New Years Ritual: Set Your Intention Using Candles

Materials Needed:

• A quiet, comfortable space
• 3 candles
• Matches or a lighter
• A notebook and pen

Preparation:

• Choose a time when you won't be disturbed.
• Dim the lights to create a calming atmosphere.
• Arrange the candles in a line in front of you.

Centering:

• Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Close your eyes for a moment, focusing on the present moment. Let go of any tension or distractions.

Lighting the Candles:

 

• Light the first candle. This represents gratitude. Think about the past year and the things you're grateful for. Spend a few minutes reflecting on these positive moments or lessons learned.

• Light the second candle. This represents release. Reflect on what you'd like to let go of from the past year—habits, fears, or anything that no longer serves you. Spend a few minutes mentally releasing these things.

• Light the third candle. This represents intention. Think about your desires and goals for the upcoming year. What do you want to achieve or experience? Reflect on these intentions for a few minutes.

 

Writing Your Intentions:

 

• Open your notebook and write down three to five intentions for the new year. Be specific and positive. For example, instead of writing "Stop procrastinating," write "Develop a productive daily routine."
• Next to each intention, jot down one or two actionable steps you can take to move toward that goal.

 

Visualizing:

 

• Close your eyes again and visualize yourself living out these intentions. Imagine the feelings of joy, accomplishment, and fulfillment that come with achieving your goals.
• Take a few more deep breaths, solidifying these intentions in your mind.

 

Closing:

 

• Gently blow out the candles one by one, starting with the gratitude candle, then the release candle, and finally the intention candle. As you extinguish each flame, silently affirm the intention you've set with each one.
• Keep your notebook somewhere visible to remind you of your intentions throughout the year.

This exercise can be revisited periodically to adjust or reaffirm your intentions as the year progresses.