A Gentle Start to the New Year

Go only as fast as your slowest part feels safe to go.

~ Robyn L. Posin

It already seems passé to say Happy New Year, as it is off to a quick and dirty start. My favorite New Years meme I’ve seen so far says, to 2026: “Thanks for the free trial. I’d like to cancel my subscription.”  It made me laugh, and it also made me reflect a bit. 

It certainly feels to me like we’re heading towards war, violence is constant, and things aren’t looking too bright on the world stage. And yet, I also sense that there is an undercurrent to all of it that is building and churning up hope. We really have yet to see where this year is going, which is why our practice of presence is ever more important. 

Practicing presence is simple and profound. When you catch yourself in your head, spinning out with your thoughts, or worried about the future regarding things you can’t control, pause and notice your breath. Take two or three deep, slow breaths as you look around the room, noticing objects and details. Wiggle your toes and remember you are an embodied soul. Feel the safety of the earth beneath you, and anchor yourself from your tailbone. Bring to mind a few things you are grateful for, and that’s it. Let your lips smile a little and your eyes soften. Right now, you are safe. You’re ok.  And that’s all you need to be right now. 

One thing that practicing presence is very good at is allowing for slow change and growth, regardless of the world at large. 

You might feel like you’re ready to move, push, or barrel into this year with all cylinders firing. And if so, that’s great! I love your style and energy. Don’t let me slow you down. But if you’re like me, and dozens of others I’ve spoken to, 2026 feels like an energetic slog on the personal front. Better put, my energy feels like the slowest part of winter. Which I believe is appropriate! I trust my vibes will heat up when the days get longer and the earth shifts towards spring. Until then, I’ll allow myself to be present to what is and not fight it. We don’t have to “snap out of it.” We are part of nature, and nature in the Northern Hemisphere is slow right now. Let’s embrace it. 

By indulging in this slower pace and energy, I have had some space for new ideas to emerge, and it’s time to start setting the stage for what we’re building next. 

Beginning February 1, this blog will evolve into something new…and I’ll share more with you over the coming weeks. 

I’m following my own advice and staying present to what is calling me forward, however slowly that might be. The shifting undercurrent is real, and I definitely want to be a part of it. There is beauty and mystery happening all around us–we just have to be available to enjoy it. God’s time is slow–much slower than most of us would like. But the more we practice allowing it, the more we may find deep patience and resonance within it. 

I encourage us all to practice presence, take a restorative yoga class, spend time in nature, and carve out time for prayer and meditation. Let me know if you would like any help creating your routine. I’m here for you as desired. Let’s take it slow, shall we?

May you breathe a little deeper, walk a little slower, and feel a little softer. 

Happy New Year!

Much love