed to refuel. I thanked myself and those around me at Sanctuary for this priceless time. Time to realize that within me, I hold the greatest gift of all. Before I left, I gave gratitude for the wonderful life I have and for everyone that did take time to pick out a gift for me, so thoughtful. Maybe next year, the struggle for what to give will arise or maybe it won’t. Either way, I know what do. Be. Here. Now. What a beautiful present.