I do not agree with the Solar calendar system; the year ends when I just want to stay inside and stay warm. I prefer instead to use the Solstices as a calendar. The beginning of the Spring Solstice is the end of the year. Each successive Solstice marking an ending and the beginning of the season. I like to
look at the winter solstice, Yule, or Consualia as the time to finalize
the year. The Winter Solstice is perhaps the most powerful and mysterious time of the year. It is this time I use to meet the goals that I set out to accomplish in the Spring time.
I try to slow things down during the Christmas rush. Hustling the holiday is not what I call a Holiday. This is the time I choose to re-examine the goals I made for the year. Saturnalia is actually the Christmas Holiday. Coming from the Greek/Roman calendar and holiday traditions we now have for Christmas. During that time, it was a time to relax from labor, celebrate the end of the farming season and store the harvest for the coming winter.
I look at what I have accomplished and what is unfinished. I create an environment that is happily conducive to contemplation (it may be music, incense, and a favorite room). Then, on a piece of paper, I write three lists.
My first list contains ten things that I have found challenging this past year. Not just from goals I set. But also from events that came into my life that were challenging.
For my second list, ten things that I have gained this year. Not just from saving money to buy a item. It could have been from a relationship new or old or a different perspective.
The Final list, ten things that I will open myself to experiencing in the coming year. What do I want to experience or learn? How do I want to go about getting that something I want?
I then spend some time to reflect on the things I have written down. I try to look back over this past year and feel for my accomplishments. I don't beat myself down for not meeting my goals. If I did not meet my goals, the goals was not well thought out or there may have been circumstances beyond my control.
I spend some time examining my intentions for the coming year.
Once I am done, I relax my thoughts, enjoy some more downtime. Spend time planning for how to strengthen family and get re-acquainted with friends or broaden a new friendship. Once my heart, mind and holiday spirit are full and prepared, I get rid of my lists. I usually wad them up and toss the paper in the fireplace or trash can. Releasing these contemplations allows me to act on what is really important instead of having a list I just tend to ignore. It is my way of letting go and letting God step in and give a hand.
look at the winter solstice, Yule, or Consualia as the time to finalize
the year. The Winter Solstice is perhaps the most powerful and mysterious time of the year. It is this time I use to meet the goals that I set out to accomplish in the Spring time.
I try to slow things down during the Christmas rush. Hustling the holiday is not what I call a Holiday. This is the time I choose to re-examine the goals I made for the year. Saturnalia is actually the Christmas Holiday. Coming from the Greek/Roman calendar and holiday traditions we now have for Christmas. During that time, it was a time to relax from labor, celebrate the end of the farming season and store the harvest for the coming winter.
I look at what I have accomplished and what is unfinished. I create an environment that is happily conducive to contemplation (it may be music, incense, and a favorite room). Then, on a piece of paper, I write three lists.
My first list contains ten things that I have found challenging this past year. Not just from goals I set. But also from events that came into my life that were challenging.
For my second list, ten things that I have gained this year. Not just from saving money to buy a item. It could have been from a relationship new or old or a different perspective.
The Final list, ten things that I will open myself to experiencing in the coming year. What do I want to experience or learn? How do I want to go about getting that something I want?
I then spend some time to reflect on the things I have written down. I try to look back over this past year and feel for my accomplishments. I don't beat myself down for not meeting my goals. If I did not meet my goals, the goals was not well thought out or there may have been circumstances beyond my control.
I spend some time examining my intentions for the coming year.
Once I am done, I relax my thoughts, enjoy some more downtime. Spend time planning for how to strengthen family and get re-acquainted with friends or broaden a new friendship. Once my heart, mind and holiday spirit are full and prepared, I get rid of my lists. I usually wad them up and toss the paper in the fireplace or trash can. Releasing these contemplations allows me to act on what is really important instead of having a list I just tend to ignore. It is my way of letting go and letting God step in and give a hand.
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