Changes of the seasons.
What’s your inner calendar based on?
As a student, and then later as an instructor, the school calendar reigned supreme for me and my family.
Now, as a semi-retired empty nester with mostly self-created deadlines and obligations, I am turning more to the actual seasons of the year to mark my activities.
While fall still heralds a sense of fresh starts because of school calendar memories, I am mindful of the fresh starts I am making personally with the new season of the spring freshness that is upon us in the northern hemisphere.
Our readers from down under are beginning to feel the first cool whiffs of fall – complete with desires for favorite soup and stew recipes as they begin to naturally focus more on hearth and home.
Whatever our season, I thought I would share the steps for how we can contemplate our intentions for the next season of our lives.
First, I recently came across this thoughtful contemplation that came my way as a cleansing preparation for setting an intention for this new season:
“I trust that whatever is leaving my life is making space for something better. I trust in the shifts happening in my life. I release what no longer serves me and welcome what’s meant for me.”
In this increasingly chaotic and shocking world, let us ground and center ourselves to become agents of smooth transitions and peace moving forward.
Follow along (links to original posts about these topics are provided):
- Pull the string as you sit comfortably, opening your chest for easy breaths, and come into stillness with a soft gaze or closed eyes.
- Take three deep breaths.
- With one hand on your heart and one on your belly, ask yourself: What do I truly want to create this season?
- Write down three intentions for this new season. Keep them clear, simple, focused, and measurable.
- Anchor your energies by:
- Focused breaths: take a few box breaths:
- Breathe in on a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.
- Rise from your chair and gently stretch.
- Enjoy a cup of herbal tea (chamomile is good for calming).
- Rise from your chair and gently stretch.
- Breathe in on a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.
Close with an affirmation: “I am stepping into this new season with clarity, confidence, and trust in my path.”
Posted on the whiteboard above my computer is a bookmark I created for my Word of the Year several years ago. Reaching others with my message through this blog, books, and speeches remains my overarching intention.
This past week, at the start of spring, I submitted my next book, Toolkit for Caregiver Emotions, to the production team! We have a ten-week window to make this happen.
Stay tuned for announcements about progress and a release date! Whoopie!
In health –
Deidre
Thank you to all foodtalk4you subscribers; we love your feedback in the comments! Word of mouth is a great way to share foodtalk4you, or you can use a link under the MORE button below to spread this little corner of the world with others. Thanks.