2023: Coming back to centre

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything here. So the new year feels like a good time to drop in. If you’ve followed me for a while you’ll remember my annual theme-setting as an alternative to resolutions. After some chaotic years I’m rekindling this tradition. It always takes me in interesting directions, bringing a consistent mindfulness along with it that can only ever be beneficial.

My theme for 2023 was “Centre”. And, in light of aforementioned chaotic years, I used this to remind me to keep coming back to myself. To what is true for me. To remember that what I feel and want are important and valid. To come back to my intuition and inner knowledge when outside influences make me doubt myself.

Here are a few things that have helped me remember how to find my centre:

Imagery
I visualise one of these images and see how my perception shifts as a result:
– Persistently steering my way when the waves crash and push me off course.
– Embodying the graceful stability of the oak tree when the storms whip overhead in a confusion of wind and rain.
– Putting myself inside the picture frame, right in the middle of the scene.
– Hibernating like a creature in winter to rebuild strength and energy.

Writing
I’ve always liked writing but wouldn’t have said I was a writer. But from the beginning of 2023 to the end, I have been developing a writing practice. It began as prose but, surprisingly, turned into poetry. I had never written poetry before! And so, I had no idea that as 2023 drew to a close I would have countless poems written in the notes app of my phone. I don’t know how good they are, technically speaking, but as a therapeutic approach to get my inner voice down on paper it has been very powerful.

Yoga
And of course, yoga. The essence of yoga is, perhaps, about coming home to ourselves. Being brave enough to be with what is, however confronting that might feel. Returning time and time again, to centre. And I have the privilege to also witness this centring in those who choose to practice with me. Even when our minds continue to feel scattered or insistent, the consistent practice of showing up sends a message that we are important. We carry more wisdom at our centre than we realise.

So to close, here’s a little poem about yoga, to connect these reflections.

Silence
But for the steady rhythm
Of heart and breath
Feet planted
Toes extended
Arms arcing upwards
And the space for breath expands
As the body releases a constriction
That is so habitual
It is revealed only by its retreat
Breath and body synchronise
And mind cannot resist joining in
Finally present
Finally here
Finally now
Peaceful and centred
For a fleeting moment
That feels like home
~ Beth Peach

With love as we transition into the new year, I invite you to choose a theme for 2024 and see where it takes you.

Beth x

P.S. For more inspiration and ideas for choosing a theme, here are my previous New Year blog posts:

2021: A year of healing
2020: A year of showing up
2019: Trust in action
2018: This too shall pass
2017: A year of clarity
2016: Adventure is a state of mind
2015: A year of balance