The New Year 2021 – A Year of Great Potential and Possibility
Do you feel the possibilities that this new year presents? 2021 can be something special for us. We can reflect on the lessons of 2020 to see how we can potentially feel and behave differently.
2020 In Perspective
Reflecting on 2020, we had civil unrest, a lockdown with the fear of COVID-19, and a very divisive election. Our personal freedoms were threatened and constrained through censorship, threats of vote invalidation, the closing of our borders (and accompanying travel bans), and finally the possibility of a vaccination requirement. Do you see these things as reasonable - what must be done for the good of society? Or, do you see the actions as moving towards an autocratic state, where speech and movement may be regulated by others?
For example, my daughter was required to get a flu shot before returning to school. I see this as an infringement on her freedom. I do see the value of a flu shot, as it protects those in our society vulnerable to dying from the flu. Maybe you see a mandatory flu vaccination as necessary and don’t have a problem with it. But maybe there is another government mandate you can think of that you do have a problem with, like taxes or big government. Can you see both sides, and empathize with people that are afraid and feel threatened?
As a man, have you been hearing the political calls to choose sides, the calls that push us towards further division? Now is the time to tap into the wise feminine energy - to respond with thoughtfulness, compassion, feeling and empathy. When we admit to inequity in a system, we become vulnerable as we open ourselves to possibility. As a man this goes against our conditioning, as we’ve been taught that sensitivity is weakness. We have to transcend the traditionally masculine stereotype and recognize that, as human beings, we’re a balance of masculine and feminine energy. Balances of strength and compassion, passion and calm, seriousness and humor and joy are essential for us to rise together as a society, to perceive what could be.
Our perspective on divisive political issues and how we view personal freedom limitations can be expanded when we open ourselves to possibility. We have talked before in this blog about change in perspective - how we view situations, circumstances and people. Can we look at some of these divisive issues with an open possibility mindset? We have also talked about judgement and expectations we have of people - we have put them in a box with a label and accompanying judgement (labels like conservative, liberal, fascist, nationalist, each standing for one side or another). Can we let go of judgements around expected behaviors?
While 2020 was a year of constraints, limitations, and worry, there were some positives. We were all forced to slow down and take stock of what we value. The virus and resulting lockdowns of 2020 have been limiting to all. For me, the lockdowns have granted me time to look internally through meditation. This introspection has expanded my view, my perspective of why I am here, my purpose. Have you taken time with yourself to think about how you feel and why?
Clarity of Purpose – the Importance of Introspection
By gaining perspective through introspection, you will be contributing to our society’s achievement of a higher level of thinking.
Does that sound like a worthwhile goal to you? Rising up as a society starts with each of us as individuals.
On an individual level, you may find that you experience “monkey mind” - when your brain will not shut down. By continuing to “do” all the time, we are in our minds, in our heads. By taking the time to just be: to be in your heart, to meditate, to sit with yourself, you can find peace. Hand in hand with meditation is mindfulness. Mindfulness as a life practice is about the appreciation of the now moment.
Life is busy – we have work, families, children, and other responsibilities. As men, we have been trained to believe the assumptions of these responsibilities are the most important measures of success, the only means of fulfillment. Time for yourself has taken a back seat. We need to make time for ourselves to be in our hearts - this time should be honored by others in your life. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask your partner or a friend to watch your kids or your dog for this time. If you spend 15 minutes a day by yourself, without an electronic connection (no phone, or put your phone on airplane mode), in a quiet place, undisturbed, you will experience an increased sense of calm, and a positive difference in your approach to relationships, emotions, and conflict.
By continuing to practice quiet time for yourself, and quieting the mind, you will also experience positive physical body effects, such as better sleep and decreased anxiety. You may be surprised with your body’s reaction. I was at my chiropractor last week, who I had not seen in six months. She remarked that the tension I used to hold in my upper back was gone. This result is, in my opinion, completely attributable to the quiet time I have each day.
Looking internally can be uncomfortable, like when you are digging in the dirt of your mind to get to the root of a reaction or feeling. While this kind of work can be painful, it is rewarding and comes with positive long-term impact. This internal exploration can be fun, like an adventure – it’s about exploring what brings you joy and what resonates with you.
Through introspective work and meditation, your mind will expand, and changes in perspective will happen. It will be easier to reframe a situation or to appreciate another person’s path. You will be doing your part to move us all towards unity.
2021 – A Year of Limitless Possibilities for You
If your 2021 goals include peace and clarity of purpose, introspective time is required. By reclaiming time for yourself, through quiet introspection, you will be able to adjust your perspective to have less stress and more positivity. And by appreciating the now through mindfulness, we are not worrying and thinking about what will be or what could be. We are enjoying the now with gratitude and appreciation.
As you experience increased calm in your mind, your relationships will change, and will fill with harmony and positivity. Through relationships with others, we learn about ourselves and grow together. While some say that all answers are held within, I have found that I can achieve leaps of understanding through my relationships with others, the conversations and experiences we have. Family, friends, our colleagues at work, and even our one-time interactions with people in our daily lives are an essential part of our experience. I have discovered that relationships with others are really the most rewarding thing in my life. What do relationships mean to you?
This is a very exciting time for all of us. I invite you to close your eyes and get quiet in your mind. Can you see the horizon as the world stretches out before you? As you breathe in, can you feel the energy swell in your chest? This is what I call the Energy of Possibility. Envision what your life could be for you, without limits. What do you want your life to look like? What had been the old normal does not have to continue. Who do you want to be? What do you want to do? What excites you, inspires you? What is creativity for you, what is fun? Set yourself up now to nurture this joy - do not wait any longer to take a little time each day or each week for this part of you.
By asking yourself questions about what you want and taking action to bring the possibility to you, 2021 does not have to be a year of watching the clock, marking the days off on the calendar. You can take possession of your life and enjoy it! What does your heart say?