As we come to the close of another year,
Take a moment to find a quiet,
Comfortable place where you can settle.
December can be a busy time for many of us,
Filled with celebrations,
Traditions,
Responsibilities or the pressure of tying up loose ends.
For others,
It may be a quieter month or one that holds different cultural or personal meaning.
Whatever this season looks like for you,
Give yourself permission to step away from the noise and return to your own centre.
And when you're ready,
Allow your eyes to soften or close.
Take a slow,
Deep breath in,
Feeling your chest expand.
And gently exhale,
Letting the body release any tension it no longer needs.
Again,
Inhale slowly,
Inviting space,
Ease and presence.
And exhale,
Letting the mind settle a little more with each breath.
And one more time,
A deep breath in,
Filling the lungs fully.
And a long,
Extended exhale,
Breathing out,
Grounding yourself in the moment.
Let this be a pocket of stillness,
A moment just for you.
A moment to breathe,
To soften and to gently reflect on all that this year has held.
And when you feel ready,
We'll begin this gratitude practice together.
Bring to mind a safe space.
This may be your home,
Your work or somewhere else that brings a feeling of security.
With this in mind,
Place your hand on your heart and say out loud or silently with feeling.
I'm grateful for my safety.
I'm grateful for my home.
I am grateful to my body and mind.
Next,
Bring to mind enjoyable times from the past year.
These moments may have been with friends,
Family,
Colleagues,
Neighbours perhaps.
With this in mind,
Place your hand on your heart and say out loud.
Or silently.
I am grateful for shared conversations.
I am grateful for moments of joy.
I am grateful for love.
Now,
Bring to mind those you feel closest to and those you appreciate having in your life.
I am grateful for those closest to me.
I am grateful for acceptance.
Bring to mind now the achievements that you are most proud of.
I am grateful for what I have accomplished.
I am grateful for the supports that made it possible.
And for the things that did not go as planned in the past year.
Allow space and kindness.
Celebrate the moments of joy.
Celebrate your wins and honour your losses.
Knowing that mistakes and failures are essential to growth and learning.
Now,
Bring to mind the privacy of your current surroundings.
Your own quiet space.
With this in mind,
Place your hand on your heart and say out loud.
Or silently.
With feeling.
I am grateful for this quiet moment.
I am grateful for reflection.
I am grateful for awareness.
I am grateful for choice.
Finally,
Bring to mind the personal qualities that helped carry you through the year.
Your humour.
Your patience.
Your resilience,
Perhaps.
Your compassion.
With this in mind,
Place your hand on your heart and say out loud.
Or silently.
With feeling.
I am grateful for my inner strengths.
I am grateful for what sustains me.
I give thanks for these qualities within me that help me stay steady and open to life's unfolding.
May I be well.
May I be safe.
May I enter the coming year grounded in grace,
Held in love and guided by hope.
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
My name's Hilary Hart.
Namaste.
