As we ring in the New Year we also let go of the old year. We all get a fresh start, a do-over. We can examine the previous 12 months and decide what’s been working for us and what hasn’t. Then we can make the choice to say goodbye to the old and invite in the new. We can let go of old thoughts, behaviors, habits, relationships, etc. that no longer serve us. In doing so we create space for all that we want to expand on.
This new year is particularly special as it’s also a New Moon, a double renewal.
In a lot of ways, it may feel like we are back where we were last year at this time. With COVID numbers up and the looming fear of another shutdown it might feel like we are just spinning our wheels, it can feel scary and anxiety provoking. You might tense up around all that is out of your control, or you can go within. Choose to focus on what you have control over, allow yourself to let go of all that does not serve you…. fear, grasping, blaming, anger, longing for reality to be different. Invite in grace, peace, compassion, and love for yourself and for others
To begin find a comfortable seat. Close your eyes and take a few long, slow, deep breaths. With each exhalation allow your body to become more and more relaxed.
Allow your mind and body to become aware of that which no longer serves you. What are the old habits, behaviors, thoughts, defenses, relationships that are adding to your suffering? What are the fears and anxieties that bring you pain without any protections? What is needlessly zapping your time, your energy, your happiness, your peace? Take a few moments and allow those things to come to mind.
Now set and intension to let go of all that does not serve you. Release the trapped emotional tension, stale energy, old thought patterns that are holding you back. Notice what it feels like to let it go. Relax around that release.
Notice that letting go creates freedom and spaciousness in your mind and body. Notice too that there may be resistance, letting go can be scary...even when it’s necessary
Notice that resistance. hat resistance as understandable and yet it does not serve your needs if it’s keeping you stuck. Breath into the resistance and gently let it go.
Now turn you focus to your intention for the New Year. What do you wish for, where would you like to put your time and your energy? What will add deep joy and satisfaction to your life? Look within yourself and notice what arises.
If nothing floats to the surface that’s okay. Sometimes you need to repeat this practice several times to get an answer. If you’ve been moving through life mindlessly distracting with superficial pleasures as so many of us have lately, your more profound desires might have gotten buried…. but not to worry. They are still there waiting to be uncovered with time, patience, and continued practice.
Continue to breathe deeply and allow your intension to arise. If your mind floats away on a thought gently bring yourself back without judgement.
Notice how it would feel to invite in the energy of the new intension. Notice the pleasure, the contentment, the satisfaction. Allow the feeling to move through you. Embody it from head to toe. Imagine what it will feel like to be here a year from now having allowed yourself to continue to let go of all that doesn’t serve you while inviting in and cultivating this new intention.
Now take a few more long, slow, deep breaths and when you’re ready, return your focus to the room.
Now go and write down your intention and if not arose write down what you’re releasing in the new year and do this practice daily until your intention surfaces. My wish for you is that your deepest wishes become plain to you so you can work to manifest them. A happy and healthy New Year to all.
If you connected with what you read here and you want to work with me, send me a message through my contact page.
An audio version of New Year New Moon Guided Meditation is also available in my podcast A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice.