New Beginnings
As the we enter the new year I am always called to reflect on the year that just past, and set intentions for the year ahead. Sometimes it feels like I didn't quite meet my goals from last year, but instead of focusing on what wasn't done, I try to focus on this year being a new beginning.
It reminds me of a Sanskrit phrase "Antah Asti Prarambh", meaning 'The End is the Beginning.' For something wonderful and new to arise, something else must end. This can be a difficult lesson in non-attachment, but focusing on new beginnings reminds me that everything happens when it is meant to and everything happens for a reason.
Perhaps last year was not the year I was meant to learn that lesson, or I wasn't yet prepared to achieve that goal. But now, a year wiser and stronger, I am ready for that challenge.
Therefore, this month we focus on the intention of leaning into new beginnings in all forms, on and off the mat. When we let go of the past and allow each moment to become a new beginning, we create space for unexpected and wonderful things to enter into our lives. Try these practices to cultivate this sense of openness in your mind and heart as we enter this new beginning together.
3 Practices to Cultivate New Beginnings:
Greet Each New Day: When you wake up, let the first thing you focus on be the newness of the day. Take 5 minutes to remind yourself that today is a fresh start. Today you are a different person with new wisdom and awareness from yesterday. I like to create a ritual in the morning that includes going onto my porch with my morning tea and greeting the day with deep breaths while simply looking at the sky, the trees and hearing the birds. Then I draw a tarot or oracle card to set an intention and guide me through the day ahead.
Set Small Attainable Goals: Each task that needs to be completed today can be a small attainable goal. Break it up into bitesized parts if needed. As you approach each task remind yourself that this is it's own moment and it's own new beginning. Let go of what happened before this moment, and invite in fresh, new energy to complete this task. This will often make the task more enjoyable, and also give your mind the opportunity to make new connections and see it differently, even if it's something you do every day.
Focus on what is new and good: Each day you will encounter new people, see new sights and have new thoughts and emotions. Focus on what is new, and what is good. Our minds tend towards what is not going well, but if we intentionally shift into what is new today it begins to rewire our brains for positive thinking and outcomes. If your days feel monotonous, try to spice it up by taking a new route to work, trying a new coffee place or introducing yourself to someone new, like the person you've been practicing next to in yoga for months. Learn their name and maybe you've made a new friend!
You have the power to set intentions, create openness in your mind and heart, and you have the power to celebrate new and wonderful things as they come into your life.
Perhaps, opening yourself up to these new possibilities becomes your intention during your yoga practice this month. Try it and see what happens!
May this month bring new beginnings, insights and joys into your heart, mind and spirit.