This is Jessica from the Lotus Pond.
Welcome to your moment of intentional pause.
As the year comes to a close,
December offers us a natural opportunity to pause,
Reflect,
And bring a sense of peace to the journey we've taken.
Think of this moment as a soft landing,
A chance to honor the path you've walked,
Let go of what no longer serves you,
And perhaps open your heart to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Together we'll reflect on the story of this year,
Finding gratitude for its gifts,
Releasing its burdens with compassion,
And creating space for new beginnings.
Today I invite you to explore this chapter of your life with gentle curiosity.
What has this year meant for you?
What are you grateful for,
And what are you ready to release?
We'll begin with a meditation to revisit a year,
One page at a time,
Like a storybook filled with unique highs,
Lows,
Lessons,
And gifts,
Allowing you to reflect deeply on your journey and bring serene closure to this chapter of your life.
So let's begin.
I invite you to close your eyes,
Soften your gaze,
Ease yourself into a comfortable position.
Allow your spine to be tall and free,
Shoulders relaxed,
Connected to the floor beneath you.
Take a deep breath in through your nose,
And exhale slowly through your mouth,
In through your nose,
And out through your nose or mouth.
With each breath,
Feel your body beginning to relax,
Settling into this moment of peace.
Now imagine yourself holding a book in your hands,
The story of this year.
Each page represents a month of your journey.
Let us gently open the first chapter together.
As you sit with the early pages of January to March,
Ask yourself,
What energy did I bring into the start of this year?
What moments stood out in these months that were joyful,
Challenging,
Or surprising?
Let us now turn the pages to April,
May,
June,
The months of spring.
Notice what growth or changes unfolded during this time.
What relationships,
Opportunities,
Or accomplishments shaped these spring months?
As you continue to flip through the pages,
Let us arrive at the warm summer days of July,
August,
September,
And recall the moments of joy or rest that stood out for you.
Were there challenges or lessons that brought clarity or change within?
Finally,
Let's gently turn to the autumn and winter pages of October,
November,
And December.
What emotions,
Lessons,
Or experiences have emerged as a year draw to a close?
What has this year prepared you for?
Let us take a step back now,
Holding the story of your year as a whole in your mind.
What stands out to you as you reflect on this chapter in your life?
What feelings arise?
And as you hold this chapter in your heart,
Continue to ask yourself,
What feels complete?
And what are you ready to release with love and compassion?
Take a deep breath in,
And slowly exhale.
When you're ready,
Gently bring your awareness back to the room,
Carrying these insights and reflections with you into the next part of our practice.
Now that we've explored the story of your year,
Let's take some time to reflect and write.
If you need to take a pause,
Feel free to do so as you ready your pen and paper.
When you're ready,
Here are a few prompts to guide your reflection further.
Know that there is no right or wrong way to approach this.
Just simply let your thoughts flow.
What is the title or theme for this year?
What is one thing you are deeply grateful for?
What is one thing you are ready to release with compassion?
How would you write the final sentence of this chapter,
Closing it with peace and intention?
Take as much time as you need to sit with these questions.
If you feel drawn to draw instead of write,
Let your creativity guide you.
Take all the time you need to let your insights flow.
Thank you for taking this time for yourself to pause,
Reflect,
And connect with your journey.
And as we move forward,
Remember that each moment offers us an opportunity for renewal and growth.
From my heart to yours,
I wish you a serene close to this chapter and a beautiful beginning to the next.
Thank you.
