It's A New Year, Reader! 🎉
Each new year seems to be connected to the idea of creating “new year resolutions.” You know -- those resolutions we say we’re strongly committing to in January and then fall out of in February. 👀
I don’t know about you, but every time a new year begins I’m still feeling drained from the previous year and in need of continued rest. January, for me, feels like a transitional time. A time to rest and reset my nervous system, especially after the pile up of holidays in November and December of the previous year. It’s still winter. Most of the plants and animals are hibernating and they don’t typically come alive until the spring season. Nature is at rest so why are we so eager to move?
This January, I desire a soft start. An exhale. Imagine the difference it will make in our productivity if we slowly approached each new year instead of rushing into achievement mode. It’s a similar concept as starting each day slowly and softly to set the pace and tone for a more peaceful day instead of a chaotic one. I invite you to try this out for yourself. Will you choose to start this year differently? Slowly?
Mindful Presence
What if January isn’t asking you to rush forward but, instead, inviting you to exhale?
Pause here for a moment.
Take a big, slow inhale… and sigh it out.
Let yourself begin to arrive in the moment.
Take a look around you and see if you can notice something you haven’t before — how blue the sky is, or how soft the clouds seem.
You might even notice a few familiar sounds.
What smells can you detect?
What physical sensations can you notice?
Breathe it all in… and exhale.
Cozy Living
A few ways to create a soft start this month:
- begin with dim lights in the morning
- gently awaken your digestion with a warm beverage (matcha, anyone? 🍵)
- instead of grabbing your phone first thing, grab a book and let your nervous system calmly arrive
- if possible, make fewer decisions before noon
Soul Alignment
Journal on the following:
- What pace actually feels safe for me right now?
- What does ease look like for me this month?
✨ Moments from last month
A few moments and reflections from last month.
December was one for the history books. I held my first "solo" in-person workshop called 'Rest Sesh' -- a 60 minute cozy sanctuary involving breathwork, meditation, journaling, and restorative yoga. And, I got to relax and work remotely in the beautiful island of Jamaica.
✨ Upcoming moments to gather
What's unfolding in the month ahead.
|
|
Donation-Based Virtual Vision Board Workshop -- Join me on the InsightTimer app for a live, cozy, virtual event to create our vision boards for 2026. Bring a cozy beverage and your lovely self. We'll soften into a wonderful new year together. Date and time TBD. |
🕯 Ways to practice together
If you'd like more moments of calm and connection, here are a few gentle ways we can continue the practice:
Always optional.
Always at your own pace🤍
 |
A cozy way to support this newsletter🌿
If these monthly notes add a little calm to your day, feel free to buy me a matcha to keep the inspiration flowing. |
