Winter: time for visioning

Winter: time for visioning

When it’s cold and blustery outside and you arrived home from work, shopping or a brisk walk, and, if you are like me , it’s delightful to step inside your warm home. If you have a fireplace, you may be lighting a fire to sit by and brewing a cup of tea. That is what I’ve been doing after walking on these cold days. I find myself imagening what I want to do in the days to come.

I began to create a list of things I want to do, some, I wish to continue what from the past year but some are aspirational. This is my visioning. I am creating a vision board that includes things that give me comfort, challenge me and give me a sense of aliveness. Around New Year many people make resolutions, share it with friends and family and may even write their resolutions in a journal. For me visioning is creative inner work that inspires me with imagery of what I would like my life to look like in the days to come. First, visioning involves an inward look at what activity enlivens me. I prioritise these activities. Some of these activities are mindful self-care. Just a recent sample of these winter comforts; sitting by the fire, drinking tea, watching a movie, last night, I watched “The Six by Triple Eight” on Netflix. I meditate regulalry and do my self-care Reiki.

Here is a picture of a mandala vision board I created in 2007. I was in seminary at the time. My life was about studying theology. I was also a caregiver. My life is very different now, but visioning for my future must involve looking back to where I’ve been.

Winter has arrived with a gusto in the South. While I am working on my vision board I find comfort drinking tea and reading.

My list of activities that I will continue begin with Reiki.

1. For the past several months, I’ve been practicing Reiki for myself. As a Master Teacher, it has become a part of daily routine, giving me unexpected benefits. I have more energy, I am more peaceful, more contrnt and find joy in small things, like watching blue birds fly into my bird feeder. In February, I will offer training for Level 1 Reiki.
2. Meditation and prayer have been a part of my life for many years. Like Reiki, it gives me a sense of peace, and a hopeful view of life. In February, I will be offering Meditation & Tea On Saturday afternoons.
3. There is something delightful and comforting about having tea by the fire or under a cozy comforter in the winter time. Admittedly, I am a tea nerd. I have more then a dozen diferent teas and pick and choose ones that fit my mood. As I write, a cup of English Lavendar tea is beside me.
4. Rading is another of my favorite activities. Usually I read from my Kindle Library on my phone or iPad. I read for pleasure, to learn and most of all for inspiration.
5. Walking on trails in the woods and in my neighberhood is more than just getting my daily steps in. For me, it is a mindfulness activity that delights my very soul. I practice sesonal mindfulness.
6. Keeping connections with my family and friends is essential for my emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
7. My diet has changed in the past year due to gastronomic issues. I am doing my best to adhere to the “Low-foodmap diet”. It is not easy and continues to be a struggle. This is my challenge for the next year.
8. Learning is an important part of my life. Learning new skills in my work as Pastoral Counselor and Spiritual Companion. This month, I completed, “Trauma & Healing” a course offered by SDI https://www.sdicompanions.org. Soon, a course will begin, “Real Happiness Meditation Challenge” offered by one of my all time favorite Meditation teachers, Sharong Salzburg, https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/

9. Many years ago, I received a link to grafulness.org. The name has changed, but the content continues to inspire, engage and encourage people to practice gratitude. https://grateful.org. I began a Gratitude Journal several years ago. I continue to journal several times a week. I list the things I am grateful for and also things I am less grateful for. Journaling has given me new insights into my life. I find something to be grateful for even in difficult times, though, not always at the time of a difficult situation. In reflection and as I journal, the gratitude arises. Gratitude is the bedrock of my spiritual practices. Br. David Steindl-Rast’s simple and powerful meditation is a gift that I accepted and find countinually uplifting. If you have read this Post this far, I encourage you to visit the https://grateful.org.website’s page, Br. David Steindl-Rast’s simple and powerful encouragement https://grateful.org/practice to practice gratitude.

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