I learn as much from my clients as they do from me.  Today one of my clients inspired me to write about something I believe in deeply: embodying our truth and shining our light.

According to the Mayan Calendar, 2012 has long been regarded as the year the world would end.  Many of us however are experiencing something substantially more uplifting than the apocalypse.  We are feeling a larger calling to a greater way of being.  We are feeling the energy of this year already as alive, illuminated, important and palpable.  We are ready to take a stand, express ourselves, up the anti, trust the Universe and simply allow our access to Spirit to move through us.  

Last year brought economic distress, natural disaster and upheaval.  The global uprisings and Occupy movements of 2011 proved that as a people we are ready for change.  We have begun to shed layers that no longer serve the human race or our planet.  The decay and destruction of some of our most fundamental systems is making room for the light to emerge and for change to come.  This light is what we feel.  This greater way of being is the whisper we are hearing and are beginning to follow.  The spiritual communities and gurus are referring to 2012 as "The Great Turning".  It is our time to become who we are truly meant to be. It is our time to choose love over fear.  It is our time to give energy to positive thoughts and dialogue over gossip and victim mentality.  It is our time to honor the earth, return to nature's cycles and our body's intuitive wisdom as our ultimate guides on this journey.  

By allowing ourselves to become conscious, aware and still we are able to hear our inner truth.  By allowing ourselves to act and speak authentically and lovingly, our truth begins to emerge and create a ripple effect.  By letting our light shine we contribute to the greater, glorious, inexplainable cosmic light and life force energy of our Universe.  We become carriers of this light.  

As 2012 begins, I invite you to let your light shine.  I invite you to take responsibility for the perspective you choose to hold about your circumstances.  I invite you to speak honestly and act authentically.  I invite you to risk and shed what no longer serves you.  I invite you to love yourself and open to vulnerability.  The potential greatness of our world depends on you doing this.  By shining your light you give others permission to the same and you contribute to the global, human, Universal positive change that is occurring.  

In closing, I'd like to share one of my favorite quotes with you.  May it inspire you and may your light shine gloriously bright over the course of this year and beyond!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson

I welcome your comments.

Shine On,
Rony

AN INVITATION TO MARVEL AT YOUR LIFE

And so the end of 2011 is upon us.  What a powerful year!  Did you feel it? I find the end of the year to be one of the most meaningful times, moreso than the beginning of the year.  As these last days of December present themselves, many of us finally have a little downtime to take care of things around the house, relax and enjoy friends and family.  It is a poignant time of year to marvel at your life and an important time to assess where you are at and where you are going.  

YEAR END REFLECTION:  MAKING TIME TO LOOK BACK
Reflection is a powerful tool towards achieving inner peace and clarity of vision.  It can create a sense of closure as we shut the door to 2011 and strengthen our sense of possibility as we open the gates to 2012.  I dedicate time before December 31st each year to honor my journey over the last 365 days and to marvel at my life.  When we really take time to look back over the year, we often realize just how many mini miracles occurred and how much we've grown.  Even if we have had an immensely difficult year, reflection at year's end allows us to close one chapter of life and welcome in an easier ride in the coming year.  Often times it is getting clear about what didn't work that ignites the passion in us to shift our experience moving forward.

I invite you to take some quiet time to yourself to reflect.  My favorite place to do this is at the beach or in my bedroom early in the morning with my journal.  Here are some questions to inspire your process:
* What would you like to acknowledge yourself for?
* How did you grow this year?
* What was your most brave moment in 2011?
* Where did you practice expressing yourself authentically?
* What was the highlight of your year?
* Who/what are you most grateful for in 2011?
* What do you need to forgive yourself for?
* What is the greatest lesson you learned this year?
* What word embodies the overall theme of your year?
* What parts of your life from 2011 are you going to continue to cultivate in 2012?

MAKING ROOM FOR 2012:  CLEARING PHYSICAL & MENTAL/EMOTIONAL CLUTTER
During the process of reflection it is common to gain some clarity on next steps.  As we prepare to set intention and clarify our New Year's resolutions, it is important to make room for all of the good things we would like to invite in.  Clearing clutter and "Releasing Rituals" are powerful, simple ways to create room for abundance, love, health and manifestation in the new year.  I just finished going through my closets, desk and computer to get rid of everything that is no longer relevant to my life now.  It feels fantastic!  I feel lighter, more aligned and excited to really set intention and start manifesting my dreams come January.

In terms of physical clutter clearing, I recommend doing a quick "once over" on your closets, kitchen cupboards, bathroom drawers, desk, file cabinets, garage, etc.  As you do this, ask yourself:
* What am I ready to let go of?
* What represents an old version of me that I do not want to embody moving forward?
* Would the future version of myself that I want to become utilize this item?
* Do I use/wear this item more than once every 6 months?  
* Do I really need this?

In addition to physical clutter, releasing mental/emotional clutter can really free us up and make us ready for the new year.  I recommend conducting a simple ritual to release what you no longer need.  You can write the answers to the questions below on a piece of paper and safely burn it or throw it away.  Or you can vocalize your feelings/answers to the ocean, a tree, an expansive valley or vista point.  Nature has the strength to hold it all for you so you can let it go.  Some questions to ask:
* What belief systems or "stories" about myself/my life no longer serve me that I can release?
* What spoken or unspoken "agreements" have I made with myself or others that are holding me back?
* What anger am I holding onto?
* What do I need to express?
* Who do I need to forgive?

NEW YEARS BLESSINGS
2012 is becoming more widely regarded as the year we will collectively shift the consciousness of our planet and evolve the world.  Many of us feel that we are being called to step fully into our most actualized selves.  As we stand at the doorway of this powerful time in history, I invite you to reflect on where you've been so that you may identify where you need to go from an empowered, celebratory place.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a most incredible 2012!  May the coming year be filled with abundant health, activities and people that bring you joy, empowerment, success, clarity, creativity, inner peace, balance, laughter, ease and love.  May you be fully expressed, feel alive in your body and feel that your life is on course with your purpose and dreams!  

As I close out 2011, I am extremely grateful.  Thank You to all of you who read and forward my newsletters and blogs.  THANK YOU to my amazing clients and workshop participants. I am blown away by your willingness to show up, risk, learn and remain committed to your process of evolution.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.  New Years blessings to you!  Thank you also to my unbelievable family, friends, teachers and partner.  You inspire me daily and remind me what living an authentic, healthy life is truly about.

See you on the other side!
Shine On,
Rony