Alana Sheeren, words + energy

Mantra Monday: Word of the Year

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Word of the year

A number of years ago I decided that resolutions were an exercise in futility and yearly goals were a perfect reason to beat myself up. I gave them up and began choosing a word of the year. That word became a wish, a hope, an intention, a theme that I wanted to walk in the middle of for those 365 days.

Words like Allow and Ease, Celebrate, Create and 2014’s Home.

This year I’ve had two words knocking at my inner door and neither has come out a clear winner. Because I’m not a fan of having to do things one way, I’m inviting both of them to play.

Move.

2015 will be my 3 year in the elemental system of the 9 Star Ki. This is a year of growth, change, action and possible overwhelm. Moving my body will be essential to maintaining my sense of inner balance. My hope is that this will also be a year of magical movement in my business. And my intention is to move others with my words and my work so that they might live their best lives. Yes. Move! Bring it on.

Delight.

I want to feel delighted this year. With my family, in my friendships, with my clients, sitting at the computer or staring out at the ocean. I want this to be the feeling I wake with and the one I end my day with. I want to be bowled over by the beauty and mystery of this world. I want to pause and drink in the delight on my daughter’s face when it appears. I want to appreciate delight, savor it, instead of running over it to the next moment. Deep breath. Delight. This is going to be good.

Move & Delight. These two words will be my guides for 2015, the mantras that run constantly through my mind (along with Trust – my mantra for life).

And you? Do you choose a word for the year or do you have a different practice? I’d love for you to share whatever you do in the comments.

May your year be one of ease, worthy of celebration and filled with delight.

 

P.S. If you’re wanting to choose a word but still waiting to find the right one, here’s a lovely list from Vivienne McMaster to begin with. 

P.P.S. I have several soul mantra necklaces from Liz Lamoreux but I think this year I’m going to order one of these beauties. Drool. 

Mantra Monday: A choose your own adventure

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Speak the words

These last few days of the year are typically loaded for me. I tend to feel haunted by everything left undone while full of hope and dreams for the new year. The feelings are less intense this year which I owe to regular energy clearings, a continuously shifting mindset and an ever deepening trust that I am exactly where I need to be. As I move through these next days, knowing that I can’t wrap up the year in a tidy bow and that 12:01 am January 1st doesn’t really change anything, I am picking and choosing the mantras that feel most helpful. I’m wondering what you most need right now too.

Maybe you need to remind yourself that it’s okay to press pause and ask yourself what you want, letting everyone else take care of themselves for a while.

Maybe you need permission to do what’s most fun, or a reminder to look for the magic or make one more brave move before the year is done.

Or maybe all you need is to slow down, breathe and remember that you are (always) enough.

However you choose to spend this week, I’m sending you love and reminding you that I’m here if you have a story to share, a stuck spot to unstick or need a soft place for your tears or your joy to land.

May the new year bring you what you need most.

Mantra Monday: Notice. Breathe. Pray. (A mantra in 3 parts)

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Notice, Breath, Pray

Wherever you are and whatever you celebrate, we are in the thick of a season that can be both beautiful and brutal.

Expectations. Emotional triggers. Hopes fulfilled or dashed.

This is high season for magic and sadness, for gratitude and anger, for dreams and regret.

Let’s get through it with as much grace as possible, shall we?

Notice.

Notice what’s happening in the moment: your reactions, your feelings, the way you’re shutting the door on too much joy or focusing on someone else’s most annoying habits. Just notice, without judging it as good or bad, healthy or not.

Breathe.

Whether it’s once deeply, or 5 times with your hand on your heart like my friend Liz Lamoreux practices and teaches, or more times than you can count, stop and breathe. Take yourself out of a stressful situation if you need to. The bathroom is always a good excuse, as is needing fresh air. Let your belly fill and your chest rise. Notice that moment at the point of fullness where the breath is suspended, then slowly let it all go. Repeat as necessary, making space for any emotions that surface, doing your best to let any unhelpful repetitive thoughts float away.

Pray.

By which I mean Ask for Help.

Dear Universe, please help me keep my mouth shut and get through this day in one piece.

Okay Spirit, I really need you to help me see the things I love about these people instead of the things that make me want to run screaming from the room.

Dear God, please help me act with compassion and understanding. Help me keep my heart and eyes open to what lies underneath the surface. Help me see the beauty that I know is present in everyone and everything, even when it’s hidden under a steaming pile of dysfunction.

If there’s someone you can ask for support, do that too.

Hey little brother, can you kick me under the table every time I start to open my mouth at dinner?

Husband, would you take a walk with me and hold my hand? I just need some quiet company.

Friend, will you come to this event with me? I have to go but I don’t know if I can do it alone.

Notice. Breathe. Pray.

Then love yourself through all of it. Because you are enough, and worthy of love, just as you are.

And if your holiday season is lovely and bright, and all your dreams come true, you can still use the mantra. Notice the joy. Breathe it in. Let your prayer be one of gratitude. 

*****

P.S. If you’re on my newsletter list, I’ve got a gift coming for you next weekend that will support you in starting 2015 off with more grace, peace and joy. If you’re not on the list and you’d like to sign up to receive it, you can do that in the upper right hand corner.

Mantra Monday: Look for the beauty

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Look for the beauty

I am on vacation with my family this week. We’ve had a bumpy start. Ada had the stomach flu and a fever. My brother came with a cold. My father caught one.

It’s been easy to see the beauty though. The warm wind and tropical air. The shining faces of my nieces. The celebration of my parents’ love. My daughter’s sleeping body, growing longer and leaner by the moment.

Sometimes the beauty is not as easy to find but I have learned it is always – always – there. Looking for it can make all the difference, especially when the world seems dark.

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