Bring out the old, bring in the new...

Despite the year end busy-ness of travelling, clearing work and never-ending celebrations and feasting - moving from one to another, almost in a dream-like state, the reality that 2018 is drawing to a close only sunk in for me during yoga class today when we were asked to reflect on how we have progressed in the past one year, not just in respect of our yoga practice but as a person and life in general.

As I reflected, the first thought that came up was that 2018 has brought me countless lessons on forgiveness, acceptance and compassion, especially towards myself. I realised that when I am harsh and critical, in fact, whatever behaviours, whether positive or negative, that I displayed towards others, it is a mirror reflection of how I am towards myself. With this awareness and a little kindness, I am able to lead myself back to ‘heart centre’ every time I slipped, which I still do now and then. During my yoga practice, I realised that I no longer feel bad or stressed out about not being able to catch up or get into certain poses. I feel at peace practising at my own pace and accepting variations in my practice without feeling lousy. I feel a certain calmness doing that; being myself. I would like to think that I have also brought this peace and calmness into other aspects of my life.

2018 is also a year when traumatic experience led me to some research and observations about the link between emotions and diseases; in other words, the physical manifestation of emotional issues, a topic which I feel had not been given due attention. I begun to place more importance on my emotional well-being - allocating time for myself, reminding myself to cherish what matters and letting go what’s not and count my blessings at the end of each day.

As the year comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my family, friends, colleagues, random strangers who have shown me kindness and and those with whom I’ve had differences with. I accept our differences! Looking back, 2018 has been like a glass of whisky to me, strong and pungent, that burns at the first sip that changes to smooth mellow with a tinge of sweetness. Sometimes, it makes me light and giggly, other times, it gives me hangover and makes me swear never to have another one, ever. Yet, I keep going back. 2018 has indeed been a wholesome year, filled with memorable moments and even miracles. Each of you have left a mark in my life, whether you know it or not. Here’s wishing all a fantabulous 2019 and may you be filled with lightness as you approach the new year! Cheers!

Looyean

p/s: The image above was a painting created early this year on positive vibrations. As I went through my collection of artjournaling, this stood out and reminded me of the "Ace of Wand" in the tarot deck which represents new beginnings, spark of inspiration, potential and possibilities - what I look forward to for the new year!