02 Jan Shaping You in 2013: Exploring the Big Questions

“‘You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.  And there are things to be considered…Where are you living?What are you doing? What are your relationships? Are you in wholesome relationships? Where is your water? Know your garden. It is time to speak your Truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader.’ Then the Hopi Elder clasped her hands together, smiled, and said, ‘This could be a good time.’” Attributed to an unnamed Hopi Elder, Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona

As we come to the close of another year, psychologically it’s an ideal time to take stock of our lives. I’m not talking about obligatory New Year’s resolutions that we break within the first few weeks (or days) of 2013. I’m suggesting setting aside some time to contemplate some of life’s bigger questions. This might happen when you step out your backdoor for some alone time in the wilderness, meet a close friend for a cup of coffee, pull out your art supplies and get creative, or simply sit quietly in the morning before everyone wakes up (yes those 5 minutes count). The goal, ironically, is not to find an answer. The goal is to start your mind and your heart exploring your relationships, your environment and your talents to set a framework for the coming year.

Sometimes we avoid thinking about the bigger questions because we’re afraid. We’re afraid of what we might find, remember or feel. We’re afraid of the expectations that can come with wanting something more or different from our life. We might even be afraid of change itself. But what if, as the Elder says, there might be good waiting for us? What if our brightest moments are still to come? Take time as one year ends and another begins to pull up your bootstraps, stand tall, and bravely begin questioning.