Intentions For 2016

I’ve given up making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I set intentions and goals for the next year. But before getting to those, on New Year’s Eve I release things (experiences, emotions) from the past year that I don’t care to perpetuate in the new year. After writing down all that come to mind, I burn that paper in a releasing ceremony, knowing that they are not the truth of who I am and letting them go.

This releasing of the old creates space for the new. Nature abhors a vacuum, so the next step is to envision what I’d like to be, do, have and experience in the new year.

Intentions lie in the realm of being, whereas most resolutions lie in the realm of doing. So I begin by asking myself the question, “Who do I intend to be in the new year?” Sometimes the answer has been as simple as: “I intend to be healthy and happy” or “I intend to be a presence of peace.” Simple or complex, general or specific, isn’t as important as feeling authentic and uplifting for me.

Once clear on my intentions, setting goals naturally flows out of those intentions. This year one of my intentions is to be healthier. I think of myself as a healthy person, yet I am affirming that I grow healthier every year. A goal that supports that intention is to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. There’s a big difference between knowing that this is one of the best things I can do to support my body in living a long, healthy life, and actually doing it consistently. I am committed to doing this for myself this year.

Another intention for 2016 is to be of greater service to T’ai Chi Chih. A goal that supports that intention is to lead more retreats, including one in Hawaii. TCC retreats are a great way to build local TCC communities, inspire students to become accredited teachers, and deepen both teachers’ and students’ personal practice of TCC. If you would like a retreat in your area, please contact me.

Another TCC goal this year that supports me being of greater service is to audit a teacher accreditation and attend a Seijaku course led by another teacher. Usually I’m leading these courses, so it’s time for some advanced training for the trainer. What are your intentions and goals for this year?