Taking Time for Rest

The new year has arrived, and for some of us, this is a time for setting new intentions.

On New Year's day, I sit in dappled shade with a circle of dear friends by a creek down at Bear Gully in Gippsland. We work through the 'Year Compass' booklet, a free review and intention-setting process developed by some generous Hungarians.

I find it easy to write the review aspect of the booklet. Rather than seeing 2020 as a write-off, it was for me both challenging and remarkably growth-full. To note the many ways in which I'd met the challenges presented is affirming and celebratory. I am able to really appreciate the gifts I received throughout the year, and to acknowledge the massive energy output. 

Then I come to the intention-setting aspect. 

And I struggle.

I notice a heavy, lagging energy. A little voice inside my mind is saying "I can't"... "I'm not ready".

I really can't begin to plan, visualise, or set intentions.

So I stay with that feeling. I pay attention. I bring awareness to my body and to that voice.

I realise that I am exhausted. That my most pressing need is not to push forward, to build on the gains, to hustle or promote, or plan... but to rest.

So I make that my first step. 

Rest.
Nourish.
Play.
Replenish. 
Rejuvenate.

And I feel the resistance relax a little.

I decide to push back the start of my online program from Feb to March, giving me extra space and time to rest, then to prepare. 

I decide to make sustainability and self nurture a focus of the year.

I decide to make my word of the year 'kindness'.    

And I feel my breath deepen into my belly. My body soften.

Three weeks later...
I've just had a massage, and have booked another for a few weeks time.
I've booked some time down at Yiruk Warnoon (Wilson's Prom) with friends.
I'm attending to my inner world via a Soulcentric Dreamwork circle.
I'm taking my time to settle back into business, and beginning to dream into offerings that are nourishing for my participants and me.
I'm making time for play, creativity, music, and nature. 

Slowly, slowly.

Gently, gently.

I'm reminded of the beautiful song by Karen Drucker:
"I will be gentle with myself...
I will only go as fast as the slowest part of me feels safe to go". 

What energy is carrying you into 2021?
Are you in need of rest?
Or are you eager to launch yourself into this new year, no time to waste?
Does this period feel like one of beginnings, or more about sustaining your practice?
Is this a time of tending to your inner world, or for bringing your gifts shining into the outer world?

If you're feeling the call for support in your life path, please feel free to get in touch for a free 15 minute session.

​Art therapy is a beautiful way to attune to your inner world and to discern what is most important for you right now. ​

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