Happy New Year

For years, copying other people, I tried to know myself. From within, I couldn’t decide what to do. Unable to see, I heard my name being called. Then I walked outside.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don’t go back to sleep.

-Rumi

From Unseen Rain, Coleman Barks

Happy New Year. Does the rolling away of 2013 and the approach of 2014 excite you? Cause you anxiety? I'm feeling both. I am seeing many writers and teachers express how difficult 2013 was, and it was for me as well. It was an emotional thrill-ride, exposing much of my inner work. I see big lessons I learned and some I am still learning.

The passage between the years intimidates me. I don't want to set myself up for failure by creating a long to-do list. I don't particularly like replaying the whole year and sometimes can't really remember much of it anyway! I tend to take stock of how I'm feeling now, where I am, and dream of what I'd like to see develop over the next year. That is plenty of work right there. Other than that, I simply enjoy the energy of the shift, the feel of a new beginning.

I desire to dig more deeply into my soul desires in 2014. I am already living some of my dreams, and the next right step is to live them more deeply, broadly, and in alignment with my soul. Alignment, congruence, resonance, integrity are all words for living your soul's truth, and that is my simple intention for 2014.

As you consider where you are and where you are going in 2014, be gentle with yourself, but be awake. Listen to the breeze at dawn, the whispers to your soul, and stay awake. Whatever you've learned, remember. Carry it forward and love yourself enough to not go back to sleep. Namaste.