A new year, a new decade. A blank slate. I am a big fan of fresh starts, but as I sit amidst the combined chaos and satisfaction of a half-finished new home, I can’t help but remember that we are always in the midst of a process. This year, rather than a resolution, how about choosing a theme: What quality do you want to build or grow in your life? Let your personal theme guide your choices and be a guide during times of uncertainty.

For parents and caretakers: Find a quiet space where you can relax for at least fifteen minutes. Lie on the ground or sit on the floor and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and let it all go slowly. Imagine the breath moving into each area of your body. Breathe into your feet, ankles, shins, calves, etc. moving up through your body to the top of your head. With each breath, bring your awareness to this part of your body and feel it relax.

Next bring your attention to the area around your heart. Ask yourself, “What do I want to cultivate in my life this year?” Wait until you sense the answer. Rather than objects or specific goals, focus on a broader theme – happiness, adventure, prosperity, calm – maybe you will have several, but try to limit yourself to one or two. When you are finished, take a deep breath and let it go with a nice, loud, “aaahhhh”. If you are lying down, bring your knees to your chest, roll to one side, and push against the floor to sit up.

For the whole family: Children tend to be more spontaneous and fluid than adults. Rather than choosing a focus or theme, just practice the first part of this exercise with your children. If you teach the exercise to them and practice it together, this can become a practical way of soothing stressful times or helping children relax before falling to sleep.

In closing, I offer you and your family a Sanskrit chant that I like very much because it feels like the perfect non-denominational blessing. If you like, you can share it with your children, especially for non-religious families that may want to introduce a sense of the spiritual into their children’s lives.
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free!” Wishing you a blissful new year.

~Annie

For more information on Annie Buckley’s Kids Yoga Deck or Once Upon a Time: Creative Writing Fun for Kids, please see Chroniclebooks.com or Anniebuckley.com.