Winter: time for visioning
When it’s cold and blustery outside and you arrived home from work, shopping or a brisk walk, if you are like me, it’s delightful to step inside your warm home. If you have a fireplace, to sit by the fire and enjoy 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 from last year, but some are aspirational. This is my visioning process. My vision board 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 my activities that enliven me. I prioritize 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 regularly and do my self-care Reiki.
Below is 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. Visioning for my future involves 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 I will continue begin with Reiki.
- 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 content 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.
- 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.
- There is something delightful and comforting about having tea by the fire or under a cozy comforter in the wintertime. Admittedly, I am a tea nerd. I have more than a dozen different teas and pick and choose ones that fit my mood. As I write, a cup of English Lavender tea is beside me.
- Reading 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.
- Walking on trails in the woods and in my neighborhood is more than just getting my daily steps in. For me, it is a mindfulness activity that delights my very soul. I practice seasonal mindfulness.
- Keeping connections with my family and friends is essential for my emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
- 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.
- 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, Sharon Salzburg, https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/
Gratitude is essential for a happiness
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 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 continually 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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