What I Learned in 2016

Universally, 2016 was an eventful, challenging and karmic year. In numerology, it was the end of a nine-year cycle — a time for completion.

It was about letting go of what no longer worked for us, particularly attachments, struggle and outmoded beliefs. At the same time, it was about finding the gold among any difficult lessons.

In a nutshell, 2016 was a time to get real with ourselves and remember who we really are. It was like a major upgrade for all of us.

More than that, it highlighted our need to grow up and take responsibility for our thoughts, actions and words. It was like a collective call to stop hiding behind masks and making decisions based on misinformation, lack or fear.

Instead, we become authentic, connected and heartfelt. We become empowered to be the best we can be.

For me, I learned more about myself than ever before.

Here’s what I’m grateful for learning in 2016:

1. Stopped doing and started being

Although I started the year ready and raring to pursue passion projects, it quickly turned into being still, silent and grounded.

There’s nothing like a debilitating shoulder injury to get comfy with longer, daily doses of stillness.  

Sometimes it was like sitting in a void. Other times heavy emotional clutter rattled around, including things I thought I had dealt with. They needed to be purged once and for all.

Overall, I realised that I had allowed myself to become a victim. I felt abandoned and betrayed. None of these words or feelings had ever been part of my vocabulary. I was surprised, to say the least.

They now form part of an old story — one that I am consciously rewriting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Stopped fighting and started accepting

Although keen to heal, I stopped fighting my need to have a ‘rapid’ recovery. This included my preference for alternative modalities.

With the assistance of those who have a natural, gentle and likeminded approach, I learned to be patient and kinder to myself.

I’ve realised my own healing capabilities.

3. Started asking for help

Having limited mobility with an arm teaches you how to readjust physically. More than that, it teaches you how to ask for help.

For me, this currently applies to some basic things. Think anything that weighs more than a kilo, hanging sheets on the washing line and getting my opposite arm out of a sleeve so I can undress.

I’m graciously letting go of extreme independence in favour of interdependence.

4. Opened to truly receive

As a giver by nature, I’ve had to let go of any deeply embedded feelings of unworthiness so that I can truly be open to receiving from others. 

It’s also an opportunity to be seen for who I really am. Vulnerability was something that I used to see as a weakness in myself, yet thought it to be exquisite when expressed by others. Talk about a conflict.

I’m gradually getting my head and heart around it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Changed my tune

Despite my self-awareness and interest in personal development, I realised that I was actually standing in my own way.

After noticing some repetitive and not so supportive thoughts sneakily lurking around, enough was enough. I’ve created a more supportive inner dialogue towards myself.

As writer Elizabeth Gilbert once said: “I’ve never seen any life transformation that didn’t begin with the person in question finally getting tired of their own bullshit.”

6. Self-nurtured

Part of my slowing down and opening my heart journey included a term of Dru yoga. Often known as the tai chi of yoga, it’s a gentler form. It combines soft, flowing movements and breathwork with nourishing restorative poses.

At the end of my first class, I was so relaxed I almost fell over.

What’s more, I don’t think I’d ever felt so safe or nurtured with a bolster. It was like being held by the universe.

Dru yoga helped me to mellow and work through some mild anxiety.

I experienced similar effects with tantric yin yoga, a deliciously calming and sensual practice. 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Connected with another dimension

Although I often recall my dreams, including some lucid ones, I find that pure sounds (like didgeridoo, crystal or Tibetan bowls and reed flutes) elevate me to another level.  

When I attended a Meditation Soundscapes’ event, I set an intention of connecting to my higher self. During the meditation, precisely when sound healer Katie Underwood sang, I had a clear visual of what looked like a battle-scarred Roman warrior with an anvil.

The next morning, I discovered that it was Vulcan, the ancient god of fire in Roman mythology.

Of course there could be several interpretations to its meaning. Eventually, I realised it related to me having repressed anger and that it was okay to let off steam in a way that I took responsibility for how I was feeling. 

8. Kept things local

Although I like to be intrepid, and have been wanting a place to call home, part of being extra still allowed me to connect even more with the community around me.

I joined a local children’s book writing group. And, after five months, realised that a fellow writer lives four houses away. We are officially neighbours.

I’ve also reconnected with people who live or have moved close by.

The synchronicities have been remarkable.

Everything I need is right here. I’m at home within myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Understood the value of sisterhood

In 2016, I went to my first Red Tent event. I’ve done a few women’s circles, but this was profound. Basically, it’s an intimate gathering where strangers come together to be courageously real and leave feeling more empowered and connected.

I also realised that the ancient practice of using talking sticks not only allows for everyone to be heard, they could be used to help make better decisions in all aspects of life. 

10. Discovered my animal totem

I discovered that my animal totem is eagle. Not surprising, especially since I love living on the top of a hill, and had a pair of wedge-tailed eagles fly over the house in the past few years.  

I’ve also had frequent encounters with the large yellow-tailed black cockatoo throughout 2016. I regard them as my spirit animal. As soon as I think of them, they literally appear.

I’ve often felt that I relate to animals more than people. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Got hooked on Poldark

I’m not a huge TV watcher. Generally speaking, docos are more my thing. Yet somehow, I started watching Poldark, the British-American drama series (based on Graham Winston’s novels) set in the late 18th-century.

Yes, Aidan Turner, who plays the lead character of Captain Ross Poldark, is impossibly good-looking. So is the scenery where the series is filmed. But it’s the parallels that I see in his wife: the strong, independent and free-spirited Demelza.  

Her character is a caring and hardworking soul who has had her fair share of challenges. She also just wants to be loved, cherished and adored. While Demelza stands up for herself, she underestimates her worth.

As the character of Verity Poldark (Captain Poldark’s cousin) so eloquently said: “It’s life’s greatest treasure … to love and be loved in return.”

 

Overall, 2016 was a pivotal year for transformation. It taught me how to give permission to feel, do what I want and to be myself, without shame or guilt.

In many ways, it was like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.

 

On that note, may now and always be healthy, abundant and liberating. More importantly, may it be filled with love, harmony and authentic alignment and expression for all.  

 

Read my favourite Zenspirational Lifestyle blog posts from 2016:

“Six Blissful Meditations to Transform Your Life” 

“Cervical Healing” (two-part blog post)

“The Rise of the Red Tent” 

“Finding Fulfilment Though Stillness” 

“Why You Shouldn’t Ditch Handwriting”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What did you learn in 2016?

Words & Images by Kristin Lee

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