No snow here this year, just rain…but the holiday season is in full force regardless of the weather! May this season bring more currents of joy, peace, and love in this world, starting with YOU, right here, right now. To cultivate these energies, consider starting each day with an intention.
Before you even get out of bed in the morning, take a few deep breaths and welcome your day with a resolve or vow (in Sanskrit this is called a Sankalpa). This is more than just an affirmation or a goal to achieve; it is a statement of BEING. At the very core, how do you want to BE? Loving? Patient? Compassionate? Happy? Consider the qualities needed to express these states of being, then vow to embody those positive qualities in all your thoughts, words, and actions. It’s not always easy and you will need to remind yourself over and over, especially when you catch yourself straying away from these states in the heat of anger, frustration, or judgement…(and notice just how often that happens!) but once you set your intention it’s like planting a seed. Keep watering it, and it will grow.
In the therapeutic practice of Reiki (a traditional Japanese holistic therapy that directs energy through the hands), we practitioners set intentions so that we can be clear and effective channels of energy, not only for ourselves but for our clients. We call these intentions the “Reiki ideals” and they can be wonderful guidelines for a Sankalpa.
JUST FOR TODAY, I WILL NOT BE ANGRY.
JUST FOR TODAY, I WILL NOT WORRY.
JUST FOR TODAY, I WILL BE GRATEFUL.
JUST FOR TODAY, I WILL WORK ON MY SELF.
JUST FOR TODAY, I WILL BE KIND TO OTHERS.
Whether it’s a daily intention, a New Year’s resolution, or an in-the-moment choice to ACT mindfully, may we all endeavour to embody the ways of BEING that promote peace!
Wishing you and your loved ones all the best this holiday season. Namaste…
Yoga In My Backyard 
Marie Morgan said,
December 22, 2015 at 8:07 am
Thank you Anne for sharing your kind words and inspiring journey.Your spirit radiates so much love and compassion. Wishing you and family a Blessed Christmas and a New Year 2016.
Marie🎄💕
Deb Burgoyne said,
December 22, 2015 at 8:50 am
And you dear Anne, great message…Merry Christmas my friend xox Deb
Elizabeth Cole said,
December 24, 2015 at 6:25 am
Dear Anne:
Thank you for your Holiday Wishes. We miss you and those wonderful classes you offer in Bells Corners but again missed getting into the winter session. I am going to attend a yoga class at Maki House here in the Crystal Beach area but he is not Anne.
So from our house to yours a very joyful Christmas filled with love and peace. I will try your mindful intentional thinking and have passed on your posting to my daughter and another friend.
All the very best for 2016 – Hope to join you in the spring.
Elizabeth and Sholto Sent from my iPad
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ANNE STUBBS said,
December 26, 2015 at 8:11 pm
Thank you for your kind wishes. I’m sorry you couldn’t get into the winter session class but stay on the waiting list in case some spots open up. Happy New Year to you and Sholto!
Pamela said,
December 31, 2015 at 10:18 am
Anne,
Thank you for the beautiful inspiring words.
As always, they resonate in just the right way at just the right time.
Thank you for another amazing year of practice.
Wishing you and your family peace, contentment and good health in 2016!
I bow in continued gratitude for you and all you do
Namaste
Xox
~Pamela