By Brook Montaga
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Endings and beginnings. Time for release, celebration, and
setting new intentions. When done consciously, we will
create what it is that we really want for next year.
The Mental De-Tox & Re-New process will help you release and
purge negative thoughts and feelings that belong to events
of the past year, and to free up energy for focusing on what
you truly wish to create in the new year. (You may also
consider doing last year’s process – Wringing Out and
Ringing In. If you would like a copy of this exercise, email
me and I will send it to you.)
The Mental De-Tox & Re-New exercise is a 4 step process
beginning with a review of the past year.
Take Inventory
* Look back through your calendar and your journal to find
the significant events of your year.
* Rate each significant event on a scale of -10, for dismal
or tragic, to +10 for wonderful or fantastic.
Was your year up and down a lot? Were the events mostly
negative or positive? Did you have a particularly difficult
period during the year? Was there a time of many wonderful
things happening?
Release the Lows (Do this a day or two before New Year’s
Eve)
Set aside at least one half day for this exercise. You may
want to do it more than once for more complete release.
1. Using one note card for each Low event, write answers to
the following questions:
a. What regrets, losses, hurts or disappointments remain?
b. Who, or what, do I want/need to forgive?
c. What lesson or hidden blessing is there?
2. After you have written about each event, put your note
cards in your pocket, and go out for a walk in a beautiful
place. Or if you are not able to walk, sit outdoors or by a
window with a view.
3. After walking for 5 minutes, stop, take out a note card,
read it and then say to yourself:
“I release everything about this event and carry only the
lessons forward with me.”
4. Walk for 5 more minutes and then take out another card
and repeat the exercise.
5. Do this until all the cards have been read.
6. After the walk, spend at least 20 minutes in meditation,
prayer, or sitting silently, just allowing yourself to
release with every breath.
7. You may want to burn these note cards as another sign of
release.
Celebrate the Highs (Do This New Year’s Eve)
Time to pat yourself on the back, reward your efforts, and
express gratitude for all the good you have experienced over
the past year.
1. For each High event, write answers to the following on
one note card per event:
a. What did I accomplish that was remarkable?
b. Who or what am I grateful for?
c. What did I learn that I want to take forward?
2. After you have written about each High event, put your
note cards in your pocket, and go out for a walk. Or if you
are not able to walk, sit outdoors or by a window with a
view.
3. After walking 5 minutes of walking , stop, take out a
note card, read it and say to yourself:
“I celebrate everything about this event and gratefully
carry these blessings forward.”
4. Walk for 5 more minutes and then take out another card
and repeat the exercise.
5. Do this until all the cards have been read.
6. After the walk, spend at least 20 minutes in meditation,
prayer, or sitting silently, just allowing yourself to
experience gratitude with every breath.
7. You may want to keep these cards with your journal.
Create the New (Do this New Year’s Day or soon after)
This exercise begins with clearing your thoughts to allow
for greater inspiration.
1. Begin with a 20-30 minute walk in a beautiful and
peaceful place. (Or, sit quietly outdoors or by a window)
2. Prepare to meditate, or sit quietly for a minimum of 20
minutes by reading the following affirmation:
“I allow my mind to become quiet and open.”
3. Meditate and let all thoughts and feelings pass by,
returning to the calm experience of simply breathing.
4. After 20-30 minutes of meditation or sitting quietly, in
this calm and open state, begin to write in your journal.
5. Answer the following questions.
a. What do I really want for my life in 2005?
b. What changes will I make to create a wonderful year?
c. How will I express my authentic self more fully this
year?
6. Write affirmations for each answer and post them where
you can see them every day.
May you have a Mindful and Prosperous New Year!
© 2004
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Brook Montagna, Life and Business Coach. Free Newsletter:
The Mindful Life, Success Tips and Supports
<www.mindfullifecoach.com>. brook@mindfullifecoach.com
951-776-2844. FREE Expert Business Resources
<www.MoreBizNow.com>.
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