A Contemplative Time of Year
December is such a magical time of year – if we choose to embrace that perspective. It offers us the chance to reflect on the past 12 months and contemplate what we’ve learned about ourselves:
What came to light for us?
What were our biggest challenges?
What was the boldest risk we took, and how did it contribute to our growth?
This time of year is also an opportunity to honor our ability to adapt, to change, and to keep an open heart, even in the face of difficulty.
Change is rarely easy. It requires us to stay present with what’s rising within us, to sit with it fully, and to let ourselves feel it. When we do, the resistance begins to dissolve, and we open ourselves to the new possibilities that are emerging.
I recently experienced this firsthand. For the past three months, I lived in a temporary, furnished studio apartment while my home underwent remodeling. Although the remodel itself was relatively short (just two months with only a few delays), it was a challenging time filled with on-going decisions, questions about whether I’d like the new space, and living in an unfamiliar space. Initially, I thought this change would bring excitement involving new surroundings, new people, and a fresh environment. Normally, I love that kind of adventure. But instead, this experience brought me something unexpected: solitude.
Instead of being distracted by being in this new, temporary environment, I found myself with an opportunity to simply be. To sit in the stillness of boredom, to resist the urge to change or fix anything, and to allow space for quiet contemplation. And in doing so, I noticed something profound. With each remodel decision or delay, it became easier to let go of my need to control the pace. Things weren’t moving at my preferred speed, but they were moving exactly as they needed to.
Last weekend, I moved back home just in time for Christmas! The process unfolded with surprising ease and grace.
As I settle into my new space, I feel such a deep sense of gratitude. There’s something so grounding about returning to the home I’ve created. It is a place surrounded by trees and sky, my longtime neighbors of 18 years, and my yard. The temporary apartment I was in, while comfortable, was three stories with no balcony, and it felt more like a hotel. People kept to themselves, and I missed the sense of connection and rootedness I’ve always felt at home.
This homecoming has been nourishing and welcoming. My newly remodeled space feels bigger, updated, and more secure, and I am tremendously grateful for everyone who helped make it happen. This process feels symbolic of a broader “remodel” happening in my life; it has been an opportunity to reexamine my work, my teaching, and the things I want to create next.
As we step into 2025, I find myself asking: What do I want to expand in myself? I discovered it’s a desire to deepen my ability to contemplate with an open heart, to remain present and not shut down in difficult situations, and to welcome more joy, delight, clients, and students into my life. I hope to grow more meaningful relationships with others, while continuing to align with my loving nature.
My wish for you this holiday season is to allow the magic of this time of year to touch your heart and mind. Give yourself permission to stay open, to linger and to feel the love and joy that resides both within and all around you.
Happy Holidays, and thank you for your ongoing support and love.