It’s almost 2014 and so many of my clients are looking forward to being DONE with 2013!
(Insert “So Long, Farewell” from The Sound of Music, if you wish.)
So many phrases could apply –
R.I.P.
Out With the Old.
Turn the Page.
Good Riddance.
“Getting Closure.”
That’s a Wrap.
The End.
Moving On.
This classic story illustrates the importance of “emptying your cup.”
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
“Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “You are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
So before we wave goodbye to 2013, I encourage you to take just 20 minutes or so and reflect on some questions that will allow a genuine release of the last year in order to make room for the New One. Writing down your answers makes the process even more powerful, and will give you something to reflect on if you wish.
- What went well this year? Where did you learn and grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually? What am I proud of myself for? Which dreams came true?
- What was really tough for me this year? (difficult / painful / stressful?) What did I learn as a result? How am I different?
- What’s unfinished or unsaid? What do I wish to release so I don’t carry the baggage or drama into the New Year? (Examples include: regrets, forgiveness of self or others, unmet goals, fears I allowed to control my decision-making)
I hope the exercise is fruitful for you, and serves as a way to empty your cup to make the psychic space for wonderful things to come to you this year.
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I’m not a huge fan of 11:55 PM New Year’s Resolutions – made in haste and just as quickly forgotten, or even worse, something else to feel guilty or bad about because you didn’t follow through.
What I AM excited about is helping clients be intentional about what they want for themselves and their lives in 2014.
And I’m putting together some fun ways to do that – I’ll be sharing some of them in the upcoming weeks t few days, including a survey asking what you’d like from a Women’s Spring Retreat.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your life in 2013. I look forward to sharing the Journey with you in the New Year!
I’d love it if you would share insights or your own rituals in the Comments section below.