jane: i do not know where it originated, but i imagine it was not in this internet age. this idea of choosing a single word to focus on with the new year…a word to spark real change deep in the heart and soul. some ancient farmer with time to think on his solitary, frigid walk out to feed the cows probably thought of it. a tired, overwhelmed mother waking in the wee hours to feed a fussing babe near the freshly stoked fire probably mulled it over. introspection is not a new concept...the desire to change oneself is evident throughout time…and the new year has always been a time of new beginnings.
i have not always chosen a word, but this year i have. my word for 2015 is "health". last year brought evidence that a change in my health could take place. more books were actually finished, tasks were crossed off the list with a bit more regularity, my body felt a little better and looked a little leaner, time was made for making and creating. this year, health is something i want to further apply in all the categories mentioned in my last post…spiritual health (spending more regular time in God's word and committing it to memory, praying, serving, thanking), health of mind (studying, learning, and thought on material possessions), and physical health (eating and exercising). it can be complex…there are so many areas to keep track of. but it can also be quite simple...i can ask myself, "does this decision or action contribute to my health?"
for now, i am going to schedule and plan for all areas (mentioned here) as they are all part of each day. but i think i will especially focus in on one area per month in an effort to truly reflect, educate myself, and ultimately move toward greater health. my goal is to live my life in a concert of overall health.
jo: i am taking this concept very slightly differently... i love it and i love the simplicity and the potential for layers that it brings. perhaps i am scaling it back to its base... to introspection itself. there was a time that i deliberately quieted my mind so that i wouldn't have to hear it yelling, so that i wouldn't be so sad/upset, so that i could "enjoy" being so far from home in one cold room with my family. this might have been fine for short term coping, but then i realized that i can't always turn my thoughts and feelings back on… and that that is not really okay. i wouldn't say that i don't think at all or that i don't feel at all, but i want to hear every thought and feel every feeling. my mind is quiet and i want it to speak clearly. i don't just want to stare into space and think about myself, but i want to grow.
this is what introspection really should be. awareness- but also growth. and so my word(s), my theme, is "grow the desert land".
so yes, i would love to connect again with what i think and feel and why. but i also want to grow my knowledge of global (and local) causes and my own beliefs about them. and i want to grow spiritually, because this is the core of introspection, the water by which a desert land is flourished.
so i have books to read and journals to fill... and words to whisper.
jane: you've likely heard of the idea to choose a word or phrase to guide your intention in this new year. have you chosen one? how do you intend to let it guide you, to let it change you and your perspective? we would truly love to hear!
love,
jane + julia
i have not always chosen a word, but this year i have. my word for 2015 is "health". last year brought evidence that a change in my health could take place. more books were actually finished, tasks were crossed off the list with a bit more regularity, my body felt a little better and looked a little leaner, time was made for making and creating. this year, health is something i want to further apply in all the categories mentioned in my last post…spiritual health (spending more regular time in God's word and committing it to memory, praying, serving, thanking), health of mind (studying, learning, and thought on material possessions), and physical health (eating and exercising). it can be complex…there are so many areas to keep track of. but it can also be quite simple...i can ask myself, "does this decision or action contribute to my health?"
for now, i am going to schedule and plan for all areas (mentioned here) as they are all part of each day. but i think i will especially focus in on one area per month in an effort to truly reflect, educate myself, and ultimately move toward greater health. my goal is to live my life in a concert of overall health.
jo: i am taking this concept very slightly differently... i love it and i love the simplicity and the potential for layers that it brings. perhaps i am scaling it back to its base... to introspection itself. there was a time that i deliberately quieted my mind so that i wouldn't have to hear it yelling, so that i wouldn't be so sad/upset, so that i could "enjoy" being so far from home in one cold room with my family. this might have been fine for short term coping, but then i realized that i can't always turn my thoughts and feelings back on… and that that is not really okay. i wouldn't say that i don't think at all or that i don't feel at all, but i want to hear every thought and feel every feeling. my mind is quiet and i want it to speak clearly. i don't just want to stare into space and think about myself, but i want to grow.
this is what introspection really should be. awareness- but also growth. and so my word(s), my theme, is "grow the desert land".
so yes, i would love to connect again with what i think and feel and why. but i also want to grow my knowledge of global (and local) causes and my own beliefs about them. and i want to grow spiritually, because this is the core of introspection, the water by which a desert land is flourished.
so i have books to read and journals to fill... and words to whisper.
jane: you've likely heard of the idea to choose a word or phrase to guide your intention in this new year. have you chosen one? how do you intend to let it guide you, to let it change you and your perspective? we would truly love to hear!
love,
jane + julia
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