It seems like the last month flew by in the blink of an eye! Well, the last few months really. It's been a beautiful and busy holiday season. It's been so nice to have the last few days to relax, have a breath and prepare for the New Year.
The year is coming to a close and we will move into 2016 in a few short days. I find that this is always a moment in time that brings reflection, as I think about the things that happened this year and what I hope to create this coming year.
When I was a bit younger, I was eager to ring in the New Year with fanfare; but in the last five or so years, I prefer much quieter ways to spend New Year's Eve. While I recognize that I don't need to wait for a special day like this to spend time in reflection, there is something undeniably wonderful about making this a time for ritual and looking forward to what's to come.
If you're looking for some ideas on how to ring in 2016, here are a few of my favourite sacred ways to spend the New Year:
Make a vision board.
Vision boards are a beautiful way to focus your intentions and be reminded of what you want to manifest. Gather poster board, a beautiful frame, or a corkboard and a big stack of magazines.
Before you begin, ask yourself what it is that you would like to create this year. You can write down your intentions to give yourself an even clearer picture. And then, flip through your magazines, cutting out anything that relates to your intentions. Words, pictures, affirmations - anything that evokes a feeling of living your desires will work wonderfully.
When you're done, place your vision board somewhere you can see it everyday. Each time you look at it, imagine all of your desires as complete and fulfilled.
Write an appreciation list in your journal.
Think about what it is that you most appreciated over the course of this past year. What were your highest points? What did you succeed at? What did you love about this year? Cultivating the energy of appreciating yourself and your accomplishments is a beautiful way to set yourself up for more success in the New Year.
Write love letters.
This is along the lines of the appreciation list. Think about the people in your life that you adore. What do you love about them? In what ways do they bring joy into your life? Write them a handwritten letter, describing everything you love about them and how they make your life more wonderful.
Is there someone who made a difference in your life over this past year? Include them too. And don't forget to write a love letter to yourself!
Do a clearing.
Cleansing your home is a beautiful way to close out the end of the year and welcome in the new. You can cleanse your home with sage, palo santo, cedar, incense - whatever resonates most with you. Intend that the past year be cleared away and that abundance, health, happiness, love and wonderful new experiences will be welcomed into your home in 2016.
Give yourself some energy healing.
If you are a Reiki practitioner, set aside an hour that is devoted to self-Reiki. If you have crystals that you work with, give yourself a chakra balancing. You can get a massage, go to a yoga class (or do yoga in your living room - I love YogaGlo for this!) or have some energy work done from a practitioner you've always wanted to try. Give yourself the gift of balancing your energy and entering the New Year on a high note.
Read a good book.
Are you the kind of person that always has a stack of books on the go? (I certainly am!) Cuddle up in your bed with a big mug of tea and a book you've been meaning to get to. Let yourself have the time to rest and relax with a book that makes your heart happy.
Pamper yourself.
Take a hot bath with essential oils and your favourite music. Buy beautiful flowers (and pop a few in your bath too!) Indulge yourself. Drink good wine, eat dark chocolate and revel in your sensuality. Watch your favourite movie. Dance around your house. Compliment yourself. Tell yourself how lovely you are and how wonderful you did this year and how great 2016 is going to be for you.
These suggestions are part of loving yourself and treating yourself kindly. While they are all wonderful ways to ring in 2016, I hope that they become part of your regular ritual this year and that you use them to help you find balance. When you take the time to care for yourself and put yourself first, you'll be a happier person and find that all your desires manifest with ease .
Wishing you a beautiful, abundant, joyful New Year!