The gift of attention

Jan 2024

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This week, a friend and I were discussing when we celebrate the new year. There are so many options!

• the start of the (gregorian) calendar year, 1 Jan
• the start of the school year, 31 Jan 2024
• the lunar new year (first new moon of the lunar calendar), 10 Feb 2024
• the start of the astrological year (either when the sun enters Aries on 20 Mar, or the new moon in Aries), 9 Apr 2024
• the winter solstice, 21 Jun 2024
• the spring equinox, 22 Sep 2024
• your own birth day

So please take the pressure off yourself, there is no need for urgency or self imposed deadlines. Let’s enjoy the momentum of these neverending cycles we repeat again and again. There are so many opportunities for a fresh start. We are always evolving and changing in an ongoing quest for wholeness.

Perhaps instead of new year’s resolutions and goals, we can ask ourselves: where is my attention going? where do I want it to go?

Our neuroplastic brains are literally shaped and rewired by our daily habits, so why not pay attention and choose what is shaping your brain? Lately I’m choosing silence, light, movement, friendship, nourishment, boundaries and valuing my work.

Some other ideas are softness, beauty, honesty, curiousity, pleasure, creativity, simplicity, flow… what will you choose to give your attention to?

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.”
“Absolutely unmixed attention is prayer.”
― Simone Weil

To be clear, this doesn’t mean avoiding the challenging and heartbreaking parts of life. It is a gift to give your attention to these also. I am suggesting that returning your attention daily to the things you really value, can be a touchstone in your life.

Inspiration

• "Where, how, or with whom my time is spent"
• Looking back to move forward
• The art of frugal hedonism
• Sameness might be what we need

Sending you much love as you navigate change,

Emily