Embracing the Present: A Heartfelt Connection as 2024 Draws to a Close
There’s always a buzz of electric energy around this time of the year - when the days reach the zenith of shortest daylight hours in the Northern hemisphere while simultaneously welcoming the longest daylight hours in the Southern hemisphere.
Do you feel the magic of this season in the air?
A time for celebrations of all kinds, and lively gatherings with family and friends, and simultaneously a time for retreating inward to reflect on the year that has passed and to plan for the year that is fast approaching.
Though I’m usually the type of person who loves reflecting on the past and imagining the future yet to come, I am feeling a call to take time to stay rooted in the present moment in these final days of 2024.
To truly savour what is instead of being caught up with what was or what will be.
So instead of sharing an article on the power of setting intentions I had spent all week writing, editing and polishing, I am listening to my heart and choosing to simply connect with you here in my final letter of 2024, with no other agenda.
Just pure connection.
Pause, notice you're breathing, feel your feet or any other parts of your body that are connected to the earth below you, drop in to your beating heart -
How is your heart feeling in this moment?
How is your body experiencing this present moment?
What/ who are you feeling the most connected to now?
As I write this in the early morning hours on my Notes app in my phone, I’m feeling a strong connection reaching across the virtual world through the invisible threads binding us all, to each of you. And my heart feels soft, open, curious. My body releasing its slow grip and relaxing into the support of the earth as I feel the gentle pull of gravity anchoring me to my bed.
Just in case you’re feeling pulled in different directions - inward and outward, to the past and the future, to be social and contemplative - and may perhaps be in need of ideas to ground in your own presence, here are some ways I’m supporting myself to stay connected to the present moment during these last days of 2024:
1. Practising Yoga Nidra - a form of yogic sleep meditation that feels so restorative and regenerative for my bodymindsoul
(If you're keen to explore yoga nidra for yourself, you may wish to check out the free 5-day Winter Solstice Yoga Nidra Immersion put together by my teacher/mentor Ally Boothroyd)
2. Moving my body mindfully through morning walks, exercise and household chores
3. Pausing to appreciate this moment and this and this in the infinity of present time
4. Embracing this phrase as my new mantra: Nothing to do, nowhere to be.
5. Breathing with awareness and feeling grateful for each breath
6. Making intentional connection with the people I love and care for, savouring the gift of their presence in my life
So as we welcome the dawn of a new year (at least according to the Gregorian calendar), may you find peace in the present moment and strength in the connections we share.
Thank you for being part of my journey in 2024 as I experimented, and explored different ways of showing up that aligned with my energy and soul.
I wish you a gentle transition into 2025, filled with awareness and grace.
