January with Janus: Facing Back to Face Forward

January with Janus: Facing Back to Face Forward

The start of a new year often brings with us 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 can often lead to disappointment and self-criticism.

This year, consider shifting your focus from rigid resolutions to more flexible intentions.

The Wisdom of Janus

January derives its name from the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, doorways, and transitions. Depicted with two faces, one looking back and the other forward, Janus embodies the cyclical nature of time and the importance of reflecting on the past to inform the future. 

"Janus"- watercolour by Tony Grist CC1.0

By looking back at the past year, we gain invaluable insights.

• 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 to 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."

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. Explore the cultural and natural rhythms around you to discover smaller seasonal opportunities for reflection and intention setting. 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. The new moon is a time for new beginnings, while the full moon is a time for release and culmination. 

Remember to source information about these seasonal transitions ethically, respecting the cultural significance of these observances.

Phases of the Moon (Pexels)

Instead of setting strict goals, consider using this time to face back, and face forward:

• 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.
  • Compassion: Treat yourself and others with kindness and understanding.
  • Gratitude: Practice daily gratitude for the blessings in your life.

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 a sense of openness, curiosity, and self-compassion. Remember that life is a journey, not a race. Celebrate your progress, embrace the unexpected, and enjoy the ride.

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.