I daresay there are few among us who aren’t at some level happy to have closed the door of 2020. While I would hope on a personal level everyone found some measure of peace and grace in the year, collectively there was so much dross to wade through, so much grief and sadness to sit with, I think we’re all feeling exhausted. Wiser no doubt, with clearer agendas of what changes we want to be part of implementing, but the toll paid in heavy hearts can’t be discounted.
Which perhaps makes it all the more delightful to lean into the invitation of a new blank page. The really big page of a new calendar year on which we accept creative responsibility to fill.
As is my custom, I took time between the winter solstice and New Year’s to reflect. To pull the gifts and lessons of 2020 and use them to help me envision the next steps on my journey. I once again indulged in my love for paper creations, and put together a twenty-panel folded accordion book filled with words and pictures. Some of the panels are devoted to what I’m claiming and others to what I’m calling in. This has been an annual practice of mine for a number of years now, and I keep the booklet on one of my altars all year long, referring to it often.
I had a fabulous time creating it, and it’s a rich framework to organize some of my more rambling thoughts and observations. I believe in the power of naming things and the delight in doing so, and I take joy in naming the year I intend to live into – Embracing the Infiniteness of Self. Doesn’t that sound like a wild and wonderful undertaking?
I’ve long espoused Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s adage paraphrased as “Enter as you wish to continue.” I think it’s a perfect reminder of paying attention to what energy we’re holding, and being intentional about it. I’m also particularly appreciating Rainer Maria Rilke’s invitation:
“And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”
Isn’t this the perfect year for that? So much of what once was has collapsed and we’re tasked with envisioning the new and finding ways to create it. Let’s create some magic and lots of beauty, and make 2021 a year worth celebrating. May all beings everywhere know love, support, comfort, and compassion. I wish you all the best, and a year filled with endless blessings and much joy!
I’d love to hear what energy you’re choosing to hold for the year – do tell!
Yes, when so much has been torn down, it’s a good time to rebuild. I’m trying to look at 2021 that way.
Excellent Margaret. I hope 2021 unfolds with much grace and ease for you.
Hari OM
Hello Deborah…
2021 holds much of processing for me, as my father finally released his body on Nov 30th and, after functions, I returned to own wee Hutch at long last for permanent living. I am back only two weeks and they have been spent in ‘respite’ mode, so not really getting any proper assessment done. That, however, is now on the cards.
There are practical things such as getting my home rearranged and properly set for this new chapter free of another’s health concerns. There is working on improving my own health status (I had COVID right back at the beginning and have been under par ever since). There is getting back into self-discipline of meditation, exercise, writing and spiritual practice. The latter leading to the more esoteric side of life which has been sadly neglected in surrender to another’s needs.
Yes, if there is one word to describe for me what 2021 will – hopefully – entail, it is RESET.
All good wishes and blessings to you for the new year!!! YAM xx
Reset sounds like a perfect word and energy to call in Yamini. Holding you in my heart, and sending best wishes.
Hi Deborah – I just kept quietly in my corner … listening, watching, refusing to worry or waste energy … life goes on and I’m with it … I really need to do what you do ‘reset’ – but life carries on and I do need to pull my socks up … it will happen – the need is there: but no rush just yet. Thanks for this quietly inspirational post … take care and all the best for 2021 – Hilary
Inspired action in perfect timing Hilary. Wishing you a 2021 that makes your heart happy.
on the one hand I was /have been limping through the past year absolutely exhausted and on the other resolved holding and welcoming of the changes and the enormous opportunities that have presented . That the two could exist side by side was strange for me and yet it was so – post fire I have witnessed compassion generousity and amazing community initiatives.
it is with joy I read this blog and the delight of a new year seeped into me … full of things that have never been ..
yes I can play with that and the infiniteness of self.
thank you deborah
I thought of you often Sandra during 2020, and marveled at the profound alchemical effects of fire – both in the physical sense and metaphysical as well. I can understand how you have danced with exhaustion amidst all the destruction and unknowns, but I’m so glad you also were held in a container of compassion, generosity, and community. May 2021 hold you gently with nurture.
Embracing the infiniteness of Self was an inspiring thought for me and I applaud it. I found much to be grateful for in 2020 till December when my dearest friend passed away suddenly and tragically. I want to live my life as he did, on my own terms and by doing today what I may not have time to do tomorrow. Carpe Diem! Although sieze the day seems a little fierce and the energy is more of a flow and of riding the right wave to where I want to be.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend Kalpana. You’ve expressed your wish so beautifully, and know that I hold it for you as well. May your heart lead you unwaveringly, and may your path unfold with boundless grace.
Oh yeah…BRING IT ON! And Friend, your paper projects are the BEST! And they always arrive at just the right moment. Thank you for your wonderful PAPER CHRISTMAS TREE greeting… ONWARD WE GO…and my 2021 goal is to SIMPLIFY!!! Too much stuff, most of it is the left behinds from all the grown up kiddies! And of course, as the Mother the cherished memories from some of that stuff, make me cry! YEP, SIMPLIFY, UNLOAD AND CREATE MORE ART!!! HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!
Simplify and make more art – sounds like a perfect manifesto Vicki! I can definitely get behind that. And yes, yes, yes, to a happy healthy 2021 for all beings.
here’s to magic and beauty, restoration, joy, peace and joy to you Deborah and everyone. Yup, it’s been a tough year and I have no doubt that it will continue so for some time. The wheel turns slowly but turn it does.
Yes, the wheel will continue to turn – that’s one thing we can be certain of. I wonder where it will ultimately roll us to, but it’s my great hope we all find ways to love and support each other while taking good care of ourselves as well. Wishing you all the best always Susan.
“Enter as you wish to continue.” I’ve never seen that before and I rather like the sentiment. Reminds me of Covey’s “Begin with the end in mind” habit. That being said, Happy New Year. I have entered the year cautiously, but with a glint of optimism in my eyes as I look forward.
Sounds like the approach of a wise woman Ally.