At the close of 2014, I was blessed with the time to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and challenges.

In mid-December, for the last few years, I have attended an inspiring/informative talk by Dr. William Bento about the time of year when the solar calendar (365 days) and the lunar calendar (approx. 352 days) differ by thirteen days between December 24th and January 6th. Historically, this window of time has been valued by some cultures because the “veil between the worlds” is “thin” and it can be easier to “read” the messages of the spiritual world through meditations and dream work. Dr. Bento shares how we have opportunities to illumine the coming year by paying attention to the messages or moods that one can experience through dream work and specific journaling exercises during this time.

So, I challenge myself to take advantage of this period, to slow down the outer world and to be more quiet and reflective in my thinking and doing—to remember my dreams or at least the mood of them and record them/it in a journal that I keep close by my head. They can be quite profound and insightful. The shorter days of wintertime feel more natural to go within, so on December 25th, for example, I wake up to write about my dreams, to envision January 2015 and recall 2014 and, if I have additional time, I think about the journaling questions or contemplate the zodiacal formation and the virtues provided in Dr. Bento’s Holy Nights Journal. It’s a difficult practice for me because even though my kids are older and I should be able to sleep throughout the night, I am still a light sleeper, my mind is going non-stop, and… things always come up. It becomes a super busy time of the year despite efforts to find stillness.

I love that I have given myself permission to hold this space-feel rested, not rushed -and have this time for me. It doesn’t always happen, so it’s quite funny to see what I can recall from my lucid dreaming states. And, what I do put down on paper as I experience these images and words ends up garbled – going up and down on the page and rarely makes complete sense. Anyway, I stick with this practice because it is sacred and personal time that I carve out of each day that in some way helps me to prepare for being a bit more resilient and resourced in my life.
Visioning Boards

Our Vision Boards

Our Vision Boards

In addition, I recently spent time with my family and piles of recycled magazines to create our visioning boards. These help to clarify and order thoughts, dreams and aspirations. Each family member hunkers down with old magazines, looking for images that would support their hopes for the new year. Its a messy, fun, and creative process.

The ensuing presentations in front of each other are wonderful. There is vulnerability and personality coming forth as we each describe what we wish for and hope to achieve in 2015. It was a great way for us to be seen, heard, and experienced in front of each other, and it came with a few laughs. Who knows what will actually happen this year, but the art of naming is powerful. These manifestation boards will be visual reminders that anything is possible. Best of all, dreaming is free!

As Blair’s Herbals forges into 2015, I believe these and other practices will support my attempts for balanced family and professional life as well as space for personal exploration. The New Year brings a moment to reflect on all the successes, challenges and opportunities that will unfold.

Welcome 2015!

P.S. I’ve recently launched my brand new Blair’s Herbals Etsy store – check it out!