This transition between years provides us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year. Obviously, 2020 has had a wide ranging impact on all of us, yet, each of us had our own unique experiences, as well as our unique ways we responded. So I ask this question.
What do you get when you squeeze an orange? You get what is inside. Orange juice.
During 2020: the pandemic, polarized political and social justice views, businesses and school closed..., creating a myriad of ramifications, we all got squeezed: globally, culturally and individually. Lay people to mental health professions acknowledge a spike in; anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and isolation. We have lost our grounding in what we can count on; paychecks, jobs, connections, activities and on a deeper level- loss of our soul.
What has been coming out of you during 2020?
Take a breath and a quiet moment to reflect on this question.
During this dark time, challenges as well as opportunities present themselves. My focus is move from victimhood to self empowerment. When we view circumstances in our life from a binary perspective, things are either good or bad. However, a third option is available since every situation is an opportunity to be seen as a gift.
Taoist Parable - The Stallion
There was a farmer whose horse ran away. That evening the neighbors gathered to commiserate with him since this was such bad luck. He said, “May be.” The next day the horse returned, but brought with it six wild horses, and the neighbors came exclaiming at his good fortune. He said, “May be.” And then, the following day, his son tried to saddle and ride one of the wild horses, was thrown, and broke his leg.
Again the neighbors came to offer their sympathy for the misfortune. He said, “May be.” The day after that, conscription officers came to the village to seize young men for the army, but because of the broken leg the farmer’s son was rejected. When the neighbors came in to say how fortunately everything had turned out, he said, “May be.”
The first step in claiming personal power is to have self awareness, which is why I asked , what is coming up and out for you during 2020. It is our inner judge that frames our experiences and actions as negative with such messages as: " This is bad", "You can't" , "You idiot", "You fucked up", "You are not smart enough, good enough, worthy"...
Out of self awareness comes the possibility of the second step, to claim ownership of what you discover, which establishes responsibility and self empowerment. You now have a choice in what action will be taken. This is by definition- personal power. It is your inner sage that offers discernment about the event / circumstance without blame or criticism, so that a thoughtful, dispassionate, supportive response is available. Your sage responds with clarity, compassion, and wisdom, rather that righteous reaction.
From your reflection of this past year, what action does your inner sage suggest you take for your : health, self care, relationships... in 2021? These become your intentions for the year.
Perhaps scheduling time in nature, committing to regular exercise, making dietary changes, seeking connection by; calling a friend, or to reduce distractions such as: TV, Porn, being a couch potato...
Rather than isolating, increase self-care for: mind , body, spirit, seek a mentor, therapist, wingman.
The pandemic was a bad thing. Maybe?
I find my inner judge to be stronger-it has had 66 years of practice- than my sage energy, therefore, this is the area I seek support. As the New Year approaches, I find it a perfect time to let go of what no longer serves me from the past year, so I can make clear intentions about what I want to create in the New Year.
May your inner sage be strong, so that the challenges you face, become possibilities, where meaning can be found in any circumstance.
Blessings to you and yours in the New Year!
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