Hello 5779

Every night, I write in my journal to reflect on my day.  As years pass, it has become a favorite time of my day.  I share my joy, my anger, my compassion, my pride and even little stories that I want to remember.  Typically, when I read it back, I am often surprised by how the words still have so much feeling attached to them.  Emotions are in my books and I'm grateful.  Though I don't feel the same in the moment I'm reading, I can look back to a time that I embraced or survived.  I'm so grateful to all who encouraged my journaling because it is the greatest gift for me and ultimately for my children.

So what's next for 5779?

When I write about what I hope for and setting goals, I have stopped using the word resolution.  Now, as I look forward, I also look deeper.  What is most meaningful to me?  What makes me happiest?  How can I remove the more toxic aspects?  Can I take the next positive step and the next more honest step?

Here are some ideas for how I want to live in 5779:

• This year, my husband and I arrived at 22 years.  To celebrate, we opted for spending time quietly with family and friends who stood up for us.  So really, while celebrating 22 years of marriage, we also celebrated 22 years of our family and friendships.  Oh, and the food was delicious too!
• One of my favorite moments last year was learning with my kids.  Reading what their reading, sharing music and watching tv and movies (old and new) has enriched our conversations in ways I didn't expect.  These conversations may teach us to argue and debate, allow us to laugh and cry or just simply allow us to spend time listening to each other respectfully.
• As I reflect on my old journals, I want to start blogging more.  For the past couple of years, I have found myself up against writer's block, fear, exhaustion and laziness.  I've received wonderful support and often feel a great sense of accomplishment once another post is completed and posted.  New hashtag #mywordsmystorymysolution
• Another area that has given me a sense of fulfillment is my work on our community.  There is more work to be done as a community member.  Serving on boards and committees to put values into action allow me to be a partner and give back.  
• Over the past year, I challenged myself physically.  I surprised myself by learning to spin, swimming, hiking and deepening my meditation.  Accomplishing a challenge has helped me grow, given me insight into my own strength and just feels good.  Definitely more of that in the coming year. 

Shana tova to all who celebrate. Looking forward to 5779 and taking time for my family, my community and myself. 

Today is Today

I had the privilege of leading meditation today.  Meditation Plus has been a constant source of encouragement, support and growth for the past six years.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead and appreciate the meaningful discussion which followed.  Enjoy the meditation.

Shabbat Shalom. 

Today I invite you on a journey of exploration during this meditation.  A journey to find the words that you can choose as your mantra.  These words are for today.  Today this is where you are.  We can only be where we are.  Tomorrow you may have new words, but that is for tomorrow.  Today, we only think about now, here in this room, together. 

I invite you on a journey of openness, a journey of thoughtful breathing.

Let start with our physical pose.  I invite you to get comfortable.

Feel your feet on the floor.  Feel the solid ground under your feet.

Feel your legs.  Be aware of their presence on the chair, your bended knee. 

Feel your hips and your back and relax in the seated position.  Breathe deep into your lungs.  Pull your shoulders back. Let go of your breath.  Tilt your head up and feel the ease of your breath. 

Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Breathe in.  Breathe out. 

For this moment, let go of the self-critic.  Decisions are decisions, neither good nor bad.  Without judgement, our journey experiences a freedom to just be.  We can walk forward to embrace the decision, accept it, enjoy its success or learn from its failure.  To do this, we must change our own words.  This is one way to release the critical voice. 

As we go into our silent meditation, I invite you to use words that help you focus, bring you back to the center and offer a sense of calm.

I walk this path with kindness.

I am on a journey forward.

I am grounded.

I am one in a community.

I am safe.

Or choose a short phrase for your own repetition.

And then we sat for 15 minutes in a silent meditation.