In his work Aware, the neuroscience-based psychologist Dan Siegel states, “our state of mind can turn even neutral comments into fighting words, distorting what we hear to fit what we fear. Inviting our thoughts and feelings into awareness allows us to learn from them, rather than be driven by them.”
Whether it’s been a fabulous 2019 or a tough and challenging year, with November and December here, it’s a perfect time to reflect on personal intentions for the last couple months of the year and to be resolute in practicing presence. Doing so can help you set the tone for a wonderful 2020 and strengthen your clarity and focus into what’s most important to you.
Here are things to keep in mind, as you clear space for more of what matters.
- Ask yourself: have I done the best I can with the circumstances I have been given? If the answer is yes, reflect on what you’ve brought to the table to help bring out your personal best and take some time to practice gratitude and reflect on the lessons of the year.
- Think about your patterns, routines and rituals. Brian patterns, daily rituals, body routines and things that are working and what isn’t. Instead of narrowing in on rigid new rules for yourself, take note of what you need and want more of in your life and begin to slowly incorporate these new themes and ideas into your day life.
- Honor your progress and keep your eye on the bigger landscape of what you’d like your life to look like: in a mental, physical and emotional way. Honor your strength and resiliency and your ability to carry yourself forward. When losing hope or sight of that, ask for support and connect with your community
- Most importantly, dream big—with where you are at, right now. Your authenticity earns for more of your truth and wisdom to shine and create deeper ease in your life. There are ways to it and going through it—the obstacles, challenges and pivotal moments—is what has prepared you so well for this moment and all you seek more of. As the Persian poet Rumi said, seven centuries ago, “what you seek is seeking you.”