Some people glide into the next year without any thought for the date and others celebrate with wild abandon.
And, of course, there is everything in-between.
There may be no miracles that happen as the calendar year turns from 2023 to 2024 – you are still you and your life doesn’t suddenly change, however, there is a subtle mental shift.
As we drift over the seconds of midnight whether you are awake or asleep, conscious of it or not, you will have one final 2023 out-breath and take your first in-breath of 2024.
New resolutions or intentions aren’t necessary, and yet, ceremony and ritual can bring resolution, comfort and hope for this shift in time.
And certainly, with the work that I do and the way it touches me bringing a little ritual to the evening is a beautiful way to honour that.
Since ancient times, the use of flame has been an important feature of many spiritual ceremonies whether of religious origin or not.
However, we don’t need to have any spiritual or religious leaning to feel the comfort of a candle lighting ceremony.
It’s amazing how candlelight can transform a space. How it can offer up space for reflection with it’s comforting glow.
If you wish, take time to honour those who will not be arriving into 2024 with a candle lighting ritual.
You may wish, on the approach to midnight, to light a candle and spend a moment in time with a memory of those you said goodbye to.
Or light your candle to honour yourself and all that you have endured.
Hold space for grief and suffering – yours and others.
For all the losses that you have experienced or that have touched you.
And also honour those special times.
The times that lit you up.
The times of personal joy.
And of collective joy.
Be present with whatever comes up for you.
If someone you loved dearly has died this year please know there is no pressure or expectation to wish away all that 2023 held for it is likely to hold some very special memories amongst the painful ones.
Let us live where we need to be, and hold on to those memories that help us through difficult time.
With love as always
Nancy xx
HELD 