The Message of the Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is an animal messenger that reminds us to take time for self-reflection. As most people do at the end of a calendar year, I have been reflecting upon all that happened in 2024. I experienced many blessings and lots of lessons over the past 365 days. Family Constellations has taught me the importance of thanking (or at least acknowledging) all of it, whether I deemed it good or bad. That way I won’t be stuck looking in the rearview mirror. I can leave what no longer serves in the past and move forward with peace and gratitude in my heart.
A Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beautiful and powerful ritual to release and transform whatever you don’t want to bring into the New Year. If you live near a Unity Church, Center for Spiritual Living, or other New Thought Center, I bet they will be hosting one. If not, you can create your own ceremony as long as you have a safe place to burn a piece of paper on which you’ve written all that you’d like to release.
If you’d like to try a more multifaceted and equally powerful releasing ceremony, I’m offering an online Family Constellations workshop on Saturday, January 4th. During our time together, participants will select one person to represent 2024 and another for 2025. In a private breakout room, you’ll be able to talk to “2024” and tell it all that occurred that you are grateful for and all that you learned over the past year. Then you can tell “2024” what you do not wish to take into 2025 and leave it with them. The representative for 2024 will then release you with love into the New Year.
After that, you will have a chance to speak to “2025” and tell it what you’d like to experience and, more importantly, how you’d like to feel in the New Year. Then, the representative for 2025 will affirm your intentions and welcome you with a blessing. It may sound silly, but speaking your intentions out loud to another human gives it extra meaning and depth. The souls you connect with will stay in your heart and mind as you make another trip around the sun. If this unique ceremony calls to you, click here to reserve your spot!
For those who are not able to attend, you can create your own version of this ritual with trusted friends or family members. If you prefer a more private experience, use a chair to represent 2024 and one to represent 2025. Speak to “2024” and leave a note or an object on the chair to represent all you are leaving behind. Then, sit in the 2025 chair for as long as you like. Say out loud or imagine all the joyful experiences you’d like to have in the New Year. I’d love to hear about your experience if you give it a try.
Speaking of joy experiences, if you live in or near Central Florida, please join us for a “Weekend of J.O.Y.” at the Center for Spiritual Living in Ocala from January 10-12. I’m collaborating with my dear friends, Rev. Cindy Grimes and Amy Steinberg, to create a mini-retreat featuring Live Music, Family Constellations, a Creative Playshop, an Opening Ceremony & Spiritual Dance Party, and lots of FUN! You can attend the whole weekend or just the parts that call to you. What a great way to start the New Year! Visit the Events page on my website for more information.
However you spend the last few days of 2024, may it include some tranquil quiet time for self-reflection. And may your New Year begin with an abundance of Peace, Love, and JOY!
Joy is unlimited, because each shining thought of love extends its being and creates more of itself.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-22.VI.14:8