Why is It important for our personal growth to reflect upon the past year?

Looking back on past year achievements helps to build our confidence.
We easily overlook what we have achieved, as so many things in life demand our attention simultaneously. When we take a moment to reflect what we have achieved and how, it give us a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence, building our personal power.

Reflection gives insights to stop repeating the same stories.
When we reflect upon the past, there is a distance between that our past version and the now. This makes it less emotionally triggering and creates space to see the learnings from the challenges, fears and struggles we have experienced in the past year. Offering us the possibility to take ownership of the experienced discomfort and see what we can and want to change within ourselves in order to not repeat the same story.

We build the present on the foundation of the past.
The past is the foundation for the present, influencing our thoughts, values, conditioning and behaviour. Observation of the self brings beliefs, values and thoughts to the surface so they no longer affect from the subconscious but transform into constructive building blocks of our present.

Now go through your answers and mark, highlight the most inspiring answers that you want to have as a building block for 2024.

Note this is written based on the belief that our soul is here on this earth, in this body and in this life to learn and that all experiences are in purpose to the expansion of our consciousness to be more aligned with authentic essence and create together heaven on earth. 


Note this is written based on the belief that our soul is here on this earth, in this body and in this life to learn and that all experiences are in purpose to the expansion of our consciousness to be more aligned with authentic essence and create together heaven on earth. 
Note this is written based on the belief that our soul is here on this earth, in this body and in this life to learn and that all experiences are in purpose to the expansion of our consciousness to be more aligned with authentic essence and create together heaven on earth. 

We have a new moon when the sun and moon align. This is the beginning of a new cycle, where both the sun and moon shine a light on a new aspect of ourselves. 
​This new moon in Aries highlights, our sense of self: our potential, self-image, the way how we approach life, take care of our body, and express our identity. 

ARIES 
Zodiac Aspect: Sense of self
Element: Fire
​Quality: New beginnings, initiation, taking action.
Energy center: Solar Plexus

The initiation of a New Zodiac cycle is THE moment to take action!
Collectively we have chosen to start the new year in January. Setting our new year's resolutions to change our habits, start new projects, diets and jobs. Though the time from January to end of March it is still winter. This is the season where energetically go within and are more introvert to discover our inner worlds and get to know the depths of our being. We take the time to listen to our inner voice and needs and from here we can decide what our focus is for our life. 
Then we spring comes it is time to take action, show your new projects, start to co-create and make the changes to your diet, habit and way of thinking. This is what nature shows us. As the new leaves grow from the trees, fields are filled with flowers and birds start to sing.
​
What has been emerging within you during winter and you feel now is the time to start?

Be bold and courageous and stretch beyond what you have ever done before 
The astrological new year starts with the sign of Aries. Making it the beginning of the wheel of the zodiac. Therefore when the sun and moon is in Aries we naturally feel activated to start new and do something we have never done before.  A time where we feel inspired to bit a bit more courageous than normal  to step out of our comfort zone and explore new unknown territories. 

What would you like to start in your life for which you need to be courageous?

The season of fire requires a true commitment to inner peace.
Every sign of the Zodiac is connected to one of the four elements. Aries is related to Fire. This means that the coming cycle things can heat up in your life and in the world: Conflict, abrupt endings, fast beginnings and quick initiations. In order to navigate the power of fire it is important to be able to bring yourself to a place of tranquility.
​
What is your practice or way to be in a state of inner peace? How could you cultivate more peacefulness in your life?

❂

The moment for deep healing so you can move forward in freedom.
This new moon also lights up the aspects of ourselves that trigger us. Only when they come to light we can embrace these aspects and be no longer a slave of our wounds, like abandonment, rejection, shame, inadequacy, low self worth, etc. This is the path to our true freedom. So keep a watchful eye this month and observe your triggers and welcome them as opportunities for deep healing.

​What are currently the most triggering aspects of your life, specially around your identity? People, situations? And how do they trigger you? What wound do they trigger (abandonment, rejection, shame, inadequacy, low self worth, unlovable).

Plants are our wise companions. They help us integrate our lessons, give us strength and love to overcome the challenges, raise our energetic vibration and open us up to our wholeness. 
Here are some great companions for the Aries Cycle: 

Nettle is your guide for Cleansing. Emotionally releasing all the anger you have been holding on to. Physically to clean your liver and blood for healthy growth during the spring time. Nettle gets things moving especially if you have been experiencing stagnation.
​
Lemon Balm a gentle calming of the nervous system during this fiery season. If you do not have an inner peace practice, a cup of lemon balm will do you great favour. Balancing body and mind and transforming your thought from negative into more positive.

Rituals are ways to welcome in forces that are bigger than us, so we feel supported and strengthened on our life path. 
Here is some inspiration for your Aries New Moon Ritual. 
Be creative and bring in as many extra elements as you want. ​

“Slow down to open up communication with nature.”  
In our day-to-day life, we live according to the time created by the mind. This planning does not take into account the natural rhythms like the phases of the moon, sunrise and sunset. In nature there is no rush, everything unfolds according to the divine timing, following the cleverly designed natural cycles, to sprout, grow, blossom and die. ​

When we walk mindfully, synchronising our breath and our steps, we allow ourselves to open up to the communication with mother earth. As when we slow down and bring awareness to our body, mind, spirit, we connect to the natural cycles within us.

“Vibrating our primordial frequency with the Sacred Earth"
Everything is vibration.
Every vibration is unique
Every plant, Every tree, Every Flower 
Every part of the body 
Every emotion 
have their own unique vibration
Mother nature’s frequency is our home, our primordial vibration. Though due to challenges, trauma’s, etc. we diverse from this frequency, which leaves us with a sensation of stress, anxiety and loss. ​

When we spend time in nature, we open ourselves up with all our senses to beauty. This admiration allows us to awaken the beauty within us. Our body, emotions and thoughts start to resonate with the rhythm of mother earth, a phenomenon known as sympathetic resonance.

Nature energetically supports the meditation.

Besides the observation with our five senses, we are also energetically communicating to our environment. Every flower or plant energetic qualities that influence or state of being. Herbalism and flower remedies can bring to your consciousness what the specific qualities of each flower are. You can also discover yourself how nature energetically supports you, by bringing your attention to your breath and observing a specific plant or flower. Explore the qualities that come to mind when you look at the plant, the part of the body that starts to be alive, the sensation you notice in that part of your body, and the mood and feelings that it awakens. The observation with your full attention of a natural element is a meditation in itself.

Who doesn’t have a smile on its face when they hear a bird sing. Like all music, birds songs are also a vibration, ranging between 1000 and 8000 Hz. High vibrations for humans are associated with elevated emotional states like compassion, unconditional love and being without resistance, all emotions that are highly supportive of your meditation. So again when your mind starts to wander off, focus your attention on the birds’ songs, they support you to elevate the frequency of being, which brings you in this perfect meditative state.

Would you like to have a meditation in nature? Follow the weekly online Walk for Humanity. Sunday’s at 10.00 on Instagram or Facebook for live guidance on how to explore your natural environment with your full attention.
Or if you want to go deeper contact me for a remote one-on-one walking meditation experience.

1. Herbalism

Well-known is the healing power of the flower and plants for centuries through herbalism.
Even though many prefer to go to the pharmacy, luckily it becomes more popular to dive into the power of plants to take care of their physical well being. A very ancient practice that has always been there.

Juliet De Barclay “The grandmother of Herbalism” has been guiding me for many natural potions of all sorts. Her favourite herb is Rosemary, a powerful anti-sceptic with it you can heal almost anything. I personally love to decorate cakes and salads with these beautiful tiny purple flowers or inhale the strong fragrance by simply passing by a rosemary bush.

Here is a link to Juliette of the herbs documentary, that inspired be to learn more about  herbalism. Warning this documentary is for slow living so you need patience to tap into the simple wisdom she is sharing.

Queen of the wild greens is Susan Weeds. She invites us on weed walks into our environment and discover what magical power nature has to offer us. By going on regular walks through all seasons while you take time to explore the weeds and their flowers you allow yourself time and space to tap into its healing capabilities. Here is a short video, where she shares one of her weed walks. Next time I you go for a walk: Observe the weeds, their shape, height color and flowers. In what season can you see their flowers? For example, in spring in Mallorca the fields are full of Daucus Carota, Wild Carrot, thanks to Susan I know now that the beautiful fresh flowers are a great addition to my salads.

2. Essential Oils 

Another way we can connect to the flower’s power is by the aroma's of the essential oils. It's the essential oils within that give the plant its scent. A distillation process of the plant's flowers, stems, leaves and roots extract this potent fragrance. 
Taking in the beautiful aroma of this plant with your nose or skin can give a wide variety of benefits. There are many beautiful essential oils out there. Though one of my favourites is made by Joan Canaves, Pasos de Herbolario. Every step of the process he does with great respect and love for the plants, collecting the plants by hand that are in their seasonal abundance. The Hiperico Balear is truly incredible. Just smell this aroma and you feel how it opens your heart in a gentle and supportive way. Juan says it “allows the heart’s of men and plants to beat in the same rhythm”. 

3. Flower Remedies
When we dive deeper into the natural healing capabilities of the flowers we find the flower remedies. The energy of every flower re-established our emotional equilibrium. Constant emotional pains and suffering (like sadness and anger) can have a severe impact on our physical well being. Moreover, flowers awaken positive emotional qualities and insights into our consciousness. From this place of balance physical healing can take place. 

Over 130 years ago it started with Bach Flower Remedies. Thereafter many others have tuned into the subtle messages of the flowers. Giving us access to a wide range of healing capabilities from the gemstones in Alaska to flowers in the Australian Bush. 
My mother introduced me to the Nederlandse Bloesem Remedies. Whenever I felt emotionally imbalanced, we would select a flower remedy that could support me through that time. I have been amazed for many years by its subtle strength and positivity, supporting me through incredibly difficult challenges. The drops gently allowed me to let go of aspects of myself that no longer supported my wellbeing and to come closer to my true, vibrant nature. This personal experience has inspired me to integrate the power of flowers into my guided walking meditations (Connecting to the qualities of the flower in meditation) and energy healings (with the Blossom Remedies). Every time it surprises me that the flowers we select addresses the issue that is currently going on in the person’s life. 

Flowers are an incredible and gentle way to consciously connect to our deep inner nature, that state to which we long so deeply. On my Instagram, I regularly share the flowers wisdom and inspiration. 

The space element welcomes expansiveness and endless possibilities in our lives. It’s within the nothingness where we come to understand we are more than the physical body, more than our daily reality, that we are part of something bigger than us.

This is the most subtle of the five elements and most difficult to grasp. We cannot see it, feel it, touch it, but we can sense it. This is the element that exists in relationship to other the elements earth, water, fire and air, giving them a place to exist. In essence, space is emptiness. 

What comes to mind when you think of the element space? 

Most of us probably think first of outer space, that elusive area where thousands of lights twinkle. The cosmos is a place we have never been, though we have been told it is where everything floats, no gravity exists, and time is measured by lightyears, not by days. 

Our physical body exists for 99.99% of empty space. When you look at the body (and everything in our universe) on a microscopic level, you can see that matter is a composition of atoms. If you enlarge an atom to the size of a watermelon the nucleus, of which the atom is composed of, are too small to detect with the naked eye, the atom being just empty space. 

Space is observed beyond our sensory perception of hearing, tasting, touching and smelling. It is that what we can sense, thereby driving our intuition and inner wisdom. 

What are the qualities of such the cosmos?

How do I know when space is out of balance? 
An excess of space can give you a sense emptiness, having an out-of-body experience and feeling ungrounded. Not being actively present in your reality and not connecting to the people around you. This can give a sense of isolation and misunderstanding. You might experience a deep sense you are not belonging, of not being from here. A lack of the space element causes the opposite giving a sensation of feeling stuck in your daily reality and thought processes. 

 What qualities does space bring to my life? 
Space is the expansiveness and unlimited possibilities. So it allows you to tap into your true potential embracing the joy of the unknown. Being a part of life without experiencing any resistance. Deeply connected to your consciousness, spirituality and your strong intuition. It allows you to be open and free. To travel beyond ourselves, giving us a deep understanding of wholeness and the wisdom of the universe. This drives our intuition and thought processes. When space is in balance you find it easy to hold and sustain the other elements so welcoming the qualities of earth, fire, water and air into your existence. 

 How do I connect to space? 
Practice mental and physical stillness. It is the short pause between your breaths, the space between two thoughts, the physical space you are in, the stillness in-between the sounds, and the pause between movement. Connect to space by observing the lack of the elements: cold because it lacks the heat of the fire, dry because it lacks the moisture of water, still because it lacks the movement of air, light because it lacks the heaviness of earth.

By practising awareness in any way that resonates with you, you can find stillness. For example, in meditation practising the undisturbed mind, in yoga the space between the movements and the breath, or in energy work where you notice the hands of the practitioner working with your body and mind, without them being physically present. An interesting exercise is to rub your hands one against the other. Hold them in front of each other, observing the space in between the hands. Then take one hand away while still being aware of the space that is in front of the hand. Can you sense the space? 

In this meditation, we will connect to emptiness, stillness and expansiveness around and within us. This allows us to let all boundaries fade away, connect to our inner wisdom and welcome the endless possibilities of life. ​

Air is mobile, cool, light, dry, subtle and flowing. It makes things move or even fly. Externally we observe air by the wind, clearing the sky from its clouds. 
We notice the wind by the sense of touch, can hear its sound or change of temperature. Internally we can observe air with our breath, how it fills up our longs, generating a movement of expansion, contraction and vibration in the body. The air element is the oxygen flowing through our lungs and bloodstream. It expresses itself to you through thought and the nervous system.
Air is associated with two energy centres in our body. First, the throat chakra the centre of expression and speaking our truth. Second, the third eye chakra the centre for our sensory perceptions, thoughts and abstraction allowing us to transcend beyond the body. 
​
When air is out of balance? 
Do you have difficulty being understood? 
Trouble speaking your truth? 
Do you need to make decisions and take action? 
Are you judgemental to others? 
Lost in thought, detached from your emotions and body? 
Feeling like you are flowing? Not here on earth? 
Experiencing pain and sadness making it worse with your thinking? 
Are you lying or manipulating others for your good? 
Losing all your energy in continuous communication, messaging and learning? 
Trouble sleeping as your mind is too busy? 
Feeling there is not enough space for all your thoughts? 
No room to breath? ​

What qualities does air bring to my life? 
Air get things moving. Whenever you need a new idea, clarify your vision or develop a plan. It drives the cognitive process, your intellect and thoughts to make good decisions. Awakening your curiosity to learn something new and be open-minded. It also gets your tongue moving welcoming lively sociability into your life and to speak your truth. 
How do I connect to the air element? 
Open your window, whistle a song or dance with the wind. Go outside, feel the wind on your face and look up to the sky, enjoying the movement of the clouds. Notice this unstoppable movement of grace and flexibility. Watch the birds so they can show you what air is all about, listening to their songs is the music of the air element. 
In this walking meditation, we connect to the continuous movement of air by filling up the body with the breath of life, being grateful for our thought processes and allowing new ideas to flow into our life. ​

Also, 75% of the human body is water mirroring the composition of our planet. The brain consists even up to 85% and our blood 95%. The water in the body carries the nutrients to the cells and transports the toxins out of the body, a continuous flow of nourishment and purification. It protects our tissues and organs and regulates our body temperature. Water is the saliva in our mouth, tears running over our cheeks, the sweat, the feeling of moisture in our exhale and the pressure of the urine in our bladder. 

The water element also has its energy centre in the body. Four fingers below the navel in the sacral chakra. This is the vessel for imagination and creative impulses. It is here where our soul and body integrate and accept each other. 

How do I know when the water element is out of balance?
Do you feel over-emotional? Incredibly sensitive? Like emotions are crushing you like the big ocean waves?
One moment you are happy, the other one you are sad. Was it a message of a loved one, the news or just a song that changed your mood? 
Lost in dreams, desires and visions, but where is the spark to put them into action. It feels like a fuzzy daydream. Like reading a novel or watching a movie to get absorbed and escape the real world? 
Do you feel anxiety and fear due to a lack of choice or being imprisoned by the linking of others?


What qualities does water bring to my life?
Just like listening to the waves connecting to the water element brings calmness into our existence and as we experience our inner peace. When water is in balance, we are deeply in touch with our emotions that colour our imagination. It drives our hopes and dreams into vivid images. It allows us to deeply connect to others by the quality of our sensitivity for their emotions and being in tune with our intuition. It allows us to adapt, just like the river and the waves, we simply accept to go there as deeply within we understand it is all part of us. 
This is the most potent part of the water element. It is here where we hold the unconditional love. As water is not ours, it is something that we borrow from the earth, it runs through us connecting us to all to the whole universe. It is given to us without conditions, for us to borrow, to use, and to give, without it being ours. 


How do I connect to the water element? 
A beautiful start to connect to the water element is drinking a glass of water with attention. The Japanese author Masaru Emoto has done exciting research on how music, emotion, or thought influence the shape of the water crystal. Have a little look and you will drink that next glass of water differently knowing with what you will nourish your body. 
Physically there are many practices you can do to connect to the water element listening to the waves of the sea, visiting the beach or have a swim, being close to a body of water. 
Moving your body with fluidity while you dance or do yoga movements like the crescent moon pose (Anjaneyasana) or the butterfly pose (Badhakonasana). 
The cooling Breathwork with the Ujjayi breath that mimics the sound of the ocean is also a very powerful way to connect to the water element. 
In this walking meditation, we connect to the fluidity of water, bringing calmness and flow to our existence. Paying attention to the physical cool elements of water in our body and presence of our emotions. Letting them run through our experience like the waves of the sea, coming and going effortlessly, colouring your imagination and awaking the creativity. In this flow, it is where we find our freedom.  ​

Connecting to the earth is one of the quickest ways to get yourself out of your head and bring yourself back into balance. 

What comes to mind when you think of the element earth? 
How is the earth represented in your life? 

In the external world, the earth element is represented by the soil, the trees, the mountains, rocks, and planet earth as a whole. Static elements that move very slowly, a movement impossible to witness with the human eye. They stay stable while everything around them changes. 

Our physical body is also an element of the earth. Aspects of the body that express heaviness, stability and strength like our skin wrapped around the body, the density of the bones giving the body form, the strength of our teeth and the slow growth of our nails. 

This element also supports us energetically. You can feel the force of the energy with the downward pull from the top of our head all through our body, towards our feet, also known as gravity. Giving heaviness and stability to our existence. A more subtle presence of the earth element is in the root chakra, an energy centre at the base of the spine, that connects us to Earth's fundamental life force. 

How do I know when the earth element is out of balance? 

• Do you feel detached from your body? 
• Are you worrying too much, getting lost in the train of thought?
• Do you feel consumed by all the information out there? Like the news, messages of friends and family? 
• Do you have difficulty to set personal boundaries? Not knowing what worries are yours? Where to stop caring for others and start to take care of yourself? 
• Does nature feel far away? Are you missing to be surrounded by nature? 
• Is it very challenging for you to focus?
• Or do you feel heavy, tired and stuck? Not able to move forward? 
• Do you have a resistance to move out of your comfort zone? 

What qualities does earth bring to my life? 
It gives a deep sense of stability and strength. Feeling at home in the physical body and the world at large. The earth element brings support, compassion and confidence in times of transition. 
In many cultures, the earth is referred to as Mother. Therefore it awakens mother like qualities within yourself, supporting yourself with unconditional love, no matter what the circumstances are, through all endings and new beginnings. This could give you a sense of serenity and calmness as changes happen around though only gradually happen within. It allows you to move within with confidence to explore the abundant lands of your inner world. 


How do I connect to the earth element? 
There are infinite possibilities to connect to the earth.  One of the most known and simple ones is a walk in nature, appreciating the elements. You can also work in the garden with the soil and pulling weeds to planting seeds on your balcony.  Do any kind of activity that gives you a sense of stability. Can you think of one yourself? And of course a meditation or mindfulness practice can be very helpful, both sitting or walking, connecting to the elements of the earth. ​

Today I share a Walking Meditation with you to support the beautiful qualities of the earth.
Instagram @walkingmeditationmallorca 
​Facebook @walkingmeditationmallorca ​