New Year 2025

Photo from one of Susanne’s morning walks to Narraganset Bay at sunrise. Nature is a delight to savor throughout the year.

It is good to have an end

to journey towards;

but it is the journey that matters,

in the end.

~Ursala K. LeGuin

Namaste Friend!

As we roll into the new year it’s an opportunity to build upon past years, release a habit that no longer serves us, shift a limiting belief, and consider our intentions going forward. The Sanskrit word for intention is Sankalpa. As a certified health coach I find it boosts motivation to start by acknowledging what we already are doing to build upon. Ford Peck, therapist and iRest Yoga Nidra trainer suggests having a creative intention gives us energy whereas a fix-it mindset can be draining. 

When you think about doing more of what makes your heart sing what comes to mind? The research of the VIA (Values in Action) character strengths  shows that a way to increase life satisfaction is not to focus on weaknesses, but rather to use our signature strengths in new ways. Once we have a vision making our initial steps realistic and setting up our environment to support us (reminders, help from another, cues to trigger us to act wisely) can make all the difference. 

My intention is to build upon my practice of “yoga off the mat,” by tuning into small everyday pleasures, comforts and pauses to be with what is present. Feel the warmth of a scarf my dear friend gave me in winter, the touch of a cool breeze off the bay in summer, the energy of an engaging conversation and take the time to feel the love during “kitty worship” with my tuxedo cat Tippy.  This is a concept from Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hanson, PhD that he refers to as “taking in the good.”

What is meaningful that you would like to increase in 2025?

In Yoga and Well Being,

Susanne

Consider taking the free VIA Character Strengths Assessment that takes about 15 minutes.