Ways to practice mindfulness in the new year
Happy New Year. We made it dear ones! We survived 2020 - it was one roller coaster of a ride for sure, and here we are in a new year, possibilities await and yet, we are cautious.
I invite you to think about intentionally giving to yourself and others this new year. Regardless of your income or lack thereof, there are many ways to give to yourself and others. What goes around comes around. Let’s commit to making this year the best year ever, with or without the pandemic. I start off the new year by sharing homemade meals with a few friends. I am grateful for these legs of mine and the walkability of San Francisco, which made it possible to drop off food, even if I don’t have a car, to a friend who’s recovering from surgery. The pandemic has made me relied heavily on online grocery. I’m a fan of Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh, and it’s been wonderful to order and get it on the same day. Even more joyful is to be able to order for friends and family who aren’t able to go get their own grocery. While we are forced to be physically apart during this time, I am reminded that there are ways that I can still give.
This year I invite you to give compassionately without any expectations (no strings attached). Whether it’s your time, money, or food, please consider sharing with a friend, a stranger, a family member, a neighbor or a coworker.
Ways to mindfully give this new year:
Make time to connect with a friend and practice active listening, really being present for her
Send a thoughtful gift to a friend or family member
Give food to those in need
Send a gratitude email or text, sharing how this person has meant to you
Invest in yourself, whether it’s through learning a new skill or investing in index funds
Donate to a charity or cause you believe in
Write an encouraging email to you or a friend and schedule for delivery a year from now (or some time in the future)
Drop off treats to a friend who’s been under the weather
