Today is Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. And, whatever your cultural heritage, it’s a great opportunity to have a fresh run at the new year.
Let’s be honest: how long did your New Year’s resolutions last? A day? A week? For most of us, those great intentions began to falter within days, and by now are little more than a guilty memory.
But take heart! We can have a fresh start any time. And Lunar New Year brings some wonderful traditions that can help you re-ignite your intentions get your goals for 2009 back on track.
A Clean Sweep:
Traditionally, families give the home a thorough cleaning before the new year begins. It’s a symbolic way of sweeping out the “bad luck” (negative patterns) of the old year and making room for better circumstances to come in and stay.
If you go beyond cleaning to actually decluttering and getting rid of things that weigh you down (see the article on decluttering), you will clean up your consciousness while you are clearing up your living space. And it’s a lot easier to make a fresh start when your environment is clean and pleasant.
From Head to Toe:
Another tradition includes getting a haircut and outfitting oneself in new clothing from head to toe. In addition to symbolizing a complete fresh start, this is also an affirmation of having more than enough things to wear and to use in the new year. You might consider getting a makeover or at least a new hairstyle. Also be sure to spruce up from head to toe by taking care of all those grooming chores, and put on something that (for you) symbolizes happiness and well-being.
The Joy of Giving:
Since prosperity is one of the things we all hope to enjoy in the coming year, the tradition of giving gifts of money is particularly beneficial. Joyful giving is a great way to build prosperity consciousness. Making the giving festive and fun (Chinese traditionally use decorative red envelopes for giving new year’s gifts of cash) is another way brighten up your attitude and open the way to greater abundance for both giver and receiver.
Watch Your Words:
Chinese traditionally refrain from speaking of various negative topics during the first few days of the new year, as well as avoiding foul language and use of words that refer to endings or loss. This makes good metaphysical sense. Our words not only express our thoughts, they influence our inner and outer worlds. In fact, one of the most beneficial changes you could make this year is to upgrade the quality of your words: eliminate verbal negativity as much as possible and focus on the positive.
Here’s the good news: You can have a fresh start any time you wish. Lunar New Year provides one opportunity, along with some traditional suggestions to help you make that new start stick. (You can read more about Lunar New Year customs and practices here.) If your new year got off to a wobbly start this year, don’t give up! You can still make this a breakthrough year.
I’ll be sharing more tools and tips in future articles. Happy new year!
