We’re already into the third month of 2024. How have you done so far on your New Year’s resolutions or the goals you set for this year?
If you’re like the majority of folks, you’ve already slipped, backslided, or simply given up on your goals. The famous dictum within the fitness world is as follows: the gyms will get super crowded in early January…but by the third week in February, the crowds have mostly disappeared and it’s just “the regulars” again.
Well, I’ve got wonderful news for you!
“It’s not your fault.”
You see, setting new goals and resolutions in late December or early January is just about the worst possible time to do so.
Winter is the most Yin time of the year. The reduced light, shorter days and longer nights, and cold temperatures naturally encourage us to sleep more and become less active. Our metabolism and energy levels decrease in winter. Nature’s idea is that we should slow down, use less energy, and basically “hibernate” during the cold, lean winter months.
And yes, even in our climate-controlled, well-lit modern existence, our bodies, brains and energetic matrix still respond to nature’s call.
Energetically, this most Yin time of year is just the worst in terms of gearing up to conquer ourselves, move forward toward new challenges, and push to achieve our goals. The energetics of winter are more about quiescence, going inside to ponder and reflect, develop some wisdom, and help the body rest up and recharge.
Lunar New Year Just Concluded
Here’s a suggestion: Instead of beating yourself up for not making better progress….or berating yourself for having already given up on your stated resolutions or goals…start all over!
Yes, restart your year now.
The Chinese Lunar New Year just concluded in February. So it’s a brand new year! The year of the Wood Dragon, by the way, which is quite auspicious. The Wood element means growth and development, rising energy, and many other good things (which we will discuss in a future post).
And now we are experiencing the first glimmers of Spring.
If you live in the northern states or climes, you may still be experiencing cold weather and even snow. But you likely are detecting some signs of Spring, including the days getting longer. Where we live in Central Texas, we have already been mowing the lawn, cleaning the beds, and planting new flowers. In fact, we just put the garden in!
Spring means Yang Ascending – the energies are increasing. So it only make sense to ride that energetic wave, recommit and refocus on your goals, and get moving.
Declare it a new year and move forward with renewed vigor and expectancy.
You Can Do It!
Dr. Karen