Life Kit: Take a Moment to Reflect Before the New Year
Episode Release Date: December 30, 2024
Host: Marielle Segarra
Introduction: Embracing the Pause Between Holidays and New Year
In the episode "Take a Moment to Reflect Before the New Year," host Marielle Segarra addresses the often-overlooked period between Christmas and New Year's. She discusses the common feelings of gloom and the abrupt slowdown after the frenetic holiday season. Marielle emphasizes that this seemingly eerie week can be transformed into a golden opportunity for introspection and planning.
"This week, it doesn't have to feel so eerie. It can actually be a golden opportunity to get quiet and turn inward, to reflect on where you're at and where you're headed." — Marielle Segarra [00:24]
Section 1: Shaking Loose the Past and Shaping the Future
Guest: Lama Rod Owens
Buddhist teacher Lama Rod Owens shares his philosophy on letting go of the past while actively shaping the future. He advocates for not just letting future events unfold but actively engaging in creating the future you desire.
"I want to shake loose the past and actually lean into the future, but I want to shake the future as well, not just let the future happen." — Lama Rod Owens [01:18]
Lama Rod introduces practical exercises to help listeners reflect on the past year and envision their future. His approach is rooted in mindfulness and intentionality, encouraging a balanced reflection that acknowledges both achievements and challenges.
Section 2: The Importance of Sweet Alone Time
Guest: Nicole Jjes
Graphic novelist Nicole Jjes underscores the significance of spending quality time alone to foster self-awareness and personal growth. She introduces the concept of "sweet alone time" (SAT) as a way to reconnect with oneself amidst the hustle of holiday interactions.
"I mean, like, hello, hello you. How's it going?" — Kyle Norris [04:33]
Nicole recommends engaging in solitary activities such as walking, journaling, drawing, or meditating. These practices help individuals gain clarity and understand their true desires and emotions without the influence of others.
"Because for me, I'm so codependent that if other people are around me, I will have a hard time figuring out what I feel and what I want..." — Kyle Norris [05:15]
Section 3: Reflective Drawing Exercises
Collaborators: Nicole Jjes & Kyle Norris
Nicole Jjes and Kyle Norris guide listeners through a creative exercise designed to reflect on the past year. This method involves drawing and writing in a structured format, allowing for a comprehensive review of personal experiences.
- Did/Happened: List 10 significant events or actions from the past year.
- Senses: Document 10 sensory experiences (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
- Overheard: Note memorable phrases or conversations overheard.
- Moment Drawing: Illustrate one impactful moment from the year, emphasizing presence and emotional connection.
"Let your art be wobbly." — Kyle Norris [10:11]
This exercise encourages creativity without self-criticism, fostering a deeper connection with one's experiences and emotions.
Section 4: Informal Meditation for Gratitude and Letting Go
Guest: Lama Rod Owens
Lama Rod introduces a simple meditation practice that involves lighting a candle to symbolize light and positivity. This meditation focuses on gratitude for the year's blessings and acknowledges any grief or disappointments, providing a balanced emotional release.
"Just seeing it as like this cloud floating through the sky of your mind, right?" — Lama Rod Owens [14:29]
He suggests visualizing negative emotions as passing clouds or waves, facilitating the process of letting go. Additionally, Lama Rod describes a Buddhist practice of writing down burdens, burning the paper, and then dropping it into water as a symbolic act of release.
Section 5: Dreaming and Visioning for the Future
Guest: Lama Rod Owens
Looking forward, Lama Rod emphasizes the power of dreaming big and creating a vision for the future. He advocates for vision boards as a tool to manifest aspirations and goals, despite any skepticism about their effectiveness.
"A vision board is really about calling energy, you know, of prosperity into our lives." — Lama Rod Owens [18:15]
Listeners are encouraged to collect images that represent their goals and place them on a vision board to keep their aspirations visible and tangible. This practice helps in clarifying desires and setting actionable intentions for the upcoming year.
"I think of dreaming kind of like time traveling." — Lama Rod Owens [15:20]
Recap of Takeaways
- Sweet Alone Time (SAT): Engage in solo activities like walking, journaling, or drawing to connect with yourself.
- Reflective Drawing Exercise: Use structured drawing and writing to review the past year.
- Informal Meditation: Practice gratitude and acknowledge grief through simple meditation techniques.
- Bold Dreaming: Create vision boards to manifest and clarify your future aspirations.
- Integrate SAT into Celebrations: Use these reflective practices to welcome the New Year with awareness and intention.
"There's something about being really still and quiet as the old year transitions. I just kind of want to meet the new year in as much awareness as possible." — Lama Rod Owens [20:10]
Conclusion: Cultivating Presence and Intentionality
Marielle Segarra wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of incorporating reflection and intentional practices into the transition to the New Year. By embracing solitude, creativity, meditation, and visionary planning, listeners can enter the new year with clarity and purpose.
"Remember, you can use these tools for being quiet and still any time of the year, whenever you need it. Happy New Year." — Nicole Jjes [20:24]
Final Thoughts
"Take a Moment to Reflect Before the New Year" offers a comprehensive guide to turning a quiet post-holiday period into a meaningful time for personal growth and future planning. Through expert insights and practical exercises, Life Kit empowers listeners to navigate the transition into the new year with mindfulness and intentionality.