Now is a good time to step back, to see what’s working and what’s not, and to move into the new year with renewed joy and excitement.
                                                                             Anonymous

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

During 2023 we shared insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We drew upon the metaphors and messages of each season and explored and celebrated our individual and collective journeys toward Freedom.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a vibration that represents something about the natural world and the energy in the universe at this current time.

As the year draws to a close, this is the time to Reflect on your journey, Celebrate all the ways you grew, and
Envision the year ahead.

It's an exciting time to be alive and to embrace your capacity to face changes and challenges and open your heart to making a difference in the world. This time of year can also serve as an invitation for all of us to slow down, to let go of what is not supporting our well-being, attune to the Light, and remember inner and outer Wholeness.

As the year ends, I think it's fascinating to reflect on the original meaning of the word January, from the Roman myth of Janus. Janus is the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, doorways, passages, and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces, perhaps symbolizing what is important to do at this time of year, to look back at what has been and to look forward to what is to come. I invite you to take time to reflect in this way.

Whether your new year began with nature's calendar at the winter solstice, begins with the conventional calendar on Jan 1st or another cultural or natural event--welcoming in a new year often comes with looking back over the past year and thinking ahead to what you want for the coming year. This is a powerful opportunity for inward reflection, setting intentions, and taking thoughtful action so that you feel aligned and empowered as you move into 2024.

It’s also easy to get caught in unhelpful loops of rumination, regret, and self-criticism.

Unlike self-criticism, which asks if you're good enough, self-compassion asks what's good for you?
                                                                        Dr. Kristin Neff

Why An End of the Year Reflection?

When you bring clarity and gratitude to your year-end reflection you discover a way to consider the past with  grace and compassionate honesty. One of the reasons this is so important is that tending to the past this way is actually what allows us to look ahead with curiosity, make new choices, and take action from a place of freedom, genuine self-love, and hope.

Meaningful reflections for the end of 2023 help you discover what you're most proud of, what you want to celebrate in your life, what you learned, and the lessons you're carrying into the new year. This is a wonderful time to write a love letter to yourself!

What You'll Need:

So, get out your journal, pens, crayons, and color pencils. Fill your altar with candles, things you love, and play music that sets the tone for deep reflection. Take all the time you need over the next few days for looking back...looking ahead. Revisit this process anytime!

Celebrating:
What Were Your Mandala Messages?

The focus for Co-Creative Mandalas in 2023 has been on qualities that support your journey toward Freedom. I invite you to invest time toward reflecting on each mandala, the colors and shapes,  and the affirmations found in the slideshow below.

Please Note: You can take as much time as you like, move at your own pace, by clicking on the arrows and/or pausing and restarting each mandala slideshow frame.

What messages do the mandalas have for you? Here are some reflective questions to get you started:

1. How did you incorporate the monthly mandala qualities into the mandala of your life?
2. How have you grown? What did you learn?
3. How might you sustain the qualities as you move ahead in to the New Year? 

Envisioning:
What is Your Mantra for 2024?

Looking ahead, as part of your intention setting and to help you discover your power word, your theme for 2024, ask:

1. What is your focus, the theme, your mantra for the New Year?
2. What mantra will help inspire and empower you throughout the year?
3. What qualities that support your theme would you like to nurture and integrate into your life during 2024?

Planning:
What Will You Say YES! to in 2024?

As you outline and plan the year ahead, create a vision board, and/or set intentions use these insightful reflections:

1. Where is the best place to focus your energy in the coming weeks and months?
2. What do you want more of next year?
3. How do you want to feel next year?
4. What do you most need in your inner life next year?

This is a wonderful way to begin a new year. We encourage you to revisit this exercise, reflect, and continue to add to your journal--look for miracles, changes, and new insights daily.

Our community members have shared with us that after they consistently invest the time to really listen to their soul's calling with an open heart, miracles both big and small begin showing up in their lives.

Best wishes as your journey continues.

As I sign off for the year, I wish you much love and ease. It is my genuine hope that you feel nurtured, supported and deeply connected in the weeks and months ahead.

Happiest New Year Blessings, love, and Light to you!

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change. We cannot change anything until we accept it.
                                                                         Carl Jung

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Freedom.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a vibration that represents something about the natural world and the energy in the universe at this current time.
 
This month's mandala is Acceptance

Happy winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere). May  today and all the days ahead be filled with joy, love, peace, and Light!

The winter solstice marks the depth of quiet introspection in nature’s calendar, the cycle of the Great Mandala. The shortest day of the year brings us the most darkness. We simultaneously witness the light returning and the days lengthening, the beginning of the return of the light.

The expansions and contractions, the endings and the new beginnings are literally part of the ongoing death and rebirth cycle that we experience each moment with each breath we take and with even more depth this time of year.

This year, especially, this homecoming feels important. As the world continues to shake around us, it's time to slow down, touch the earth, honor our need for self-care.

This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath.
                                                                                  Margaret Atwood

This is the time for Acceptance...for allowing life to be just as it is. It's so essential for our well-being to be present with and in acceptance of ourselves, each other, and the cycles of life.

The pain of life is sometimes unbearable. The disappointment we feel when others don't change is so frustrating. The shame we feel because we aren't living up to our self-imposed expectations keeps us stuck. When we’re in it, we think that pain will always be. No wonder we resist what is!

What if you could learn something amazing from what is? What if you see the gift that is here? When you live in Acceptance, you allow the truth of goodness to envelop you in love and compassion.

As Byron Katie, author and developer of The Work, says "The only time we suffer is when we believe a thought that argues with what is. If you want reality to be different than it is, you might as well try to teach a cat to bark. Wanting reality to be different than it is is hopeless. You can spend the rest of your life trying to teach a cat to bark."

Sounds depressing, right? Well, it's true that arguing with what is causes stress, causes dis-ease. Even if we think something  shouldn't have happened--it did happen and no amount of resistance or thinking otherwise will change that. Of course, we don't want war, or sickness, or accidents, or..., but arguing with reality won't change what is. Wouldn't it be more helpful to accept what is--"Okay, this happened...I accept it...now what can I do next?"

Resisting reality leads to an internal struggle. Accepting difficult situations, difficult emotions, and difficult people,  can lead you away from pain and into peace.

Acceptance is a process of release that starts with willingness. It doesn't mean I condone or approve of what's happening (or what happened or what someone is doing)—it means Acceptance is a powerful process and an expression of self-care that takes place within.

Acceptance is not the end. It's the beginning.
                                                                                       Nataly Kogan

As I accept myself, I discover that, with practice, it's easier to accept others and what is.   As my self acceptance practice deepens, I open the door to a happier future, to a lightness of being, to a new beginning filled with freedom and possibilities.

I notice that when I accept what is I can be ready to say yes to a new invitation offered from the Universe. When you live in a state of acceptance, you may be surprised by how quickly your load lightens and the more freedom you feel. I know that's how I feel when I use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT-Tapping) as part of my self-care. 

We're not robots, so we'll naturally feel difficult emotions in life. Acceptance greets those emotions with kindness and shifts those emotions simmering below the surface. EFT-Tapping includes an affirmative acceptance statement, i.e., even though I feel...I deeply and completely accept myself. This statement along with tapping clears our energy system of the blocks to Acceptance.

Acceptance frees you to take action and responsibility in life when change is possible. It also means that when something is out of your control, you can let it go. In both situations, you create a better reality for yourself by responding from a space of Acceptance.

It’s extremely easy to form misconceptions about what Acceptance actually means. We might feel like we should be able to just flip a switch and turn it on.

So what to do? Well, it starts with understanding what Acceptance is and what it's not. Read on to see three myths about Acceptance that might be holding you back:

1. Myth: Acceptance means approval. Acknowledging the reality of the situation doesn't mean you condone it.

2. Myth: Acceptance is giving up or giving in. Acceptance doesn't equal complacency. In reality, Acceptance isn’t about giving up, it's the opposite; Acceptance is the pathway to embodying the best version of yourself and living an awakened life. It simply means that we operate in congruence with reality. We accept reality, as it is, as the first step toward understanding what to do next.

3. Myth: Acceptance is easy. You don't wake up one morning and say "Okay, today I'm going to accept myself, this situation, this person...and voila--All better. It's an evolving process. It's never too late for Acceptance, even things in the past that didn’t work out the way we wanted them to, because Acceptance is always an option in every moment of our lives.

I am a lover of what is, not because I’m a spiritual person, but because it hurts when I argue with reality.
                                                                                          Byron Katie

Acceptance is the key to freedom. When you set the sacred intention to let go, to accept, you find freedom from the burdens you carry. When you let go of the harsh self-criticism and accept yourself just as you are-nothing holds you back from living fully in Freedom. Then there is room in your heart for all the love, life, grace, and goodness for you to know and to share.

Acceptance is the end of any judgement, commentary, opinions, or any other mental interpretation of life events. Just silent awareness.
                                                                              Sri Amma Bhagavan

This Co-Creative Mandala, "Acceptance", from a photograph of snow (symbolizes cleansing), icicles (symbolize stillness ), and blue sky (symbolizes trust) is associated with the throat, third eye, and crown chakras. It reminds you that Acceptance means affirming the highest outcome for yourself and others by investing the time to breathe, ground, center and honor what is. With this practice the true spirit of freedom is born within your heart. People come and go; experiences shift and change from one state to another. The Acceptance mandala asks you to say YES! to what is. Let it be, and watch the miracle unfold.

As I practice Acceptance, I make room for the limitless good of the universe.

Acceptance Exercise:
Intention:

The real power of the exercise is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, to allowing Acceptance and awakening to Freedom.  Create a space in your experience into which a spirit of Acceptance can emerge.

Why choose Acceptance? To practice Acceptance means committing to living in the present moment—even during difficult times—and snapping out of the auto-pilot mode we often find ourselves in. To agree to be fully present, even during the dark times, is an act of bravery. But the rewards are innumerable. Not only is this the only way to love yourself, others, and life at the deepest level but it is the key to healthy relationships, resilience, emotional regulation, and a fulfilling life.

Acceptance allows you to come up with a mindful response in any situation. Instead of getting stuck in the web of expectations, what ifs, or shoulds, you live from a place of inner stillness.

Acceptance is about being observant and remaining neutral about what goes on in the world around you, and within you--which gives you a new, powerful perspective. Acceptance expands your capacity to see things clearly.

The seasonal cycles play a significant role in our daily lives, influencing our moods, energy levels, and overall well-being. By aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of the Great Mandala, we can enhance our sense of connection. This time of year marks a time of deep introspection. This is the perfect time to make a conscious effort to accessing the freedom of YES! by practicing Acceptance for what is.

The Acceptance Exercise:
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this exercise. You can use this exercise throughout the day and the weeks and months ahead.   Remember, as you co-create this exercise, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the exercise:

There are two parts to this exercise. You'll need paper, pen, pencil, color crayons, colored pencils, and/or a journal. I invite you to write, draw, color, and/or create music that reflects your experiences as you complete each step.

Preparation: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

Create your sacred space. Light candles. Create an altar that contains items that bring you joy, delight, and peace. Include items that reflect the season--evergreen branches, colorful flowers, ornaments. Take a few deep breaths to ground & center.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred space. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Part 1: Power of Mandala Meditation
Incorporating mandala meditation into your routine can greatly support your journey towards Freedom. Mandalas are sacred geometric patterns that can help focus the mind, induce a sense of calm, and unlock deeper levels of self-awareness.

Step 1: Sit comfortably, read and reflect on the Acceptance mandala description and message. Let your gaze fall gently on the mandala. Take a few moments to observe its intricate details and patterns. Then, gently close your eyes and bring the image to your mind's eye. As you visualize the mandala, allow your attention to rest on each shape and color, observing, without judgment,  any thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise. Use your breath as an anchor, returning to it whenever you find yourself getting distracted.

Step 2: Ask yourself: What message does the mandala have for me? What does it want me to know? How can I incorporate Acceptance into the mandala of my life?

Continue this practice for at least 10 minutes, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.

Step 3: Journal about any thoughts, feelings, or insights you have.

Through regular mandala meditation, you will cultivate a sense of inner harmony, clarity, and tranquility.

Part 2: Cultivating Acceptance
Step 1 - Gratitude Practice
Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to invite Acceptance into our lives. Take a few moments to reflect on the blessings and abundance that have come your way so far this year. Write down at least five things you're grateful for, whether it's the support of loved ones, the beauty of nature, or the opportunities you've been given.

Step 2 - R.A.I.N. The Practice of Acceptance
Dr. Tara Brach, psychotherapist, Buddhist teacher, and author of Radical Acceptance, reminds us that compassion is at the heart of Acceptance. Making a conscious effort to acknowledge and honor difficult emotions and situations instead of wishing the situation or emotion were different can be a critical step toward experiencing more freedom, peace,  and loving-kindness.

The acronym R.A.I.N is an easy-to-remember tool for bringing mindfulness and compassion to difficult situations and difficult emotions.  

Recognize what is going on;
Allow the experience to be there, just as it is;
Investigate with interest and care;
Nurture with self-compassion.

You can take your time and explore R.A.I.N as a stand-alone meditation or move through the steps whenever challenges arise.

This guided meditation based on the acronym R.A.I.N. that awakens self-compassion and de-conditions the suffering of being at war with ourselves.

Acceptance is needed to heal suffering and bring Freedom to life. We each have the capacity for love and compassion, it is by intentional Acceptance practice that we develop wisdom and a caring heart.

Wishing you peace, love, and the blessings of light today and in all the days ahead.