The beginning of a new year is always an opportunity to start again. Starting new. Leaving behind what is old and opening up to new colors, new possibilities – both in terms of worldly achievement and expansion of our spirit.
It is the moment when we realize that the power to change and give direction to our lives lies within us.
We feel more compassionate towards our mistakes, more aware of what we have received, and feel new hope that we can be different – more consistent and resonant with who we want to be in the world, with new insights and understandings, with renewed dedication and energy. New choices and actions.
In the end, it's not so much about the start of a new year. It's about you, each of us, our becoming more and more the best we can! Our expressing ourselves from our true self. Offering the world our truth and uniqueness.
It is inspiring to see that more and more of us are searching for living with more meaning, seeking "sacredness" - that which unites intention, attention and gratitude; wonder and awe that bring silence to the mind; that which makes us be present, alive. Connected to that part of us that is bigger than what we think we are.
This was my reflection from the end-of-year retreat week in Mandali. 60 people who have decided to end and start the year in a different way – making room for connection with themselves, with nature, with other human beings moving in the same direction; listening to each other deeply, letting their needs emerge, honoring them; moving beyond the limitations and identifications of the mind and ego; celebrating by integrating self-knowledge, practices for the body and self-care rituals together with nourishment of the spirit, vegetarian food cooked with love and a sense of service, conscious and intentional silence and words. Movement and rest.
What do you take with you in 2023? where do you want to focus your mental and spiritual energy?
While I was guiding yoga sessions, breathing and Yoga Nidra (a mindful rest meditative practice) I felt deeply nurtured by the renewed joy of having Roberto with me again.
We are a couple in life and fellow travelers on the spiritual path for the last 22 years. In this time, we have "filled each other's cups" as Kalhil Gibran puts it - taking turns becoming each other's teacher and student, sharing experiences that have expanded our lives inevitably touching each other's for the better - leving us inspired and uplifted. We have been through difficult times guiding and supporting each other in the newness, returning to our practice, the teachings we have been privileged to receive, applying them again and again. Making them our very life, our way of life.
We both believe that the true meaning lies in knowing how to bring fully into life - each in its own unique and always new way - our being spirit and light, love and consciousness. Living from there. Then everything organizes itself around it.
Here we are, ready for a new moment of life! Starting again to teaching together, sharing with those who want to be inspired by our journey, each of us starting from the richness of our own uniqueness and experience, from our own achievements, at the same time entrusting ourselves to the harmony and joy of our expanding and growing together in everyday life and in living “again adn again new” this time we call Life.
May this year see us all new every moment. Every moment a conscious choice to be who we are, authentic in our vulnerability and in our greatness. Dedicating ourselves to cultivating choices and habits that support the expression of our true and higher being.
Note from the Higher Self
It's time to make it happen together.
Expanding our awareness of "spiritual beings," fuelling and infusing with energy the actions and habits we consciously choose, and living fully by integrating into wordly life the radiance of our spirit.
Making every breath, every encounter a "sacred" moment and place, which expands the qualities of the soul - our presence capable of touching the lives of those around us.
A blessing that uplifts and illuminates time and the world.
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Moments of Connection
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Drawing on the yogic knowledge of Sankalpa (intention) and Samyamas (engagements with ourselves) as guides that lead us to discover ourselves on the path of self-expansion - we explore the sacredness of small acts of daily courage through which we honor the immensity of the spirit and with the help of discipline we bring it into everyday life, creating an uplifting lifelife. By creating a practice and routine that is supportive of the new way we want to Be and Walk in the world.
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