I believe that winter is a time for self-inquiry and reflection. The darker days and colder temperatures make me want to turn within, to make large pots of tea, and to stay by the fire. In the natural world, animals go into hibernation and plants recede into their roots. We joke about wanting to go into hibernation, but winter actually is a good time to slow down and rest more. Your nervous system needs this nourishment to replenish and restore.

Yoga practice also reflects this process of turning within. Yoga is the practice of engaging with internal dialogue as you inquire into your true nature. In both Yoga and Ayurveda (India's ancient healing and medical system), optimal health of the body is achieved by taking cues from the natural world and following those rhythms. This means that winter is the best time of year to focus on introspection and nourishment. According to Yoga and Ayurveda, this isn't the best time of year to jump in and make a ton of changes in our lives. It is a better time to think deeply, to make plans, and to test them out over time.

Many people focus on a New Year's resolution. The word resolution means a firm decision to do or not do something (Oxford Dictionary). I believe a lot of people give up on resolutions early because resolutions don't allow for creativity and adaptability. This year, I prefer to engage in a New Year’s intention. An intention is an aim or a plan and allows more space, creativity, and fluidity with how something will transpire. An intention names something you are hoping to attain, but also recognizes that you have limited control in the process. It is a journey rather than a hard-lined goal. Intentions feel more internal and long term, resolutions feel more external and short term. For example, a resolution might be “I will loose x number of pounds in one month” while an intention might be “this month I will practice self care through daily movement and healthy eating.”

My Three Intentions For 2023

This year, my primary intention is to get better with my finances. I have a LOT of issues and fear around money (I think most of us do!) and as a self-employed person this can bring a fair amount of stress into my life. So I have the intention of being more organised with my money, and to work on my money mindset. Let me tell you, this is a constant practice for me! My action step for this is reaching out to a bookkeeper and doing some financial research. (I've already bought some books, but I don't really need an excuse to buy more books...)

I also have the intention of continuing to spend more time outside. I have been doing a pretty good job of this since October, BUT I know in these colder months my Sicilian temperament sets in and I make all kinds of excuses to stay inside. So my intention is to bundle up and go outside anyway. You might have to hold me accountable to that one... My action step to get outdoors regularly is to set reminders on my phone and have my coat and boots ready by the door.

My other intention is to write more. That means writing blog posts, articles for the Peaceful Dumpling, and these newsletters — and working on other writing projects that have slipped onto my "back-burner." I do enjoy writing and I feel it is something I am meant to do with my time here on this blue planet. But again, it is one of those things that can easily slip onto that back burner. My action step for writing more is to do it first thing in the morning when I sit with my tea (instead of going on social media) and to have a weekly writing goal in my planner.

I am also planning on being gentle with myself around these intentions. I haven't set any firm boundaries here; rather, these are guidelines where I will gently hold myself accountable.

What about you???

Do you have any intentions for 2023? I would love to hear about them!

"Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day." ~Michael Josephson