In 2011 my theme was growth and my guiding phrases were:
- Growing my connection to my family and community
- Growing my health and wealth
- Growing as a host of conversations that matter
And growing I did. From more connectedness to my family thanks to several trips and Skype calls, to my BIF and Art of Hosting communities, to reconnecting with a regular yoga practice and progress on my debt-free road, to lots of learning and practice as a host of conversations that matter. My growth theme served me well in 2011.
This year’s red thread, my theme, was more elusive to uncover. I thought a lot about being in transformation. The different phases. Pondered and answered Mark Nepo’s questions on the January 1st page of his Book of Awakening:
How will you carry yourself? I will listen with attention, speak with intention, and contribute to the well-being of the whole. I will walk my internal journey. And these words from Christina Baldwin “I practice listening for guidance in ordinary conversations: to set out into the day with a question and to notice how, in the jumble of the day’s big and little events, a hint, or even an answer, emerges from the patter of our lives. “
What will you do with your hands? I will consume less and create more.
What will you ask and of whom? What is my capacity – that is mine to offer? What is unique to me, tucked into my swirly wrap? How can I be of service to whatever goodness is trying to happen in this world, in these terrible and wonderful times?
And the theme emerged. My intention for 2012: Practice. And my guiding words: Creating practice. Hosting practice. Spiritual practice.
Some ideas of how this might come to life in 2012 as I follow this intention…
My creating practice:
- Blog weekly
- Regular adventures with Nat
- Go on a cat-boarding trip
- Celebrate a random acts of kindness/day of giving on November 14
- Record a story from both my grandmothers
- Steward-the-whole in our the family reunion planning
My hosting practice:
- Host a pro-action café in my community
- One external/one internal process artistry/conversation hosting experience per quarter (hello Chris, Tenneson, Teresa, Christina, Ann and Nabil!)
- Nurture our Art of Hosting local community of practice, and host a circle at one of our sessions
- Attend a Cognitive Edge Accreditation Course
- Attend Avril’s graphic facilitation workshop
- Go to the Applied Improv Conference
- Learn from Conrad at a permaculture class
My spiritual practice:
- Yoga three times a week
- Weekend retreat with Caitlin and The Work (and do The Work weekly)
- Mindfulness – 10 minutes a day for 30 days
- Annual two-day silent retreat
“I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit.” ― Martha Graham
As you step into 2012, how will you carry yourself? What will you do with your hands? What will you ask and of whom?
4 replies on “Looking Back, Looking Ahead”
So looking forward to seeing you in my class in a couple of weeks, Amanda! I hope you had a great holiday season, and wish you an expansive, inspiring and creative year.
Thank you Avril – I can’t wait! What a treat to learn from you. Wishing you a 2012 filled with rich journeys, laughter and joy.
Hello Amanda, I’m catching up on reading your blogpost and noticed that you plan to do a Pro Action Café in your community! I’m very curious how that will happen and manifest. Please post your learnings and harvests! (also on the AoH Ning site? https://artofhosting.ning.com/forum/topics/passion-for-pro-action-cafe)
[…] love, there was loss and wonderful quiet movement towards fully doing my work in this world. My intention for the year was practice, and my three guiding words were creating practice, hosting practice, and spiritual […]