I had an odd experience this week. I had to record a New Year's Day qi gong video for the Virtual YMCA (where I work). This video will be watchable to YMCA members on New Year's Day, and I had to talk on the video as if it were New Year's Day. I had to put myself in the mindset of holidays being over and bring the "fresh start" and new season mentality of 2024, the year of the dragon, to the recording. I had a hard time imagining how I'd be feeling on New Year's Day because I make every effort I can to live in the present moment. In my life, there is a lot that goes on in the last two weeks of December. Lots of family time. Lots of big meals at my house. Lots of big energy swirling. I wondered--how would I really be feeling on January 1, 2024? To be honest, I truly don't know.
One of the things I often say at the end of my yoga and qi gong classes is this very simple statement "YOU ARE ENOUGH." There is an entire movement about "enoughness" going on right now in the self improvement world. Basically, what it means is that you are in the present. The present is complete, no matter what it is. The present is not lacking. There is no judging it or yourself as not "good enough" or not "strong enough" or not "further along enough."
It's a mind bender. Let's break it down. You cannot be more than you are right now. Now, as in this very minute. When the minute/moment passes, it's another version of now. You cannot return to the past and "fix" anything or be a different version of yourself. It's done. You also can't leap into the future and be a different version of yourself. It's not here. You can only change/control/breathe/exist in the present moment, and that means you don't judge yourself. You just are. Focus on that.
We have two four month old granddaughters (as well as older grands). These littlest ones are so precious to us, and we think everything in the world of them since the day they were born, and basically, they just exist. They smile and laugh now, but they aren't fixing the world, solving global crisis situations or speaking three languages or even one. They exist, and they are enough. They don't even know any other way. It's very pure and simple. As we get older, if we aren't reminded of this existential truth--you are enough--we too might forget in the hustle and bustle of life that being yourself, first and foremost for yourself, and then others is the gift.
So, in the midst of all the things that December brings, we meet the version of ourselves that we are at this moment. That is enough.
Friends, I hold a big heart and open mind for all the things that are going on this time of year. Remind yourself to slow down and come back to just being present for yourself. Take a breath, sip some tea, write in your journal. Let it go. That will definitely feel like enough.
xo Coach Karen :)) always in your corner
P.S. I so appreciate your reading of these blogs and asking me questions and challenging me as I coach and speak and teach. As a gift to you, I am inviting you (and your friends and family) to an end of year "letting go" gentle yoga/qi gong/meditation 30 minute class. All levels can participate. No getting down on the floor is required. It will be on Zoom between Christmas and New Year's Day.