Ring in the Re-New Year with a Mental De-Tox!
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A Mental De-Tox and Renewal Approach for the New Year....
by Brook Montagna
Endings and beginnings. Time for release, celebration, and setting new intentions. When done consciously, we will create what it is that we really want for next year.
The Mental De-Tox & Re-New process will help you release and purge negative thoughts and feelings that belong to events of the past year, and to free up energy for focusing on what you truly wish to create in the new year. (You may also consider doing last year's process - Wringing Out and Ringing In. If you would like a copy of this exercise, email me and I will send it to you.)
The Mental De-Tox & Re-New exercise is a 4 step process beginning with a review of the past year.
Take Inventory
* Look back through your calendar and your journal to find the significant events of your year.
* Rate each significant event on a scale of -10, for dismal or tragic, to +10 for wonderful or fantastic.
Was your year up and down a lot? Were the events mostly negative or positive? Did you have a particularly difficult period during the year? Was there a time of many wonderful things happening?
Release the Lows (Do this a day or two before New Year's Eve)
Set aside at least one half day for this exercise. You may want to do it more than once for more complete release.
1. Using one note card for each Low event, write answers to the following questions:
a. What regrets, losses, hurts or disappointments remain?
b. Who, or what, do I want/need to forgive?
c. What lesson or hidden blessing is there?
2. After you have written about each event, put your note cards in your pocket, and go out for a walk in a beautiful place. Or if you are not able to walk, sit outdoors or by a window with a view.
3. After walking for 5 minutes, stop, take out a note card, read it and then say to yourself:
"I release everything about this event and carry only the lessons forward with me."
4. Walk for 5 more minutes and then take out another card and repeat the exercise.
5. Do this until all the cards have been read.
6. After the walk, spend at least 20 minutes in meditation, prayer, or sitting silently, just allowing yourself to release with every breath.
7. You may want to burn these note cards as another sign of release.
Celebrate the Highs (Do This New Year's Eve)
Time to pat yourself on the back, reward your efforts, and express gratitude for all the good you have experienced over the past year.
1. For each High event, write answers to the following on one note card per event:
a. What did I accomplish that was remarkable?
b. Who or what am I grateful for?
c. What did I learn that I want to take forward?
2. After you have written about each High event, put your note cards in your pocket, and go out for a walk. Or if you are not able to walk, sit outdoors or by a window with a view.
3. After walking 5 minutes of walking , stop, take out a note card, read it and say to yourself:
"I celebrate everything about this event and gratefully carry these blessings forward."
4. Walk for 5 more minutes and then take out another card and repeat the exercise.
5. Do this until all the cards have been read.
6. After the walk, spend at least 20 minutes in meditation, prayer, or sitting silently, just allowing yourself to experience gratitude with every breath.
7. You may want to keep these cards with your journal.
Create the New (Do this New Year's Day or soon after)
This exercise begins with clearing your thoughts to allow for greater inspiration.
1. Begin with a 20-30 minute walk in a beautiful and peaceful place. (Or, sit quietly outdoors or by a window)
2. Prepare to meditate, or sit quietly for a minimum of 20 minutes by reading the following affirmation:
"I allow my mind to become quiet and open."
3. Meditate and let all thoughts and feelings pass by, returning to the calm experience of simply breathing.
4. After 20-30 minutes of meditation or sitting quietly, in this calm and open state, begin to write in your journal.
5. Answer the following questions.
a. What do I really want for my life in 2005?
b. What changes will I make to create a wonderful year?
c. How will I express my authentic self more fully this year?
6. Write affirmations for each answer and post them where you can see them every day.
May you have a Mindful and Prosperous New Year!
Brook Montagna, Life and Business Coach
Free Newsletter: The Mindful Life, Success Tips and Supports
www.mindfullifecoach.com
brook@mindfullifecoach.com
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