Although I am a big believer in connecting with the self, I think it is easy to become too wrapped up in ourselves to the point that we forget the people, places and things outside of us. It is important to make contact with things outside of our inner worlds to support us in staying grounded in gratitude and the big picture. I invite you to zoom out from your world and expand your horizons to see what's outside of you. Look around you and take it all in. We are a small puzzle piece in this great big world. Let community, connection and our environment teach us along the way.

"Be Human" has been my mantra while heading into 2024. The mantra was introduced into Western society quite some time ago but is rooted in Hindu philosophy. The mantra is a chant that supports us to establish spiritual balance and evolution. For me, the chant "Be Human" reminds me to honour self-compassion which ultimately creates room for me to learn and be okay with not having it altogether!

References

Bhide, S. R., Bhargav, H., Gangadhar, B. N., & Desai, G. (2023). Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Yoga Philosophy: A Perspective on the need for Yoga-based counselling Program (YBCP) in common mental disorders. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 45(4), 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1177/02537176211051987

Live Your Life Out Loud: (1) Reflect, (2) Process and (3) Choose.

As a general observation of the community, social media, within families and friend groups; I've noticed a big theme of people being scared to share who they are with the world. I have observed too many people trying to uphold an inauthentic version of themselves and it's time to let it go and live your life out loud. In this meditation I discuss these observations further and prompt you to reflect, process your life, and encourage you to choose to live your life out loud.

Come on a journey with and meditate on coping mechanisms, habit, routine, breaking cycles, and digging deep.

It's on us to assess life and think about what changes need to be made in order to not only become the person that we want to be; but to perhaps embody a healthier, holistic and balanced lifestyle.

"The wound is not your fault; but healing is your responsibility."

Are you lacking in compassion toward yourself? It's likely that you so freely offer compassion, understanding and space for others; but forget to offer it to yourself.

What does failure mean to you? How did you come to this meaning? How does it impact your actions?

Grief is a heavy topic and I think it is important to make space for it as each person has likely experienced grief in some way or another. Let's reflect and meditate on grief together.

It's easy to get caught up in the fast pace and rush of life; always trying to bypass the current moment to get to the next one. At the end of the day we don't get this moment back so it's important to lean in and be present in each moment. Take it all in by grounding and slowing down.

A loaded question, but nonetheless, something to think about. Sometimes living means cleaning our car out, connecting with our community, watching the sunrise, being in relationship, going for a walk, etc. Living looks different for everyone. We all live differently and are connected to our own definition of what it means to live. Some people feel that living is working, paying the bills, buying things for themselves, going on vacations; while others feel that living looks like sharing a simple conversation or connection with someone.

Rebirth. To be made new again. A new opportunity. A new era. A new chapter. However you refer to it; each day is an opportunity to begin again and let your soul guide and fuel your journey. Stay true to yourself.