I wish you a very Happy New Year! As the New Year rounds the corner I think it’s important to acknowledge that you are the chief story writer of your own narrative, you are in the seat of power here. You will decide where your story will take you. To that end, I want to share a ceremony called the Burning Bowl, to support you as you navigate this next new chapter.

Each of us makes up our life by the counting of moments. These moments count, ticking off of our life choices, our life experiences, and manifesting important elements of our story. With this in mind, where would you like your story to take you?

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” Brad Paisley

The Coming Year

The ending of years brings to mind the ebb and flow of a tide. The rhythmic lapping waves of beginnings and endings. As the past year comes to a close, it is a time of reflection. I look back on what I have done, what I feel good about, what I am supremely proud of, and what I want to shift my focus towards in this next year.

What celebrations or rituals do you practice to acknowledge yourself? Where do you place your attention for this next new year as a space to focus? What do you acknowledge and appreciate about yourself? Name what you have learned.

What is your vision for the coming New Year?

It is a simple truth, each day is the beginning of the new year in front of you, and in this, I am in full agreement with Brad Paisley’s quote.  And yet, we have an annual tradition of New Year’s Eve that we celebrate globally, which connects us to other people on the planet. All sharing a common experience of renewal.

The Burning Bowl Ceremony

I was introduced to the Burning Bowl Ceremony when I was young and have used it many times through the years. I have used it with bonfires on a beach, or within a ring of stones outside, in fireplaces, indoors and out, even with candles on a patio. 

The purpose is to create a ceremony in which you use fire (safely) and let go of things you have been holding onto, as well as, to speak your dreams into the universe. Acknowledging what you need to let go of so you can open up space for what you need to manifest. Giving new space for your dreams to show up and have a place to snuggle into. Use this ceremony anytime you’re ready to start a “new year.” 

Fire is our oldest tool. Some would say that catching fire made us human. Fire is a powerful element. It is mesmerizing, primal, and when we stare into a flame, we may see many things. We may see our hopes and dreams or our passions dancing in the flames. Fire can purify and cleanse. It was around a fire that we created culture, community, stories, and developed ideas and wisdom. We still light candles in holy spaces, sending our messages to the divine.

The deepest purpose of this ceremony is to acknowledge and name what you need to release and let go of. You may have one or two things that you want to let go of, or you may have many.

The Ceremony:

• Use a bowl and place a candle in the center. You can also use fire in a fire pit, or fireplace.

• Sit comfortably in front of the fire.

• Find a quiet place in your mind, allow yourself to relax, and feel the warmth of the flame. 

• As you let your mind wander, consider this past year.

• Relax into your breath, open your heart, and let bubble to the surface of your mind those things that you are ready to release.

• Consider what you are ready to surrender to the divine and the universe so that you can give attention to what moves you forward.

• Write down on a piece of paper what you need to capture of this awareness. This is your letting go statement. 

• As you place each of your bits of paper into a flame, release it, surrendering to the universe to create space for intentions of the coming year.

• When you let go of the past into the fire, name what you are you moving toward, consciously bringing awareness to what is within you that will support your journey.

• Acknowledge your blessings, your strengths, and your gratitude.

There is something completely freeing in letting go of what you have been holding onto and leaving it to a higher power. Tossing your intentions out into the larger world. It’s time to claim your story.

Rewriting Your Next Year Narrative

We don’t rewrite our narrative in one day. It is the conscious choice of many moments over many days, through years. It is the journey of your life. I wish you many blessings on this road you walk. I send you compassion, for I know some parts of the journey are painful. And above it all, I wish you love, laughter, learning, and joy in this coming year!

Name your dreams. Allow your intentions to take you in the direction of your dreams. May your actions manifest your desires. And, may you ultimately find joy in the journey.

Your Turn...

I would LOVE to hear from YOU!

• What is it that you do to honor the transition to the New Year?

• What supports your conscious awareness around your intentions?

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