Tag: hope

Hope in this Lunar New Year

Do you feel the hope in this Lunar New Year of the Tiger. For you, how does that make you feel compared to the Ox in 2021 or the Rat in 2020? And why did I call it the Lunar New Year? Hasn’t it always been referred to as the Chinese New Year?

A Little Clarification

The Lunar New Year begins on the day of the first new moon. Although a calendar based on the cycle of the moon has been around for ages, we tend to associate it with China where it is celebrated big time. Whole extended families return home, celebrating together. In fact, we see dragon dances performed in large cities across the globe. And it isn’t a few days. Rather it goes on for over two weeks, culminating in the release of thousands of paper lanterns into the night sky on day fifteen, the night of the first full moon. Read more about this year’s celebration.

What is Your Lunar New Year Symbol?

As a child, I remember my family eating at a Chinese restaurant with paper placemats of the Chinese Zodiac. Each of us would find the year we were born and discover who we were. Well, not really. Still, I always noticed my father and I were both Snakes. Since we shared a curiosity and enjoyment of this creature, it seemed only natural. I’ve researched the elements a little more and found that I’m a Yin Water Snake. Dad was a Yin Earth Snake. Furthermore, all Snakes are Yin and all Tigers are Yan. Read more if you’re curious about the Chinese Zodiac animals.

It’s All About Hope

It’s easy to look at all manner of negativity in life. On the other hand, looking for positivity is just as easy. Last year we were stuck with the Ox and betrayed by the Rat in 2020. I’m counting on hope in this Lunar New Year of the Tiger to lift me to new heights of gratitude, connection, and strength in 2022. How about you?

Access Hope in an Atmosphere of Fear

This week has most of us reeling in a place of fear and hopelessness. How do I access hope in an atmosphere of fear?

Add Normalcy with Caution

I look for opportunities to continue with activities that bring me peace. If you read my posts, you know I love Bok Tower Gardens. The atmosphere there is quiet, contemplative and serene. This weekend I’ll pack a snack, add my wipes, fill my water bottle and explore the trails.

In the gardens, I’ll engage all my senses to see the beauty of flowers, hear the music of the carillon and birds, catch the sweet scent of yellow jessamine and citrus blooms, feel the hardness of the cardboard cycad and the softness of the Spanish moss. By surrounding myself with the beauty of nature, my sense of calm and hope will be restored.

Find Your Hope

Do you know what brings you a sense of calmness? I invite you to explore connecting with your heart to find the answer.

Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit upright in a comfortable position, feet flat on the floor. Place your left hand over your heart, close your eyes and take a slow, calm breath in through your nose. Exhale in the same slow manner through relaxed lips. Repeat three times.

Think about the last time you felt the most serenity.

Add Some Calmness to Your Day

What can you do right now that will bring you a similar sense of calm?

For some it is as simple as taking a warm bath, reading a book, taking a nap, listening to music, stroking the fur of their pet, or sitting outside. What gives you a sense of calmness? How can you do that right now?

I wish you calmness everyday, multiple times this coming week. It’s the most important step you can take to access hope in an atmosphere of fear.

With love,
Dawn

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