Let the closing of your year be like the setting of the sun!
How will you close your year? Will you stay busy, distracted and unconscious? Or will you choose this precious time to slow down, to reflect, to soften and to heal? Let the closing of your year be like the setting of the sun. It is a time to slowly surrender into the nighttime energy of stillness.
Get our GIFT to you here – the simple guide to close your year
Each day, each year and even a life follow a cycle set by nature. This cycle contains an opening, working and closing. The opening is the natural time to awaken and get present. The working piece is about engaging and movement. Last, the closing time is to slow down and reflect.
Our nature guide for this cycle is the sun, our source. Each day the sun shows the way to align with our natural rhythm by rising, shining and setting. And isn’t it sweetly perfect that our bodies are attuned to follow the sun’s lead?
The rising sun slowly works her way over the horizon, taking her time to lighten the night sky. The invitation to your body is to slowly wake up by opening your eyes, stretching and changing from soft nighttime clothing to daytime.
The shining sun offers warmth and light. She gives you the energy to move into action and creation. This is the time to engage with the changes presented by life.
After a full day the sun sets and surrenders back to the earth and darkness. When the outside world gets dark it is time to stop! You know how your body feels at the end of the day. Just imagine sitting by a fire, in your most comfortable chair, and letting your whole body and being relax. You slowly close your eyes and your mind drifts through the day. You let your body be the setting sun.
To deepen this gift, set aside a day to let yourself wander back through the year and reflect on the following:
- What did I accomplish?
- What were my disappointments?
- How did I heal?
- What did I learn?
- How did I grow?
- Who have I become?
Then take your insights and create a simple theme for the next year. It can be a word, a phrase or a picture that inspires you to create what you long for next.
Such as… I open and close each day with sacred stillness.
We will be here to support and witness you,
Marla, Kate & Team
The article “Life Matters: Closing Your Year with Presence” first appeared in the Catalyst Magazine.