“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.  He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings.  In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness.  If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.  Now put the foundations under them.”  – Henry Thoreau

I can’t think of a better description of our purpose now.  As we face the traditions of the holiday season and all that comes with it, momentum is building and we are collectively experiencing the labor pains of growth and new creation.

An acceleration is occurring that is wreaking havoc on our nervous systems, testing our belief in ourselves, stimulating our desire to escape, and tempting us to give in to the overwhelm.  Surprises and unpredictable events are likely to continue and we’re more sensitized by our need for security.

This universal orchestration is perfectly designed to push us into finding our inner strength and resiliency, instead of relying on outer facades and illusions as our safety.  With the astrological configurations taking place between now and the beginning of the new year, it can feel like a scramble for even the most ardent spiritual student.

Remember that whatever is coming forth as a challenge, from within or without, is for you to become empowered to create it differently.  Here is a helpful technique for using your imagination to reprogram your subconscious, and enable you to do just that:

Create an “I Am” to describe how you want to be in any situation you are fearing or in discomfort about:  “I am strong.”  “I am at peace.”  “I am safe.”  “I am rich.”  “I am healthy.”  “I am happy.”  “I am respected.”  “I am loved.”  “I am capable.”  “I am resilient.”  “I am valued.”  “I am resourceful.”

Take time to envision your “I Am” statement until you can feel the emotions that accompany that state of being.  Let the stories continue to expand as you envision your “I Am” truth.  Stay with it as long as you can, even if it’s just seconds or minutes.  Notice how you feel and how your reality has changed when you are done.

You can do the “I Am” list every morning upon waking, every evening before sleeping, and every time you have a negative feeling or thought.  Once your subconscious is reprogrammed, the experiences that match your truths will find their way to you.

Other suggestions during this time:

Be aware of your Self, and take care of your Self (emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually).

Focus on staying centered; create rituals and utilize practices that help you remain conscious and connected (prayer, meditation, the use of an altar, creative expression, reading, writing, music, etc.).

Simplify your schedule each day; re-prioritize based on your awareness of what’s really important and what can wait or be accomplished at a later time.

Set yourself up to skirt temptations to over-do alcohol, caffeine, sugar, or substances; regular exercise you enjoy, time with people who support your higher aspirations, having foods around that are good for you, and some healthy diversions that spark joy.

When you feel uncertain or upset, ask for help to know the truth and express in love.

Forgive (pretty much as often as you breathe!):  yourself, others, and the whole world. 

Be courageous enough to follow your truth instead of everyone else.  (It’s why you’re here.)

We are co-creators in this miraculous universe, and as Henry Thoreau wrote, it’s time to commit to laying a new foundation; one that will support the paradigm shifts for the wildest and best dreams we have for ourselves and the world we live in.

Thank you, Everyone…. for joining me this year.  Whether we’ve worked together, are dearest friends, or have never met or spoken, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blogs and connect with me.  You are my family and I wish you joy, love, peace, health, happiness, prosperity, the support you need to live fearlessly, and the unconditional freedom to be your Self.

Blessings of peace and miracles, and see you next year!