choosing a word isn't permanent...
an altar for waiting soul mantras
Right now, my studio is full of words and intentions for the new year as beautiful souls are choosing a word to act as a touchstone for them for the new year.
I have been so moved by the stories arriving with the shop orders. This weekend, I created a new altar for the Soul Mantras to sit on after they've been polished and are awaiting chains to then be packaged up and sent on to their new homes.
I want to share that I've noticed some discussion about and received emails from people feeling "pressure" to choose a word or figure out what their word should be. Oh sweet soul, please let that go today.
Choosing a guiding word or phrase for the year isn't the same thing as choosing a wrist tattoo.
It isn't permanent. It is one practice that might or might not work for you.
At any given time, I work with severals words and mantras. I am a word person. They are my most comfortable medium.
When my mind is swirling or I'm exhausted with a very awake toddler to take care of or when I feel lonely or a bit lost, taking a few deep breaths and then focusing on a word or phrase grounds me.
Because there are so many words out there, it helps me to have a few that are at the ready. Words I wear as talismans or have on sticky notes or write on my mirror...words that come out of conversations with dear friends that I write in huge letters in my journal.
Words are part of my soul care practice. Choosing one for the year is just another way of bringing in self-care for me. It becomes another handhold for me in the midst of it all.
Maybe this idea resonates. Maybe it feels like too much. Listen to what you need. Let these first few days of 2013 be full of more ease and less perfection or a need to do anything because it seems like you are supposed to.
Sending you light and love today,
Liz
one word
Reader Comments (8)
& further to that, if it doesn't feel right, DON'T DO IT. It's a choice, not an edict.
I second Lelainia and yourself on this. I didn't choose a word for the longest time because I couldn't see the point of limiting the year to one word, which is just not me. I am many words! (sometimes too many). But this year, I did it and did not get the word I expected (or the phrase I asked Liz to put in a locket for me!) but it is a good word. Plan to blog on it soon. First, I am making art about it and right now I'm waiting for something to dry :)
I couldn't find "the right" word last year, but one came to me this year. I wasn't sure I liked it, but it settled on me and I think it is what I need right now. I usually do a check in mid-year about goals I've set or areas of my life I've chosen to focus on for change and make adjustments. I expect my word will be part of that process—or I may drop it next week. Who knows, right now it does feel like a centering point and something to come back to.
Hello! Came by way of Ornamental and so glad I did... I, too, am a 'wordie' so I never choose just one! Love your blog.
Thank you for this, Liz. I felt that pressure at first and once I let go of the need to find my word, it naturally appeared. It was right there with me all along! :) I can hardly wait for my bracelet to arrive. I know it will be something I treasure. I'm so grateful for you.
I just popped in here to grab your link to share on my blog post about my word for the year. I wanted others to consider your work. I love that you talk about this, and I hope my readers come over here and read your insight.
Last year's word was huge for me, and I'm really excited to see how my 2013 word, effervesce transforms me.
I'm looking forward to ordering a beautiful piece of jewelry from you as a celebration of being effervescent.
http://gratefulhearthealingenergy.com/gratefulheart/?p=1033
your words have stayed in my mine. there are a lot of words floating about but i just can't seem to choose one. so i am not. not right now, anyways.
Let these first few days of 2013 be full of more ease and less perfection or a need to do anything because it seems like you are supposed to.
These words of your post resonate with me. I have to remember I am not perfect and it might take a while to get into the groove of my goals. Thank you Liz.