How was 2014 for you? Reflection as a spiritual practice

December is a special month. The days are shorter, the weather a little colder, and a warm, comforting bed looks a lot more inviting than usual.

A lot of people focus so much on the do-ing in this time period, whether it's buying gifts for loved ones for the holidays, figuring out travel plans, or you're already gearing up for the new year.

In the middle of all the holiday hub-bub, I invite you to take a moment to reflect, to think back on 2014 with a greater sense of awareness, loving-kindness and celebration. Reflection can be a useful spiritual practice because you take the time to breathe, you see how you've grown, you notice how you've loved, and you get to give yourself a hug for the times when things didn't go according to plan.

For your coaching assignment this week, take out your journal and ponder these questions:

• Bring to mind each of the months of the year, starting with January, then February, all the way up to December. What were some of your special moments? Challenging times? Breakdowns and breakthroughs?
• In what ways did you grow? What hurdles did you overcome? What milestones did you reach?
• How did you show up in the world? Where did you share your light and love with others? In what ways did you care for yourself?
• If you had to come up with a word, a phrase or an image that captures the year 2014 for you, what would that be?

Take some time to reflect. Acknowledge all that happened in 2014, and see if you can embrace it all. Ask your loved ones some of these questions and share with each other. Answer these questions with your co-workers. Bring the spiritual practice of reflection into all parts of your life.

Here's why reflection is an important spiritual practice:

When you celebrate the joys and delights of life, and when you discern what doesn't serve you, you affirm and declare into Universal Law the life and world that your heart desires.

If you found this week's post enlightening or if it brings up even more questions, leave a comment below. I'd love to hear what you think!

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