It’s the last week of 2013 and there’s alot of powerful energy buzzing around. It seems as though everyone I speak to is experiencing some kind of unrest. And it’s understandable. We are in full holiday swing, recovering from excesses, reeling from the the energy shifts from the winter solstice (Dec 21st) but most importantly asking ourselves what we usually do around this time of year, “What have I done, what am I doing and what am I going to do??“
That’s alot to think about. And if we are not equipped with the proper coping mechanisms, it can fast plunge us into paralysis. Or a tub of Ben and Jerry’s.
I find that when the voices in our heads become too chaotic or when we start to get down on ourselves about the things we have not accomplished, that it’s the perfect time to take a short mental break. Before you tackle that to-do list that can easily become overwhelming, let me suggest that you do something that is just as powerful, if not more. No, it’s not spending a weekend cleaning out closets commando style. It’s much gentler. It will help focus your energy and prep your chi palette for the beautiful things to come in.
And here it is….Create a Gratitude Journal. We tend to associate gratitude only with Thanksgiving, but a big secret is that we can be (and should be) grateful every day. Being thankful for what we already have allows us to relieve much of the unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves. Most likely, we already have much more than we need. Our busy schedules and numerous decluttering projects are proof of that.
I have made writing in my Gratitude Journal a daily morning ritual. Before I start my day, I write 5 things in my journal that I am thankful for, in the here and now. It can be something that has already happened or something that is going to happen. My journal may look something like this : 1) I am grateful for the great night sleep last night. 2) I am grateful for the new client who contacts me today. As you can see, it applies not only to what you have already but what you *know* will happen. Give it a try because I know from experience that it really works. Feng Shui is all about the power of your intention. Focus your energy on positive and powerful intentions because it will knock your socks off.
You can write in an old fashioned journal or I have come across a great Gratitude Journal app that you can download and start using right away! I haven’t tried it yet but if you use it, let us know how it is! I personally like pen and paper because I like being unplugged when I tap into that part of my brain. I also house my journal in the Wealth/Prosperity part of my home, which is the top left hand corner of your home from when you walk through the front door. See where Wealth/Prosperity is in your home using this handy Feng Shui bagua.
This is also a great article on Gratitude Journals and their benefits.
Here’s my gratitude list for today:
- I am grateful for my closest relationships and the insight they bring me.
- I am grateful for my warm and cozy home.
- I am thankful for my down comforter.
- I am thankful for my Feng Shui clients.
- I am thankful for quiet time to reflect.
So share your list with us, What are you thankful for? What things or people are you thankful for in 2013? Once you dedicate your practice to these things, you can close out the year and head beautifully and peacefully into 2014.
