Take a moment to reflect before the new year

Key takeaways

Create an intentional space for reflection by engaging in solo activities, which can help you understand your own needs and goals.
Utilize creative exercises, such as drawing, to reflect on past experiences meaningfully.
Set aside time for gratitude and acknowledging grief in a calming environment to process the past year.
Invest in your future by dreaming big and visualizing your goals, possibly through a vision board.

Summary

Reflecting and Slowing Down During the New Year Transition

As the year ends, many people feel a mix of emotions stemming from the transition between the hustle of the holiday season and the quiet of the new year. Maryl, the host, discusses how this time can feel eerie but also presents an opportunity for reflection. With insights from Buddhist Lama Rod Owens, listeners are encouraged to slow down, check in with themselves, and envision the upcoming year rather than simply letting it happen.

Creative Exercises for Reflection

An exploration of creative, introspective exercises helps listeners better reflect on their past year. Artist Nicole J. Georges emphasizes the importance of 'Sweet Alone Time' (SAT), recommending engaging in creative activities by oneself, whether that's through journaling, drawing, or simply walking alone. The episode features a unique drawing exercise to help capture significant experiences and reflections from the past year, underlining the importance of celebrating small victories.

Embracing Grief and Gratitude

Lama Rod Owens suggests that an informal meditation session can be quite powerful for reflection. He introduces the practice of lighting a candle for warmth and comfort as listeners take stock of what they are grateful for from the past year, while also making room for acknowledging disappointments and grief. This quiet space allows for curiosity about unresolved feelings and experiences, emphasizing the need to process them.

Creating Intentions and Visioning the Future

As the episode wraps up, listeners are encouraged to dream boldly about their future. Lama Rod Owens drives home the importance of visualizing one's desires and aspirations, discussing the efficacy of vision boards as a useful tool in manifesting one's dreams. By articulating needs and wants in a clear manner, listeners can shape their intentions for the year to come.

Show notes

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock of the year. Reporter Kyle Norris talks with Buddhist Lama Rod Owens about how to get reflective during this time. Plus, a creative exercise to help you look back from cartoonist Nicole J. Georges.

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