Gratitude and Intentions for the New Year
By Rebecca Rozario, with Eve Delachartre
As we celebrate the winter solstice along with the holidays and as the moon is waxing (new moon to full moon), our level of energy is naturally rising. We may also tend to be more expressive, empowered and optimistic during this period. This is the perfect time to reflect and set intentions for the new year.
With 2020 being such a particularly challenging year for most of us - from the pandemic, to conflicting news, to a chaotic election season, and to our own personal struggles - many of us are ready to put the year behind us and hope for a better future. We may not feel motivated to create macro new year's resolutions as we normally would have, given the uncertainties in our lives.
In this time of reflection and renewal, I invite you to write a “Letter to the Universe”. Feel free to replace the word “Universe” with “God” or any other title that is fitting to your world view. The purpose of the letter is simple. It is a way to express gratitude for all that is and to initiate attraction of desires for the future. There is a special power in writing that allows ideas to register in the brain and manifest in our world.
To write the letter, find a comfortable place and take a few deep breaths. Begin with the date and headings. The first part of the letter is about gratitude. Describe approximately 5 things that you are grateful for during the past year. What were the silver linings that fill your heart with gratitude for this present moment? At the same time, are there any important events you want to remember, honor and memorialize. The second part of the letter is about your desires for the future. In the spirit of the “law of attraction”, write this section in the present tense and as if it were already true. Describe your desires, what you hope to attract and objectives for the coming year. These can be both personal and professional. Be sure to add details such as clarifications, associated feelings or energies and why these things are important. To finish the letter, sign and seal the letter in an envelope.
The “Letter to the Universe” can be easily converted into an annual tradition if you find that this resonates with you. Some people like to place the letters in a special box, to be opened and read the next year as you add your new letter entry. You can also visit YouTube for additional videos and inspiration on this practice.
I began this practice with my husband 5 years ago, when I came across a video by Audrey Carmier who is a Law of Attraction Coach in France. She is also the person that bought the farm in the South of France, which has been part of my family for 6 decades. It seemed fitting that she bought the farm, after my Grandmother Marguerite and all of us spent years practicing Yoga and spirituality in this sacred and peaceful place. What continues to amaze me about the practice of composing “Letters to the Universe” is how the written words have evolved into true realities over time. Many of our written desires have been manifested or are in the process of being actualized. (Reference: https://youtu.be/mb__YnmpdnY).
This year’s winter solstice is particularly special because Jupiter and Saturn are both visible in the Earth’s sky. This is a rare occurrence to experience and witness. Symbolically, the closeness of these planets to Earth bring certain energies. Jupiter represents abundance. Saturn represents discipline, responsibility and change. Whether through meditation or writing during this time, we can benefit from planetary alignments to ultimately manifest our desires into our lives.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful new year filled with all of your heart’s desires!
