Back To Basics

If you are anything like me you are happy to be getting back to the regular routine of things. In yogic tradition the end of the year is a time to slowdown, be calm and look inward. Reflect, refresh, renew for the coming year. Stop there! What! Are you kidding? for at least the past month or so even though I kept it simple, simplifying as many of the yearly traditions as I possibly could, right down to buying less gifts, not stressing over what I think would make everything perfect and not trying to make sure that everyone is happy (cause let's face it, is that truly possible) and Oh! ya! my simple tree, small with hardly any trimmings. I only took out a fifth of the decorations in the basement and I must say it truly was easier, I didn't fuss, or stress and in approximately 1/2 hour everything was put away. I just removed the simple swag from the front porch and any and all remaining remnants of the season are gone, along with the fantasy of the perfect happy holiday's. The husband is back at work, the kids are next. Let's face it, being cooped up in a three bedroom bungalow, under renovation, completely a mess for even a week, with no time to practice any moments of introspection is nerve racking. But, this year was easier than previous years. Patience is a learned art. Not all things can be at all times. Peace, joy and harmony are found less now in the season than ever before because we are too busy consuming. Consuming things, food, alcohol. Even when done in moderation this can throw you off balance. Having said this, now that we have taken our first steps into the new Year, my goal is to re-establish my sense of inner calm. Only by practising the art of patience, meditation and self nurturing can we truly find our inner calm. Let all things be as they are, even when they are not in balance, knowing that what is today, will not be tomorrow.

"I seek only to reveal my true self, which may or may not be the same tomorrow, if I should learn something new that changes me."

What I have learned over this past holiday season is that no matter where you are at, no matter what situation you are dealing with, no matter how things conflict with your own agenda. If you don't go with the flow, even when that flow is out of balance, you will struggle. So I look toward next year's holiday's and think I have a year to refresh, rejuvenate and renew, working towards the balance within that will help me to make it through another year in a more joyous, peaceful and harmonious state.

Wishing you a joyous, peaceful and harmonious New Year !!

Namaste
Laura