We are heading the end of 2021 and are almost at the beginning of 2022. Historically, this time of year is reserved for letting go of things that no longer serve you and setting intentions for what you would like to experience in the new year. Letting go is liberating and gives you the energy and clarity to look beyond your daily concerns. Intention gives direction to your thoughts and actions. When you set intention and are aware of it on a daily basis, your mental/emotional state and your actions are in line with your intention. If you do this consistently, you will be amazed at how you can shape your own reality. Now I would like to invite you to a ritual to get you ready for 2022 and to make 2022 YOUR YEAR.

What you need:

• A quiet and peaceful place where you can sit for a while
• Pen and paper
• Candle or incense (optional)
• Match or lighter
• A bowl or something to burn paper in
• and most importantly: compassion for yourself

Once you have this prepared, you can begin with the ritual.

Step 1 – Connect

Go to the place that you have chosen for this ritual. Take the time to unwind. Burn a candle or incense if you like. Sit quietly in front of it. Take a few deep breaths and pay attention on your breathing. Do this to direct yourself inward and connect with your inner world. If you already meditate, you can use this moment to do a short meditation.

Step 2 – Letting Go

Make a list of all the things that no longer serve you and that you would like to leave behind in the new year. This can be anything such as certain emotions, habits, thoughts, but also certain people… both private and business. Listen carefully to yourself and be honest about what you really want to leave behind. When you have finished writing, give the letter the name “THINGS TO LET GO”.

Set this letter on fire in the bowl. Keep looking at the fire and repeat aloud or in silence (whichever you feel suited) until the fire is extinguished: “Thank you for the lessons. Now I have learned and let you go in love!”

Step 3 – Setting Intention

Now sit back and relax. Take a few deep breaths. Listen to your heart and now write down what your heart desires; emotions you want to experience, circumstances you want to experience, goals you want to achieve, people you want to meet…. Let it be about yourself and formulate it positively, for example “I am confident in myself and my future” instead of “I don’t want to feel fear anymore”… I know, for many of us it is much easier to think about what you don’t want. But for example, by telling a cab driver where you don’t want to go he still doesn’t know where to take you. It works the same way with intention. Focus on where you want to go. Give this letter a name, for example MY 2022.

The last but not least essential part of setting intention is coming into the state where your intention is already a reality, so to speak. Take a few deep breaths, focus your attention fully on your breathing, and most importantly feel compassion for yourself.

• Speak your intentions out loud or to yourself;
• Visualize and feel as if your intention is already reality (your brain knows no difference between fantasy and reality);
• Feel the joy and gratitude for what you have been able to experience.

Fold this letter and put it in something you often carry with you. I myself put it in the case of my mobile phone. You can keep repeating this step, even in the run-up to New Year’s Eve. If you feel inspired, I recommend you do this step for 21 days.

I wish you a magical, happy and healthy New Year, full of love, trust and meaningful moments!