Word of the year: FLOW
2022 taught me a lot. It was tougher than I thought it would be; wasn’t it? After all we’d been through in 2020 & 2021, most of us thought (and hoped), 2022 would be a walk in the park. But honestly- I don’t know anyone who felt that it was.
The world was maybe only very slightly calmer- at least from my perspective- but my inner landscape was vexed. Things came up, situations changed, and topsy-turvy feelings became the norm. And this was the universal sentiment that seemed to rock everyone’s outer and inner worlds- mostly the former.
There were some larger energetic shifts that impacted us all, but, regardless of that, we all felt the awareness that there was still work to be done. This made me realize: sometimes things happen at their own speed, in their own due time. I am not in control, even as much as I wish I were, or as hard as I try to be. I can’t force anything- life can change and impact us -on a macro or micro scale – at any moment. It just is what it is….
And now I truly get that. My son having difficulties has really shown me how we can’t force things to happen. He is going at his own pace, not one imposed upon by me. He is doing the best he can. All I can do is pray, set intentions and ask for help when I need it. BUT I can’t force him on any level to go any faster, to do any “better”, even though my WILL, my ego, might want him to.
I need to be in the FLOW. The flow of my outer life and unexpected circumstances that may arise, as well as my inner life- flowing with my feelings, thoughts, passions and purpose- in addition to my shadow side.
Last year my word was ‘Ascend’, and it was truly a year of ascending! But ascending through learning. Learning more about my emotional landscape, my inner desires, and really getting to know those I share relationships with at a much deeper level. (For you astrology geeks out there: Heeeeelllllloooo Pluto in Pisces!)
But I took on the challenges and learned and healed and worked through them. I ascended; albeit slowly and cautiously. I truly feel I am in a better- a much fuller and deeper- place now…
So I am letting go and trusting. Believing. Keeping faith in the Big G (Grace). I will allow this energy to guide me and illuminate my path; to create synergetic connections. And, surrendering to it, I will allow myself to flow…
Does that resonate with you?
Do you have a word if the year? Have you ever decided to “let go” and just Flow? What was your 2022 like and how can you ascend its lessons?
My suggestion is to write your word down. Put it in a place you will see every day, or even carry it around with you (words carry energy!). Say it allowed or even to yourself when you notice powerful emotions arising. Then notice what transpires.
If you are interested in learning how to calm the anxiety and stress that come along when challenges arise – even ones we can’t control- through empowering mindset and restorative self care: let me know! I have a free workbook & workshop coming up that might be an offering that aligns with your new year
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Alan Wilson Watts
Surrender, Surrender But Don’t Give Yourself Away…
We both started to panic. I was probably the weaker swimmer, but my friend was a bit further out then I. She started to yell for me,” Can you come and help me?!?” As I looked back, I realized I was using all my strength just to stay put, my heart started racing and I started to panic, as she clearly was as well.
I yelled to her to just go with the tide and I would try and get help… We both were literally in over our heads.
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling
“Intimacy is being seen and known as the person you truly are.” Amy Bloom
Ever want that connection… but not THAT connection? And, doesn’t that sound so much more than sexy Victoria’s Secret lingerie? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with sexy, but sex and intimacy aren’t necessarily interdependent. And, for many people, it’s harder to be intimate WITHOUT the sexy part than WITH the sexy part. When the “private part” is one’s own vulnerability the stakes are higher than when the clothing comes off. It’s no wonder, then, that true intimacy is somewhat of a rarity.
After all, it’s hard to open up and allow someone else to see your tender underbelly. It’s frightening and creates anxiety; it brings up all kinds of stuff. However, if we can’t go “there”, the other stuff is just a roll in the hay which may be fun in the moment or a whole lot of regret down the road.
Love and Happiness
…and left me alone in our hotel room. That is when the anxiety got really strong. “Oh shit. What have I done? My world is caving in and I have LOST all control”… I felt my breath shrink and then quicken, and my heart pound…. I sat down on the bed and looked at the duffel bag that housed some of our clothes and toiletries. I noticed one of the books from that book club peering out of the open zipper as if to say, “Here I am, help is here”.
“Every Breath you Take” How to get the “ahh” in meditation….
The body makes us VERY aware of our present moment. These thoughts (or the mind chatter) are anchored in two places: either in the past (“ did I remember that?”, “ why didn’t so-and-so say hello to me at the grocery store”) or in the future (“if I don’t get this done I won’t have time for…”, “my 10,20, 30 year reunion is coming up, what should I wear? what will so and so look like, etc.”). In very VERY few moments of our day are we actually aware of the present moment; are we focused on the here-and-now to the exclusion of all else.
Ceremony & Ritual & Community~ Winter Solstice
December 2021 Greetings and well wishes to all! Can you feel winter coming??!? Burr! Here in the North East it’s been hitting us like a brick wall! I used to hate winter but now I see it as a part of my spirit’s journey. The quiet part. The renewing part. The...
Spring into Stillness
(Post from April 2017) https://unsplash.com/photos/k05w653yXQc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink I don’t know about you, but I feel as if spring came three weeks ago. The weather, the green grass, the LACK of snow- my energy...
Those Achy Breaky Feet
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A Good Day to Have Today.
( old blog post from October 2019) Today is the perfect autumn day. Sunny, cool but not cold, foliage filled with firey colors, a crispness to the air. Take it in. This moment. Stand barefoot outside for a few mins. Bask in the sun rays. Count your blessings. Enjoy...
What the Retrograde???
(Post From August 2018~ Retrograde coming Soon! 1/13/2022~ Get ready:) Some terms get thrown around a lot and Mercury retrograde is one of them. Mercury retrograde, you’ve probably heard of it, but what does it mean? All the planets in our solar system move across the...
Pumpkins and Spice and Everything Nice….
(My blog from October 2019- still great info!:) Pumpkins and spice and everything nice! Yes, that’s what the fall is made of!! That and… Cold season. Yes, cold season. Yuck. The dreaded, blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, sanitizing and “fluie” season. And anyone...
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You’re not imagining it—the magic really did disappear for a while. The world just takes from us, doesn’t it?
The bills. The to-do lists that never end. The constant pressure to keep up, show up, be more, do more. We’re so busy surviving the demands of modern life that we forget we ever had dreams. Forget what it feels like to be aligned with anything beyond just making it through the day.
And somewhere in all that noise and depletion, the sacred slips away. We lose touch with the part of us that used to believe in something bigger. That used to feel things deeply.
We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.
But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.
You’re Not Imagining It—The Magic Really Did Disappear For A While.
You’re not imagining it—the magic really did disappear for a while. The world just takes from us, doesn’t it?
The bills. The to-do lists that never end. The constant pressure to keep up, show up, be more, do more. We’re so busy surviving the demands of modern life that we forget we ever had dreams. Forget what it feels like to be aligned with anything beyond just making it through the day.
And somewhere in all that noise and depletion, the sacred slips away. We lose touch with the part of us that used to believe in something bigger. That used to feel things deeply.
We burn out. We disconnect. And we convince ourselves that magic was never real to begin with.
But here’s what I know: you’re allowed to stop waiting for those dreams. You’re allowed to stop participating in the hustle culture. You’re allowed to pause and breathe. And most importantly? You’re allowed to start creating.
April’s Messages- can you hear them?
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About the Author…
Did you know Meditation can reduce insomnia by 75%? It can reduce anxiety by 60%? It increases heart, hormonal and gut health!!
