 The turning of the calendar to a new year holds a unique and sacred energy. It is a collective pause, a global breath before a new chapter begins. This moment is imbued with the pristine energy of potential, a clean slate gifted to us by Spirit. For many, this time is filled with making New Year's resolutions—rigid goals that often focus on what we think we should do. But what if we approached this transition differently? What if, instead of setting goals from the mind, we planted seeds of intention from the soul?
From a shamanic perspective, the start of a new cycle is a powerful time to align with the natural flow of life. Just as the earth rests before bursting forth with new growth, we are invited to turn inward and listen to the deepest whispers of our hearts. Traditional resolutions can sometimes come from a place of lack, a feeling that we are not good enough as we are. Heart-centered intentions, however, arise from a place of love. They are gentle, expansive, and honor the truth that your essence needs expression in its most authentic form. This New Year, let us guide you in setting intentions that resonate with your soul and create a foundation for profound spiritual growth.  On this day, a unique and beautiful energy settles over much of the world. It’s a quiet hum of generosity, connection, and warmth that we call the Christmas spirit. For a fleeting time, our hearts open a little wider, our actions soften with kindness, and the act of giving becomes a central focus. But what if this beautiful, heart-centered energy wasn’t meant to be packed away with the ornaments and festive lights? What if we could carry its luminous glow with us every single day of the year?
The true spirit of giving is not found in the beautifully wrapped presents under a tree. It is a profound current of energy that flows from an open heart. From a shamanic perspective, we understand that everything is connected. When you give freely, without expectation of return, you are participating in the sacred flow of the universe. You are acknowledging that your own abundance is not diminished by sharing it; in fact, the very act of giving creates space for more to flow in. This is a timeless truth: the energy you send out creates ripples that always find their way back to you. When my children were little, I wanted them to truly understand that Christmas was as much about giving as it was about receiving. Each year, as the season approached, I would gather them close and invite them to go through their collection of toys. Together, we would sort through the bins and shelves, choosing the ones still in good condition but ready to be given a new home. I would sit with them, explaining that by sharing their toys, they were bringing joy to other children who might not have much to celebrate. I told them that the true magic of Christmas—the spirit of Santa, the warmth of this sacred season—wasn't measured by the gifts they unwrapped but by the love and generosity they shared with others. Through these small acts, I hoped to nurture their hearts to see that giving was its own beautiful reward. Recently, while shopping in a store, I was blessed to witness an act of kindness that deeply touched my heart. The woman standing two places ahead of me at the checkout turned to the cashier and warmly asked them to add the order of the person behind her to her bill. With a smile, she explained that she intentionally makes it a practice to pay for someone else’s purchase as a way to spread joy—not only to others but also within herself. She shared that this simple gesture of generosity brings her a profound sense of happiness. It was a powerful reminder that giving, no matter how small the act, becomes a sacred exchange of love and light, rippling outward in ways we may never fully see. Generosity is a powerful way for your essence to find expression. It is a declaration that you are part of a vibrant, interconnected web of life, and that your actions, no matter how small, have the power to uplift and heal. By choosing to live with a giving heart, you can learn to make every day feel like Christmas—a day of light, love, and magical connection.  In the quiet heart of the year, nature holds its breath. The days grow short, the nights stretch long, and a profound stillness settles over the land. This is the sacred time of the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest night of the year, a powerful turning point in the great cosmic cycle. This year it happens on December 21. For millennia, humanity has paused at this celestial moment, not in fear of the darkness, but in deep reverence for the light that is about to be reborn. It is a sacred invitation from the universe to turn inward, reflect, and welcome the slow, certain return of the sun.
The Winter Solstice is more than just an astronomical event; it is a mirror for our own inner journey. As the outer world sleeps, we are called to tend to the quiet garden of our soul. This ancient tradition reminds us of a timeless truth: that even in our darkest moments, there is a promise of renewal. The light always returns. Let us explore the rich tapestry of traditions that honor this powerful moment of transition and discover how we can weave their wisdom into our own lives.  Are you, like me, the kind of person who can spot the moon in the sky, day or night? I am endlessly fascinated with this celestial body. It truly stops me in my tracks every time I catch a glimpse of that gentle glow—whether a bold full circle blazing at midnight or a pale sliver playing hide and seek in the morning sky. My partner has gotten used to my habit of “moon spotting,” watching me light up and excitedly point a finger skyward every time. There is a kind of ancient joy in this ritual—one that reminds me how the moon is always keeping us company, quietly guiding us through her endless dance of darkness and light. The moon’s journey from darkness to light and back again offers us a sacred map for our own personal growth, a way to live in harmony with the natural flow of energy.
Understanding and working with the moon cycles is a simple yet profound way to bring intention and balance into your life. We know that everything is connected, and just as the moon pulls the ocean’s tides, its energy gently influences our own inner waters. By aligning our actions with the moon's phases, we can amplify our intentions, release what no longer serves us, and connect more deeply with our soul's wisdom. This is not about complex rituals, but about a gentle, loving partnership with the universe.  The holiday season arrives each year on a current of energy. It can feel like a whirlwind of shimmering lights, festive songs, and a deep yearning for connection. Yet, beneath this glittering surface often flows a powerful undertow of pressure—a rush of commercialism, overflowing calendars, and the heavy weight of expectation. It’s easy to feel your own energy scatter, pulled in a hundred directions until the spirit of the season feels lost.
It is possible, however, to navigate this time not with hurried depletion, but with a quiet, intentional heart. This is a sacred invitation to reclaim your inner peace, to find stillness amidst the beautiful chaos, and to rediscover the season’s true meaning within yourself. After all, everything is connected, and your inner state directly influences your outer experience. Living from the heart is not about rejecting celebration, but about choosing how your energy flows. It’s about consciously creating space for what truly nourishes your soul while gently releasing what drains it. |
AuthorTerri Lundquist Archives
January 2026
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