We are in the season of new years. The next one is Samhain (pronounced sah win). This is the New Year of Gaia (Mother Earth) and most commonly known through the Celtic traditions. It is a cross-quarter holiday and comes halfway between fall equinox and winter solstice. In the industrial world, it is celebrated on November 1. Whether you celebrate this New Year or any of the others observed between September and February, we are in a time of life review: past, present and future.

This year has been a tumultuous one. Many of us have experienced great personal change. Reviewing your past year can give you both a sense of accomplishment and an understanding of the inner and outer “projects” still calling for attention. With the strength and peace that comes from remembering your successes over the last twelve months and the clarity of what deserves completion, you can make a plan for your future. That, when done with love, offers a sense of wellbeing and purpose.

A wise friend of mine started a tradition for herself many years ago. (It is a ritual I am implementing this year.) At her New Year, in a very gentle 3-day process, she spends some time the first morning walking in nature and reviewing the occurrences of her past year. She contemplates her accomplishments and lessons, reviews the projects still in process, and feels the disappointments and the joys. Most importantly, she is both honest and loving with herself.

The second morning, again she walks and reflects on what she would like to see happen in the coming year. This is not a “should” event, rather a walk of feeling what would bring her joy and a sense of achievement. She considers her values and purpose; thinks about places she would like to see and people she would like to know.

The third morning, with a cleansing ceremony for her home and a personal celebration, she writes out her intentions for the next year. As she says, “They range from the sublime to the ridiculous!” The trick is that she writes from her heart, without thinking about it. Then she folds the paper, places it in an envelope and seals it. After that, she opens the envelope from the previous year, reviews her list and marks her accomplishments. She keeps track of the percentages of completion as a curiosity (not in judgment). It is her own personal Christmas and New Year rolled into one.

This tradition brings into practice many Universal Principals and utilizes them in the highest way. (I am paraphrasing these.)

1. Honor your path
2. Allow your past to support your present and prepare your future
3. Speak from your heart
4. Trust your intuition and Spirit
5. Allow Spirit to support your manifesting
6. Love yourself and all that you are
7. Live in joy

I believe the idea of New Year’s Resolutions came from something like this very pure tradition. Unfortunately, they got turned into goals, with judgment, over the years. Returning to such a joyous ritual of co-creation with Spirit is exactly the healing we all deserve. It honors us, our wisdom and our journey with Spirit.

There couldn’t be a better time for all of us to engage the Laws of Light. They serve us well. When we work with Spirit for our highest and best, without the controlling instincts that come from fear, we live more fully and joyfully. We accomplish greater things with less effort. We are healthier and more at peace. In other words, we live in balance – with ourselves, Spirit and the world.

I wish for you, in celebration of your chosen New Year, a tradition that supports the amazing creativity and power within you. I wish for you a beautiful New Year of joy, healing, laughter, success and love.