Burr Farm, Top of the Hill

What do you need to release from 2020, and what can you welcome in for 2021 with open arms?

I thought of this question as my life partner, Dan and I, went on a hike in a nearby open space, Burr Farms, yesterday. We were struck by the name as we both grew up in the same town, 45 minutes away from this public space, that also had a Burr Farm property, and even a school with the same name. We commented on how large these farms were a century or so ago, and how the family probably owned a ton of property across the county.

Socially-Distant Walk

While we thought about how a farm once inhabited these approximated fifty acres a century ago, at a time of the last pandemic, we were still aware of navigating the current pandemic. Dan and I walked with our dog and our masks, in case we came upon anyone else, we wanted to remain socially "safe." The blue sky largely poked through the crisp, clear air.

Expansive Walk

We felt invigorated and liberated - not just because it was great weather, but also because we were freely walking in an expansive space and giving ourselves relaxed time to walk at our own pace. During the week between Christmas and New Year's I often take time off to reflect on the year passed and vision and plan for the year ahead. This environment allowed me to think big thoughts.

This Year Was Like None Other

Many of us would say this... It was a year of shock, standstill and change that translated to grief, loss, compassion, struggle, death, resourcefulness, creativity. I think many of us would say we saw the best and worst of humanity, sometimes all in one day.

Essential Focusing

The pandemic circulated a lot of fear around the globe constricting our movement and our freedom. It forced many of us to focus in on what people and work were really essential to our lives and livelihoods. While we practiced safety measures, I chose to see this crisis in psychological and spiritual terms forcing myself to find ways to be empowered despite the many challenges. I see it as a catalyst for transformation - which literally means to go beyond how you were formed. Inherent in this is a breakdown and a reassembling.

Gifts Received with Each Step

As I walked the Farm, I reflected on what the Pandemic gave me. What did I receive? What am I truly grateful for? It enabled me to really appreciate my health, Dan and our family. It enabled me to experience my home as a true sanctuary. It forced me to get much more clear as I rebuilt my business and focus on how I could best be of service during this time, given my eclectic background as an executive coach, organization development consultant, mental health clinician and yoga and meditation teacher.

Stepping into the Next Space

As I appreciate where I was, each step around the property help me realize what I needed to let go of. The picture of me on top of the hill says it all. I found this hill placed in the middle of this flat open space quite odd. It looks like perhaps a well, with a cement top. I ran to the top and wanted to place myself arms outstretched reaching up, open and wide. It felt empowering and good to be able to see far and wide and open my body. How many hours had I sat on zoom calls, typing away at my computer for months hoping things would change? To be able to move freely and feel the expansiveness of this moment made me realize how much fear and constriction I had been carrying.

Letting Go

What do I want to let go of/release to welcome 2021? Fear and constriction. Even though. Even though much is still uncertain in the world and in my business.

Creating, Visioning as I go

My vow is to continue to stretch my body and expand my mind everyday. This year has shown me more than ever how they effect and impact each other. When my body is tight, my mind goes there. When my mind is excited about possibilities, my body follows. How can I connect to my soul more consistently, daily, bringing greater purpose and meaning into my life and my work?

One Lesson

If 2020 taught me only one thing, it's that we are all so connected in a life existence that matters. We are the creators of our lives moment-to-moment, even if it is only to own our thoughts and emotions and how we respond to what we experience. We are all so connected in our humanness. I want to go forward in the most empowered way - even though...there is a lot to fill in the blank.

Action

Take some quiet time in the next few days and write down your answers to what you need to release in 2020 & welcome in 2021:

What did 2020 give you? What are you grateful for? What do you need to release? How can you more consistently connect to your soul on a daily basis? What gives your life purpose and meaning? What is one lesson you will take with you to empower you in a world in crisis?