Choosing Joy
Mindful intentions for 2023
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the festive celebrations and 2023 has kicked off well for you.
My year has started off a little differently - in fact quite a contrast from the usual Sydney fireworks!
After landing in the UK at the end of November, I made a last minute decision to fly to the south of France to spend New Year's Eve immersed in a day of mindfulness.
As the sun set on 2022, along with 400 others I participated in a silent walking meditation, burnt bad habits in the bonfire, listened to the sound of the bonsho bell, enjoyed poetry, chanting and singing and finished with a practise of touching the earth.
It was such a peaceful way to start 2023 and one that aligned strongly with my intention to be more mindfully present this year - to live more in the now and less in the past, or the future.
Why mindfulness?
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, founder of the Plum Village where the retreat was held, is an inspirational author who wrote more than 100 books on the topic of mindfulness, meditation and Buddhist teachings before his passing in January last year.
Master Thay, as he is referred to by the monks at the village, says one of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it puts you in a state where you are fully alive - you are fully present. Being in this state enables you to get in touch with the wonders of life that are available every day. When life feels wonderous, you feel more joyful - every day and in every moment.
Joy becomes a choice you get to make today, rather than a state you're hoping for in the future.
Progress to date
So far, I've picked up a few tips from the New Years Eve retreat, and have been regularly listening to the meditations on the Plum Village app. However what I'm learning is that being present is not that easy.
Like all new 'habits', and I'm sure you can relate, it will take ongoing committment and practise. However, I am beginning to see a few things that are helping:
starting the day with a simple meditation or breathing exercise
noticing when I'm worrying about the future and letting that go
catching myself defining who I am based on stories from the past, and letting those go too
taking a moment to say 'here I am', noticing my surroundings and bringing my attention to the present
putting my phone down and focusing on what I'm doing
looking out the window when I'm on a boat, a train or in a taxi - allowing myself to 'see'
When I do these things I notice life slows down. It tips a little toward peace, calmness and clarity, and a little away from frustration, fog and fear. Interestingly, I also feel stronger and more in control.
So here's to more joy, bliss, inner peace, strength, awe and wonder in 2023!
My new year's wish for you is that the intentions you've set come to fruition - that you cultivate the committment, courage and conviction that enables you to align your habits with your goals.