Peaceful. Cheerful. Tired.
While these three adjectives may not seem like they go together, we often live our lives in a state of disequilibrium, trying to make peace – at home, at work, and in our own heads. When everything is peaceful, we feel happy and calm. But when they are out of balance, we feel the tension of these unbalanced relationships and emotions. And that is tiring.
It’s time to change that last adjective. How can we close 2025 and enter the coming year peacefully, happily and energetically?
Three words: put yourself first!
Of course, it’s easy to say, “I’m going to make time for myself today.” or “I’m going to fill my day with things and people that really make me happy.” And those are all great ways to start. But the challenge is to go beyond one day and fill our lives with goodness that reaches the depths of our hearts and souls every day.
Three tips you can follow today and every day:
1. Learn to say no.
We are often moved to help, whether in a volunteer role or in a friendship. And once we say yes to the first and second things, we’re often stuck on a roller coaster of “Sure, I can make time for that.” And by making time for everything and everyone, we leave ourselves last. Learning to say no (politely, of course) is incredibly liberating.
2. Find your joy.
Happiness is fleeting. Things change when something or someone comes along to rock our boats. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Dig deeper. Go beyond immediate happiness to find your inner joy. What makes you sing? What makes your heart fly? Once you find it, follow that.
3. Make time for yourself.
You are the most important thing in your life. When you choose to put everyone else first, your health and happiness suffer. We often selfishly think that nothing can happen without our input, guidance or help. An example: the holidays. Have you done all the shopping, packing, and cooking in preparation for parties and gatherings? Sure, it’s fun, but all that cheer can leave you feeling completely exhausted. When you are healthy and happy, your radiance radiates to others around you. Making yourself healthy and happy is the best gift you can give to the people you love.
Let yourself grow
Check out our arrival programs in the new year. Find time for yourself!
Qi Thursday: Continuous, every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM EST
Tao of Morning Qigong: Continuously, every Tuesday and Saturday morning at 8:00 AM EST
Advanced Xiao Dao Study: January 10 – 11. The first weekend intensive of Advanced Xiao Dao is now available for review. The second live weekend will focus on meridian theory and its application.
Yin Yang of Winter: January 18 – 25. Winter is the gateway to your life source. When you enter Winter the right way, you build up the energetic reserves that determine your health, creativity and clarity for the entire year. Join Grandmaster Lu for this 7-day exploration of Taoist Wu Ming Qigong movements, ancient teachings, food for healing, and personal exploration.