The Greatest Gift to yourself

As we approach the end of the year, we all shift into a faster pace. Keeping up with getting everything done can be stressful. This year maybe more so with planet Mercury retrograde from November 24 until December 13th. It means that if you are not mindful and don’t proceed with care, things may not go as smoothly, especially with travels and communications: phone, internet, writing, and computers (be sure to back up.)We don’t need Mercury retrograde to do this but this period can create events that will force us to slow down if we’re not paying attention.  It is also a great time to evaluate how we are doing so we can appreciate and improve what is working in our lives and face what is not. This can help us move forward into the New Year with ease and grace.

December is an especially great time to do your own personal “year in review.” I can’t believe the year is almost over… there were so many things I thought I would accomplish this year. Realizing I’m about out of time stirs the feeling of disappointment. This year brought me challenges and health crises that created delays. I spent a great deal of this year in my “spiritual cave.” I had to let go at times of the pressure of “getting everything done.” Instead, I gave myself time and space to heal and deal. What a year!!!  The disappointment quickly vanishes as I contemplate all the unexpected gifts that manifested as a result. I realize how much I did accomplished  by staying connected to what was unfolding for me in the moment  rather than what I had “planned.”  I feel deep joy and gratitude. It’s amazing what can happen when we let go of expectations, judgments, and “shoulds”, for ourselves AND from others!

Joy-Full Living is about becoming less “goal” minded.   I can hear some of you saying: “If I don’t have goals, I’ll never get anything done.”  A goal-driven way of life can become a rushed life, focused only on getting “it” done. I choose a life driven by inspiration. For me it is a creative and transformative way of living. It offers the experience of being connected to the present moment, allowing ourselves to be guided towards goals. Inspiration “creates,” thinking “does.” As I assist my clients with this process of being and shifting from a self-judging, mental way of navigating, to a more intuitive, feeling way, I also get to witness their transformation. Wow! What a gift.

Take a moment and think about what you want…. Now “feel” what you want. It may be the same thing, but when it comes from a feeling place the ride is very different. It becomes a creative process that honors and respects you and your feelings along the way. I am talking about living in Grace. If one chooses to be a human being, inspiration is a good fit. If one prefers to live as a human “doer”, then staying in the head is more comfortable. As a former human “doer” I have come to deeply appreciate living as a human being. For me it has resulted in a life that is more heart centered, where there is more space for Divine help and inspiration. I am less ego driven by the need to accomplish goals to feel better about myself or ignoring my needs in order to serve the goal. With this process I was able to release my expectations for this year and see how much I did accomplish that served me in a profound way.  As I finally began to emerge from my healing inner cave this fall, I allowed opportunities to manifest and open up for me. Things like being appointed the official wellness adviser for the International Corporate Games.

This year, as I look at my own year in review, I really get the impact of my JoyFull Living tools and appreciate the gifts of my daily practice. Living in Grace is a choice and a gift you give to yourself.  Take time to celebrate all the joys and challenges of your year with gratitude, forgiveness and peace.

Louise Lavergne

Wishing you great Joy for the New Year. . Remember to take time to breathe. © 2001-2012 www.joyfull-yoga.com; (541)899-0707 Louise the creator of JoyFull living coaching  & owns JoyFull Yoga LLC in Jacksonville.