Start the New Year Soft

I feel like the Grinch or Scrooge as we begin 2024. When I hear “Happy New Year!” my inner reply lately is “Bah Humbug!” I spent yesterday, the first day of 2024 trying to figure out why I was so crabby. I think my issue is two-fold. First, my inner knowing finally understands that the idea of resolutions (including being the best you ever) is one more way for society to tell you that you aren’t enough. You must spend your energy, money, and time constantly striving to be better, be someone else. I find it’s time to let that go. Second, this date of January 1 is so arbitrary. While the calendar says it’s the new year, this is not what nature has in mind. There is no full moon, equinox, or solstice anywhere to mark the turn of the calendar year. It almost seems as though those who made the calendar wanted to remove us from our nature-loving, intuitive selves. Me, this year, I will continue to listen to the cues Mother Nature offers as a guide from beyond. With this in mind, I invite you to start the new year listening to the “soft animal of your body” as Mary Oliver would say.

If we look to nature (versus the civic calendar), we are in winter… my soft animal body craves deep rest and hibernation, hot cups of tea, blankets, bad television, and good books. It’s time to move slowly, conserve energy, heal, and regroup. This is the season not to burst your seeds into life, but to take time to discern which intentions you wish to nourish and bring forth in spring. I hope you will join me in bucking the age-old “New Year, New You” tradition and instead allow yourself to rest. ‘Tis the season after all.

In honor of this, our theme for the year is “Rest & Play.” We begin the year (January, February and March) with the theme of softness, slow down, and rest. When spring and summer arrive, we will focus on the idea of play and what that even means! Then we return to close the year with Fall, winding down to rest once again.

I invite you to join me, Liz, for a year-long virtual gathering. Together, we will share an online class each month that will include themed conversations, book discussions, contemplative practices, journal offerings, and one hour of yoga to match the month's theme. One Wednesday per month, 8-9:30 pm beginning 1/17/24. You can even come to class in your pajamas! Full details can be found here.

In writing this, I feel my Grinch-y heart growing more full. Even with my bucking of the new year, I am always honored and grateful to serve our community for another turn around the sun. This year, let us rest and discover the true beauty and kindness that has been within us all along- no matter how beautiful that may be.

In love and gratitude ~ Liz