Thrive; Evolutionary Consciousness Oct 2013 | Page 13

I also feel what the comments above show is a desire to avoid reflection and push away, or deny, the opportunity to go inward. When you do begin to make space for a practice, your issues won't necessarily go immediately away, but their impact on your quality of life can be reduced. With regular practice you can develop greater acceptance, focus and self-compassion.

It's not about labeling or being right or wrong. It's about making a choice to connect with your inner yearning from your own heart. What changes does it want for you? Are you following its guidance?

Part of this, I feel, is wanting life to be the same and unchanging. We cling to the past, hoping that this is how it will always be. Yet, we begin to catch glimpses of what is possible and get caught in a cycle of hope and despair, because we think that we can stay happy if we maintain the status quo, but then get jealous of the beneficial shifts and changes we see others experiencing.

This month you can start to notice when you're pulled in a certain direction. Have a sense of curiosity about where you feel called to make change. Perhaps you can find a way to silently reflect on what change you would welcome. Begin to be curious about what can then unfold in your life if you allow it, and begin to see your life as magical. What's possible then? I'm not asking you to pretend or put on a fake smile, but simply open to what is possible. Many of the tools we've talked about can indeed facilitate your process, but it starts with you. What changes would you like to make in the coming year? It's not too late.