THE ENERGY OF THIS WEEK
Celebrations and gatherings are winding down, all the planning and anticipation behind us–join me in a glorious exhale of gratitude. 🙏🏻
What's next? A brand new year. I’m a sucker for fresh starts and new beginnings. The change of a calendar year invites letting go and shedding what no longer serves to make space for something new. The anticipation of fresh and new is exciting, sign me up. But first, let’s soak in the nothingness of the in-between this week.
The space between Christmas and New Year’s has long been my favorite week of the year. There is something freeing, peaceful, and hopeful about the time “in-between”. This time makes me think about a new word I learned this week (I love it so much I’ve already considered a tattoo 😂). Maitri. In the context I’m reading about it, maitri is a buddhist philosophy and the sanskrit word for loving kindness (for oneself), an unconditional friendliness. Practicing maitri isn’t about doing. Maitri is not about solving problems, dissolving our pain, or even striving to become better. Instead, it’s about surrendering control all together, allowing ideals and expectations to fall apart. I am learning (and relearning) that it’s in letting go that we are better able to accept the reality of what is to be free and go forward. This freedom enables us to most authentically be in service, love, and support of ourselves and others.
This week, I invite you to join me in finding a little time for maitri in the “in between”. Consider the pause an act of kindness and compassion for yourself. You are closing out an entire year, 365 days of planned and unplanned life moments and experiences. You aren’t the same person you were a year ago. All of the experiences, the highs and lows, are shaping you. Preparing you for what’s ahead. Reach for what brings you pause and peace this week, experience deeper connection and compassion for you. Breathe, rest, and reset my friend. Happy New Year to you!
As always, stay open, brave, and on-purpose.