Facing This Moment
We begin 2026 carrying a particular weight. Many of us are watching systems we counted on become less trustworthy, witnessing the rise of forces that threaten the vulnerable, feeling the ground shift beneath us. This is real. And it matters how we meet it.
Looking back and facing forward, the practice of Janus, becomes especially important when the path ahead feels uncertain or threatening. We look back to remember our strength, our resilience, what has sustained us before. We face forward not with naive optimism, but with love and commitment to relationship, to community, to the work that must be done.
January with Janus: Facing Back to Face Forward
The start of a new year often brings a wave of resolutions: write a book, cook and eat at home from scratch, learn a new language. While these goals can be admirable, the pressure to achieve them perfectly often leads to disappointment and self-criticism—and right now, we need our energy for other things.
This year, as we enter a time that demands sustained commitment and collective care, consider shifting your focus from rigid resolutions to intentions that strengthen both your spirit and your connections to others.
The Wisdom of Janus
January derives its name from the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, doorways, and transitions.
"Janus"- watercolour by Tony Grist CC1.0
- What were your greatest triumphs?
- What challenges did you face and what did you learn from them?
- What strengths did you discover within yourself?
These reflections provide valuable guidance as we set our intentions for the year ahead, but we don't live in the past. We can learn from it, but not dwell on (and in) it.
Beyond Resolutions: Choosing a Word of the Year
Facing forward, we can imagine how the coming year might look. Again, we don't live in the future, we dwell in the present. Making resolutions can bring the focus too much into the specifics of (let's be real here) an UNKOWN future. Instead of focusing on specific outcomes, I invite you to choose a word of the year. This word should embody the essence of what you hope to cultivate within yourself throughout the year. For example, your word might be "joy," "growth," "peace," or "creativity."
Whatever word or intention you choose, remember: we don't build resilience alone. Your spiritual practice isn't separate from your relationships, your community, or the work that must be done in the world. Individual wellness matters because you matter, as a beloved member of community, as someone whose presence and participation are needed. We remain faithful to the work ahead, not through grinding ourselves down, but through practices that sustain us for the long haul.
A year might be too much to wrap your mind around. Perhaps that word is good, but not enough. In that case, consider imagining the future by season.
Setting Intentions Through the Seasons
Don't limit yourself to setting intentions just once a year. The work of sustaining ourselves and each other requires regular renewal. Explore the cultural and natural rhythms around you to discover smaller seasonal opportunities for reflection, rest, and reconnection to what matters most.
For the Northern Hemisphere, the Solstices, Equinoxes, and days midway between them can be a way to mark seasons. For folks closer to the equator these seasonal demarcations may not fit. Notice what is real for where you physically dwell.
Here's one way to approach seasons:
- End of January (called Imbolc in some Pagan traditions) (February 2): A time of hope and renewal, celebrating the return of light. What seeds do you want to plant within yourself?
- Spring Equinox (March 20/21):
A time for balance and new beginnings. How can you bring more balance into your life? - End of April (Called Beltane by some Pagan traditions) (May 1): A time of passion, creativity, and abundance. How can you cultivate more joy and lightness in your life?
- Summer Solstice (June 20/21): A time of peak energy and abundance. How can you make the most of this vibrant time of year?
- End of July (Called Lughnasadh by some Pagan traditions) (August 1): A time of harvest and celebration. What have you cultivated this year? What are you ready to let go of?
- Autumn Equinox (September 22/23): A time of balance and preparation for the winter. How can you prepare for the coming months?
- End of October (Called Samhain by some Pagan traditions) (October 31): A time of reflection, honoring ancestors, and letting go of what no longer serves you.
- Winter Solstice (December 21/22): A time for rest, reflection, and inward turning. How can you nourish your inner world during this time of quietude?
Lunar Cycles
You may want to approach your experience of seasons by moon cycles. Many cultures pay close attention to the moon and many name each 28-day moon cycle, such as a "Wolf Moon" or "Strawberry Moon" or "Harvest Moon." You'll notice that these moon names refer to what is happening naturally during that moon-month. Perhaps you will want to name the moon-months for your area yourself, or do some research about the cultures that have flourished in your area, instead of borrowing from another culture?
You can also align your intention setting with the phases of the moon.
Phases of the Moon (Pexels)
- Reflect: Spend time reflecting on the past year. What were your biggest accomplishments? What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn?
- Acknowledge: Acknowledge your successes and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
- Identify Themes: Instead of focusing on specific outcomes, identify overarching themes for the year. For example, instead of "lose 10 pounds," your intention might be to "cultivate a healthier relationship with my body" or "prioritize self-care."
- Set Guiding Principles: Establish a few guiding principles to support your intentions. These could be:
- Mindfulness: Cultivate greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, both for your own wellbeing and so you can show up more fully for others.
- Compassion: Treat yourself and others with kindness and understanding, remembering that we are all doing our best in difficult times.
- Relationship: Prioritize connection and community. Your love is stronger than the dark, and we need each other.
- Commitment: Remain faithful to the work that must be done, pacing yourself for the long road ahead.
Intention Setting Exercises:
Consider taking advantage of one of the many tools available to support this process. This reflection time in January is worth investing time and energy into.
- Vision Board: Create a vision board to visually represent your intentions. Gather images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with you and reflect your desired themes for the year.
- Journaling: Dedicate time each day to journaling about your intentions. Reflect on your progress, celebrate your successes, and adjust your approach as needed.
- Mindful Meditation: Use meditation to connect with your inner wisdom and clarify your intentions.
For Deeper Exploration:
If you're looking for a more structured approach to intention setting, I recommend exploring the "Year Compass" workbook by Rebecca Campbell. This workbook provides a comprehensive framework for reflecting on the past year, identifying your core desires, and setting meaningful intentions for the year ahead.
By shifting your focus from rigid resolutions to flexible intentions and honoring the wisdom of Janus by looking both back and forward, you can approach the new year with openness, curiosity, and self-compassion. Remember that life is a journey, not a race—and you don't walk it alone. Celebrate your progress, tend to your connections, and trust that your love and commitment are enough for whatever comes. We remain faithful to the work that must be done, together.Working with a spiritual companion can help you deepen your reflection, gain new perspectives, and develop a personalized approach to intention setting.
- If you feel called to explore the meaning and direction of your spirituality with a credentialed companion, visit https://shorturl.at/pr0ue or http://UUSDN.org to find a spiritual companion.
- If you are thinking of professional changes for the new year... consider the 2-year Spiritual Direction Certification program through Cherry Hill Seminary. There are still a few openings for our March 2026 cohort. This program trains spiritual companions for earth-based, Pagan, UU and multi-religious communities.
If you've been considering a career transition into spiritual care, or want to add spiritual companioning to your existing ministry or helping profession, I'm holding discovery calls through January.
The program is trauma-aware, justice-oriented, consent-based, and designed for working adults. 11 spots remaining, applications close February 15.
Schedule a conversation: https://SpiritualTendingWithAmy.as.me/SpiDirInquiry
Program details: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/01/cherry-hill-spiritual-direction.html
This Spirit Tending series is ©2026 Amy Beltaine, all rights reserved. You may freely reprint any blog post, website, or print resource. Simply include the following attribution, and if you print online, make the link at the end live:
Article ©2026 Amy Beltaine, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. This article and hundreds of others, along with other free resources, are available at http://www.AmyBeltaine.info
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