2020 was a hell of year. The collective challenges of the pandemic, political divide, social scene (or lack of it), and all the bombs the past year kept igniting manifested in all types of stress in our world and I have been feeling it. For me it’s shown up as anxiety, sleep challenges, self doubt, irritability, and an unusual lack of inspiration.
But one thing has become clear to me as a spiritual seeker and lover of growth: that leaning into discomfort can be the most illuminating path to freedom. Difficult emotions are keys to uncovering what is not serving the highest purpose. Rather than numb or push it away, we can explore what we feel in order to understand what in our life needs to be tended to, where we can make changes, how we can make space for the most true and real and fulfilling.
So I have been leaning into the challenges this time has presented and asking myself what most needs to shift so that I can step into more ease, compassion, love, health, joy, and purpose than ever before. What's been coming to me is somewhat of a manifesto for the coming year, that I am turning my attention, and my intention, to making come alive. I let it take shape in writing and I'd like to share it with you as it’s also a prayer I have for all of us.
New Year Manifesto:
I step into profound self-awareness by practicing self-inquiry at each moment, naming what I feel to discover the authentic source and guide my choices to those that bring the most harmony to me and each person with whom I interact.
I choose to shift habits that don't foster my highest good, while protecting my tender heart with fierce compassion when I slip up.
I commit each day to practicing with the tools I have learned that have proven to make me feel well, whole, happy, and peaceful, such as movement, breath work, intentional relaxation, and mindfulness techniques.
I promise to take mindful pauses several times a day to observe my inner state and locate the north star of my own inner galaxy to guide me home to myself.
I make a commitment to make less commitments, so that my days feel more spacious and there is more time for the simple things that bring me the most joy.
I make time for ritual, prayer, and gratitude daily to connect me with the rich and infinite tapestry of this great and profoundly mysterious life.
I allow myself feel free and easy through unabashed and uncensored dancing, singing, painting, and writing.
I let each instance of irritation or anxiety be a lesson in letting go of control and learning to ride the waves of life rather than be pummeled by them.
I do my very best to walk lightly on Mother Earth and make choices that honor and protect her, while at the same time not judging anyone else for their own choices.
I look for all the ways I can be in service and share my own gifts and abundance, while making my very life an act of service by staying present in each moment to how I can serve most naturally.
I lean into my closest relationships to cultivate deeper intimacy, while opening myself to new friendships by keeping my heart open and unguarded.
I practice impeccable honesty with myself and others, by owning up to mistakes, sharing what's going on for me authentically, and speaking from the radically truthful place of my most inner heart.
I wholeheartedly embrace all aspects of my being as I fan the feathers of the wings that I am weaving of my personal gifts, life lessons, and experiences.
I choose joy. I radiate health. I embody love.
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May we all be guided by our inner hearts and embrace our natural radiance as we step into deeper, more true, and more natural versions of ourselves this year.