A Gentle Approach To Resolutions
Set Intentions With Ease
Reflect & Reframe
As we begin a new year, many people feel the pressure of resolutions...and the subsequent feelings of disappointment when said resolutions fail. But what if we approached resolutions differently?
Instead of setting rigid, year-long goals, we can bring awareness to our daily choices. Set mini goals, or intentions, just for the day. Each morning is a fresh start - an opportunity to check-in and realign with whatever you need that day.
Now, if resolutions work well for you, great! Keep it up! If they don’t, but you still kind of like the idea of them, consider choosing a word or phrase to guide your year.
For 2025, I chose the words play and experiment. I am leaning into trying new things with a playful attitude. I used to get so stuck on perfectionism, it took me months to release a new meditation. I had a lightbulb moment a couple of months ago where I told myself, “it’s just Insight Timer, Ahsamon. If nobody likes the course or the meditation, I can just take it down. It’s not like this is my master thesis to finish graduate school!” So, I’m keeping an open mind, trying new things, and seeing what sticks.
A Simple Practice
Before checking your phone or getting out of bed, try this:
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself, “What do I need most today?”
Set a single word or phrase as your guiding intention (e.g., "patience," "presence," or "ease").
Carry this intention with you and return to it whenever you need.
Featured Meditation
Speaking of setting intentions on a daily basis, here is a quick and simple guided meditation to help you start your day feeling calm and grounded. Instead of overwhelming resolutions, this practice invites you to visualize your day ahead, everything flowing seamlessly, and offers you the opportunity to set a gentle intention for the day.
Click the image above to listen on YouTube (use an ad-blocker like Brave to prevent any ads) or click here to listen on Insight Timer.
Are you a fan of intentions? Do you set them on a regular basis or have you chosen a word/theme for the month or year? Comment below - I’d love to hear from you!
With Cheer,
Ahsa
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