January Intention: TRUTH
For this month let’s talk about Truth. I don’t mean “telling the truth”. I mean living your truth. I’m not really one for resolutions, I find them unrealistic, often careless, and hard to stick by. You make a resolution because it’s “the New Year” and everyone else is doing it. I invite you to take a moment and look back, have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that stuck or significantly impacted your life for the better? If you did, I admire your planning and follow through. But I would think you are one in a few.
Ok let’s not let this idea get us down, that’s not where I am heading with this. I would like us to reframe “resolution” into “truth”. January might not mean we are starting something new, but we are trying out different things. Do you have a journal? Diary? Phone notes? Vision board? Scrap of paper? Anywhere you put your thoughts? Let’s grab that. I’ll wait…
Welcome back. Now let’s set the mood! Background music, favourite candle, crystal, essential oils, incense, comfy chair, cozy blanket, etc. Sounds silly right? But did you ever notice the biggest thing with resolutions is: they are rushed. You think of them after all your Christmas celebrations are over and you’re like “oh ya, New Year’s…”. I would like you to be thoughtful about your truth.
So what is your truth?
Great question, but only you can answer that. Your truth is part of your path and purpose, it is what lights you up. It is not like a resolution of “lose 5 pounds”, “get in better shape”, “read more”, those are all very vague. Your truth is deeper than that.
Living my truth means being a light and holding space for others. Sharing my journey through healing and connecting with myself. Being seen and heard for my truest and most authentic self. How do I know this is my truth? It has taken a lot of work, A LOT OF WORK. But I now know that these things light me up, they give me joy, they make me happy, I feel fulfilled knowing I can spark a little light in someone else.
How do I plan on living this truth?
Stop holding myself back. Previously we talked about following your path, and deviating from your path. This is the same idea. I will work on embracing who I am and what I need, making more time for me, less time for “shoulds”. Shoulds are my biggest hang up. They catch me and stop me in my tracks and divert me from anything else I am meant to be doing.
My other truth?
You could call it a core value if you like that term better, is freedom and fun. Sounds nice and easy right? Wrong. As an adult you are restricted from just being free and having fun. Ever seen that in a job description? As adults a lot of us have angry inner child’s. So when I am in a world of “shoulds” and routines and schedules, both my soul and my inner child are being put aside. Both are being ignored. And I am not living my truth by denying my soul (or inner being if you prefer) what it needs, and am not healing my inner child by ignoring her needs.
How do I plan on living this truth?
Let go! Let go of the routine and schedule. Let go of all the planning and to dos. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good to do list as well. I know I like structure, but the rigidity needs to go. As opposed to a daily routine, I need to structure my week. Currently it looks like I have freedom as I work from home. However everyday I get up, meditate, sit and journal, drink my tea, go for a walk (an active exercise speed walk), stretch or do yoga, prepare for the day, work, lunch break, personal time, work, finish for the day. So even in my perceived freedom, I have stuck myself back into the “9 to 5” box or mentality that was causing me all the problems in the first place. I have removed the fun and freedom from going for a walk by making the purpose exercise vs. exploring, connecting with nature, or just getting fresh air. I have removed the fun and freedom from a yoga practice or stretching session by rushing it into my daily routine as opposed to letting it flow into the day.
I’m pointing this out because I want you to understand that we are all different. For some of you this may sound amazing! Our truths are all different. Our inner selves all have different purposes here. So of course our lives, successes, fulfillment will not look the same. And that has been my greatest struggle. To step into MY OWN truth. And what that looks like for my being. Not what that looks like for societal standards.
So what is your truth? How do you find it?
Honestly, this is up to you as well. Sorry, just a guide here, and I just finished telling you we are all different. So you may stumble and struggle to find your truth as I did, or you may just fall into it. Your journey could be easy, or hard. Regardless, it is right for you.
Here is an exercise you can try now that you have your thought holder and are all comfy, cozy. Close your eyes. Sit and breathe. You can try this breathing exercise if you want. And, just get still. Once you feel relaxed I invite you to ask yourself a few questions. Write down THE FIRST THING that comes into your head. It doesn’t have to make sense now, it can be a word, sentence, image, colours, smells, anything. Write it down. Don’t question yourself or try to make sense of it. Ready?
Your journal prompts:
How do I feel in this moment?
What makes my heart happy and fulfilled?
What do I need to know?
Now breathe! Breathe between each question. Just let your thoughts be.
Afterwards, sit and relax for a while, see if there is anything else you need to write down. Have some water, or a tea.
If you would like you can also use this affirmation: "Dear guides of the highest truth and compassion, please help me to remember my truth”. Follow the same process, with lots of breath. You are of course also welcome to replace “guides of the highest truth and compassion” with whatever terms resonate with you.
Didn’t get any messages?
That’s ok, I didn’t at first either. I was so far disconnected from myself I couldn’t discern my own thoughts anymore. Maybe start with a regular journaling practice. Allowing your thoughts and feelings to freely flow onto a page. Opening up that channel within yourself to receive messages from your heart. Maybe start a breathing practice (meditation even if you want) to connect with yourself more, removing the distractions of the outside world a little. And try again. You are never wrong, this is all a practice, and you are not doing it wrong. Maybe this is not the right exercise for you. Ask yourself what would resonate with you more?
Your messages didn’t make sense?
Of course they didn’t! You asked your heart for messages. Your heart speaks to your higher self. That wise inner self that is guiding you, but not part of your physical being. Regularly your messages probably come from your head, your ego. Telling you what to do, how to act, what is right and wrong. Your ego is easily influenced by others, society, the world around you. Your heart is true only to you. If your message(s) didn’t make sense, let it sit for a few days and see what else comes up. You can always return and ask again. Or just let them go, you may find in a day, week, month, year, something clicks.
You’re getting the feeling that this “living your truth” isn’t a quick fix.
And you are right. January is about exploring your truth. Find out what it may be. Maybe you come out with an answer, maybe only clues or bread crumbs. But who doesn’t want to be closer to knowing what makes their heart sing? What sets your soul on fire? What brings joy, satisfaction and fulfilment to this lifetime?
Are you more confused than when we started. That’s ok. I feel that too. That is why we are on this journey together. If you are struggling with this practice, just remember - you are never alone. Reach out. We are here to guide you.
Much love 🤍