As the Year Draws to a Close, Embrace the Season of Reflection
As we approach the end of the year and the season of outward work and harvest comes to a close, a new season emerges—one of introspection and inner work. Especially for those who experience the deep quiet of winter, it's a time when our focus naturally shifts inward, towards the warmth and comfort of home and the workings of our inner lives.
One powerful tool for this inward journey is journaling. Journaling has been a cornerstone of self-discovery and growth throughout my life, appearing in various forms—whether as a "Dream Journal," a "Book of Shadows," or simply a diary. Each form has served as a guide to understanding the complexities of my inner world, helping to affirm the more intangible aspects of life.
Think of journaling as taking inventory in the "business of you." Much like an inventory sheet in a commercial business, journaling allows you to keep track of your experiences, progress, and projections for the future. It’s an opportunity to catalog the joys, pains, strengths, and weaknesses of the past year.
When you find yourself feeling stuck, confused, embarrassed, lost, or overwhelmed—write it down. Record it alongside your successes and victories. As you periodically review what you've written, you may start to see patterns emerge, offering insights into what drives you and what holds you back.
In the coming year, consider inviting the wisdom of the Gods and the guidance of your ancestors to help you cast away what no longer serves you and to bolster the elements that propel you forward. Through this practice, may you find clarity, peace, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Gothi Jason Plourde
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