There's a New Year's practice that I've often read about on various blogs: choosing one word to guide one's actions for the coming year.
I'd forgotten about it though, until I read Alyson Stanfield's post this morning entitled "Clarity."
I skimmed the article and while walking down the halls of the hospital where I work, I began to internally audition my own lettered candidates.
I tried out various words; self confident, aware, determined, acceptance, safe, secure, peaceful.
I noticed different body sensations. Safe and secure felt contracting (although they are not necessarily so). Self confident felt a bit too other-oriented and acceptance--well, I spend a lot of time with that already!
I checked back with Alyson's post and came across this line: Your word of the year should inspire and motivate you. It provides focus without limiting you.
That provided the 'Goldilocks' moment and the 'just right' word popped into my mind: FAITH.
Faith covers it all. Faith in my self, faith in my art making, faith in my practice of art therapy. Also faith in my ability to be present as I encounter the uncharted territory of 2014.
How about you? Do you have a word or intention or new practice you're beginning? I'd love to hear about it.
Postscript: Many thank to Gretchen Miller. The word "START" in the collage comes from one of her revo'lution pieces, which she shared as a PDF for readers of her blog, Creativity in Motion.
