Looking back, Looking forward

As we rapidly approach 2009, I’ve been thinking about the “two words” I chose as my intention words for 2008 – openhearted clarity. With the transition to Rome and all that entailed, coupled with ongoing health issues, I saw with startling clarity this last year, the fear that cuts a deep river in my life, which opened my eyes to the courage it takes to face fear. Slowly, with practice, my heart opened to the blessings of my particular life, despite the challenges.

Gratitude was a touchstone for me as I moved through emotional mountains. My body revealed itself as a great teacher. I am softer, more pliable – more likely to read the news and, instead of shutting down, feel my heart open to the pain and suffering that makes up a huge part of ALL of our experience to some degree or another. Breath in suffering, breath out love, light – a bit of relief… My heart has gone from a single family dwelling to a high-rise condo.

However, after a long, emotional year of moving through fear, pain, and anxiety – all tossed together with some really good experiences as well (goodness, who could make it through 100% hard, 365 days??), I feel the tides are turning and I am ready with a capital R for something different.

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In the face of economic meltdown and global catastrophe, my intention words for the year feels slightly heretic, but maybe just what more of us should order up in our lives:

Simple Ease

Accepting, seeing possibilitites, clear, lighthearted, direct. Lots of smiles, lots of candlelight and playtime. Oodles of love, family, friendships. A resounding Yes to the pleasure inherent in life.

In keeping with this theme, I have been inspired by the musings of Bliss Chick, who, instead of resolutions, has decided on dissolutions. This resonated with me deeply – letting go of activities, ideas, attitudes, etc., that no longer serve a purpose, or perhaps never did! Releasing the old and making space for something greater. How much better is that than making lists of all the ways to improve that are forgotten in a day?

So what about you? If you are a person who MUST set goals, Lululemon has a great way to track your goals on line. Really. It’s fun, too!

And if more Yoga is on your list for 2009, join the vibrant community at WoYoPracMo to be inspired in your practice.

I will leave you on this New Year’s Eve with the words of John O’Donohugh:

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you, An invisible cloak
To mind your life.

Love and Light to you all in 2009.