For last year’s words belong to last year’s language

And next year’s words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

~T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”

Well, I don’t know about you, but I feel great just having survived 2009 and knowing that it is over and behind us. Together, we survived the second worst recession in U.S. history and not only are we still standing, but in some ways, we’re stronger and more resilient than ever. And perhaps, we’ve even learned a lesson or two along the way. Yeah, team! And yes, I know it’s not over yet, but it does feel like things are improving and that means 2010 is bound to be better.

Even though today is just another day and nothing really has changed except the date on the calendar, symbolically, New Year’s Day always feels like a clean slate and a chance to begin again. More than any other day, New Year’s Day represents a time of hope and renewal for us all.

This is a great day for creating new intentions and for ceremonies or rituals to release the old and bring forward the new. I suggest doing a Burning Bowl Ceremony, which allows you to release all negative feelings, thoughts or experiences that accumulated in the previous year. Here’s how it works:

1. Take a piece of paper and write down everything you wish to release and let go of as you step forward into the New Year. This can include hurtful experiences, resentments, relationship issues, negative thoughts or feelings, financial or health issues.

2. Once you’ve finished, tear or cut each issue you wish to release into a strip of paper and wad it up into a ball.

3. Take a large fire-proof bowl (aluminum is good) and fill it about 1/3 full with salt or sand.

4. Place your pieces of paper into the bowl. Light a candle. 

5. Now say a prayer…something like this:

Dear God,
Please help me to release these negative thoughts, feelings and experiences that I have accumulated. I surrender these to you and ask to be done with them. Take them from me so that I may be a clear vehicle for receiving this New Year and all the good you have in store for me and my life’s purpose. I release and let go of all that no longer serves me as I claim my new life which is unfolding beautifully right here and right now. And so it is. Amen.

6. Take your candle and light the paper in the bowl. (Have a glass of water nearby, just in case.) Let the fire consume the negative, old aspects of your life completely. You are now free to begin again. If the old issues keep resurfacing, keep praying and doing your work to release them. You can even do a Burning Bowl Ceremony monthly if needed.  

7. Now, sit down and make a list of all your intentions for 2010. Turn this list into a daily prayer or affirmation and repeat it daily and see what happens. I use this process and have become a powerful manifestor. It works!

What are your intentions 2010, anyway?  I’d love to hear about them!

Happy New Year, Everyone! Peace & Blessings!