It seems our little corner of the internet is abuzz with the One Little Words we've chosen for this year, a practice I wholeheartedly approve us, as it rquires us to sit back and figure out what, exactly, it is we'd like for this year. What question will we be asking ourselves when faced with decisions, and by what value or yearning will we examine our experiences?
It took me awhile to come up with mine -- it's been a turbulant couple of months, and this week has been the first I've felt like I can see light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's cast by my own internal stubborness and need to pick myself up. I went through quite a few words, and had one in my mind - boundaries - when I sat down to write about it in the Red Storybook.
But what came out of my pen was something different.
(That's one of my favorite things about writing or painting - that ability to surprise myself with what comes out when I put my mind to creative action.)
Granted, my word isn't a usual one -- you won't find necklaces or paintings depicting mine up on Etsy -- and when I posted my little canvas yesterday, Tam voiced her curosity as to why I chose it and what it means. I'll allow a bit of the Red Storybook to explain:
"Like a witch's circle, I need to draw a safe space around myself, filled with love & faith. I can cut a door to let in people I trust & keep out negativity. I can take care of myself & find stillness. Wrap myself in it. And the people of my circle as well.
Ask in 2014: Does this serve the circle?"
Whenever a witch sits down to do serious work -- whether it's a ritual, spell, oracle reading, or internal soul*work -- he or she draws a circle around herself. This is a protective boundary that keeps out negative or bad influences, but allows positive energy to pass through. It's so the witch can practice what she needs without worrying about pulling in anything detrimental to himself while working, and thus can go deeper with a sense of safety and security.
If the boundary is breached, it breaks, but a door can be cut to pass in and out, and to let others inside. The energy of the circle hums and grows and nurtures.
But a circle is also what is around us, the people in our lives. Those you allow and those you don't. Those you can depend on to be there, the ones who make you strive for your best self when around them. A circle is an important thing, and I haven't been the best at creating a solid one (mine is a wonky oval at best).
It referrs to the online circle of dear readers and friends and artists who encourage me to continue down the path of artwork. Of the importance of nuturing those new to our corner of the art world and acknowledging those who have been around for ages.
It is returning to the beginning to see how far you've come.
It is recognizing your boundaries and respecting them -- physically, with my FMS and other ailments; emotionally, with waining depression; and spiritual, as I continue to seek out the faith family I've missed.
For me, circle encompases so much of what I need to focus on for 2014, it seemed the perfect word. It's meaning is deep and simple. And my hope is that, by asking if an action serves the circle, I can create a more balanced, fullfilling 2014 full of friendship, stillness, and abundance.
What's your word for 2014? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
(Please leave your email when you comment so I can respond!)