A New Year with a Difference
Have you ever wondered why affirmations and New Year’s resolutions frequently plunge miserably into the failed drawer? Ever wondered why it is, no matter how beautiful the calligraphy, no matter how much gold there is in the frame, that mission statements often might just as well be written in Greek? It is because unless you connect with the source of your true desire to transform, your energies will not be in alignment, and you will never be able to access the inspiration and drive necessary to bring about lasting change. It is not enough to simply want it. You have to want it from your bones, from your marrow, from every part of you. This requires the integration of all aspects of who you are: understanding ‘gut feelings’, body responses, emotional responses, signals from the mind, and also the spirit. It means learning to decipher and trust the subtle signals you might otherwise overlook.
If you want something from your head but the body’s back-pedalling like crazy, trying to get what you want is like trying to turn an ocean liner with a three-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, many coaching techniques and forms of counselling and therapy remain ‘in the head’. People set themselves goals based on neat little pie-charts and life-wheels without checking in below the neckline, relying on intellect and logic rather than incorporating other aspects of intelligence.
What we have found time and time again in our work with clients is that, very often, it just takes a major shift in perspective to open up a whole new path of experience – but that shift needs to take place in more than simply the mind. If you move your mind to a place of new perspective and you can think laterally. But if you move your whole being to a place of higher perspective, not only does your thinking change, but a whole new world opens up. This is what passion can do. It can take you to a place of clarity and vision, creativity and wisdom. From there flows a current of vitality and wellbeing that can move under, around, over and through and obstacles to a fulfilling life.
So, whatever your New Year’s Resolution may be, make sure the whole of you is behind it!
Quick Tip
Making the most of your Christmas Break:
Take some time this Xmas break to find a place where you can sit for a while without being disturbed. Bring with you a notebook, a pen and an open mind. Choose a favourite spot, perhaps outdoors – a beautiful park, a bench by the sea, a rock on the beach. Close your eyes, and take a few long deep breaths. Tell yourself this is your time just to be.
Then open your mind to receive insights about what you might be missing in your life. Is it time in nature? being with friends? stimulating work? being creative? Just listen, observe, and quietly make a note of whatever comes for you. Notice if you feel any particular bodily sensations associated with the sense of not being fulfilled in that particular area. For example, a tightness in the shoulders, shortness of breath and so on. Or perhaps images come to you, or particular thoughts.
Now connect with the possibility of what could replace each particular lack – for example, if time in nature is missing for you, connect with what nature means to you, and how that feels. Then turn your awareness within once more to take note of bodily sensations, thoughts, images and emotions.
In other words, let your whole self begin to connect with the fulfilment of each missing aspect.
See if you can find ways to begin bringing those neglected aspects into your life right now.