Setting Goals that align with the Energy of the Seasons 

Have you ever wondered why New Year’s Resolutions have only a 9% success rate?  Everyone has good intentions, however, starting a lofty plan in the middle of the winter when we are hunkered down and “hibernating” might have something to do with it.  

Most of the world has adopted the Gregorian Calendar and celebrates New Years on January 1st. However, some calendars are based on the lunar cycle, some on the solar cycle, where some cultures celebrate the “New Year” in the Springtime.

Before the Julian & Gregorian calendars were adopted, many cultures observed time in respect to the changing of the seasons.  Each year the light of the sun marked four periods of time: 

• The Vernal Equinox
• The Summer Solstice
• The Autumnal Equinox, &
• The Winter Solstice

Regardless of the date one celebrates the “New Year”, it’s important to set realistic goals that align with the energy of the seasons.  Based on Five Element Sciences like Chinese Medicine and the 5000 year old Science of Ayurveda, setting intentions in the winter, to be fruitful, requires conserving energy.  

We would set intentions and goals that allow you to feel comfortable, cozy and nourished. While in the Spring, when you have more abundant energy, loftier goals would be easier to manifest. 

Here are some ideas of New Year’s resolutions you might make now: 

• Journal regularly: Take dedicated time to get in touch and reflect. Plan from a place of attunement; and everything will flow better.
• Practice mindfulness: Practice meditation, or moments of silence, to relax the mind, reduce stress, allowing yourself to stay focused and  calm.  
• Yoga at home: Cultivate part of your practice in the comfort of your home, using a yoga book to remind you of the poses.  Yoga improves circulation and conserves energy. 
• Eat warming foods:  Eat more soups, bake more potatoes, yams or squash.  Consume warming teas like ginger, or cinnamon. 
• Get a massages:  Massage supports the immune system, increases circulation and helps build your chi force. 
• Practice self-care: Set up time to take mineral baths!  Or add a new soap or bath sponge to your routine.  Little things that make you feel taken care of go a long way.  
• Get more sleep: Reset your sleep schedule to help you to feel more rested.  With shorter days your circadian rhythms will prompt you to sleep earlier and use less energy.
• Reduce screen time:  Lighting a candle in the evening can help your eyes transition gently from high energy blue light to low energy amber light, conducive to relaxation and sleep.  

We hope these tips help empower you in setting more realistic lifestyle goals for the New Year.  At Sundhari we love supporting our clients on their journey to a more balanced and peaceful way of living.  Let us support you… Shop our Lifestyle Boutique for Gift Certificates, Journals, Candles, and a plethora of Bath & Body gems.  Turn your home into a peaceful oasis.  Happy New Year!!