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At this time of year, many will reflect or consider the life events that shaped or transformed their course over the past calendar year. A year tends to be a good measure of time to put into practice all that one promises to “do better” at. There is a beginning and an end. This year in particular seems to have brought unusual challenges for many. In my personal reflection of the events of this year, one thing remains clear. Life. What life is?

Life is always revealing insights into existence—human and divine—through our activities and our relationships. Since the beginning of time there have been challenges, obstacles, confusion, disappointments, doubt and fear of the unknown. They have worn many different labels and have come packaged in various forms. On the other side there has been joy, fulfillment, happiness, satisfaction, contentment, connectedness and purpose. Regardless of the “label” of a particular issue, when you boil it down through all its layers, you are simply dealing with life. Woven through all the layers of discovery—good or not so good—is the heartbeat of existence.

Your mind will always believe what you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.

What would it be like to live your life in awe? Awe of the grandeur of creation, or of the simplest of moments. Awe of nature as you notice its colors, shapes and activity more intently. Notice the intricate detail inside a kiwi or the pattern of a butterfly’s wings. Everything in existence has been created for a purpose. When you come to understand that this existence is made up of learning, managing, growing, juggling and balance, you can begin to react less and respond more. To see this more clearly try one or all of these exercises when you’re done reading this article:

First Noticing
Prepare a meal. Organize your ingredients. As you touch each ingredient (whether it’s salt, pepperoni, tomato, dough) take 30 seconds to notice its shape, color, density, texture and smell. Make a mental impression. Now look beyond what you see and think about what it took to get that ingredient made for you to enjoy. No matter how big, small or refined your measurement, it plays an important part in your final dish. Someone discovered its perfect use and put in motion the opportunity for you to enjoy the end result. Find the awe in that!

Second Noticing
Take a walk. On this walk, pay attention to every detail along your path. Notice the pavement or dirt. What kind of grooves, grain, cracks or other things do you see? What else do you come across? Trees, leaves, stones, animals, bugs, yard art? Zero in and take note of the tiniest of details in addition to recognizing its full scope, too. What do you see now that you perhaps overlooked or took for granted before? All of this is natural. Think about that. Find awe in the simplicity of this activity.

Third Noticing
People-gazing. This one is not meant to be creepy! Be subtle. When you have the opportunity, notice an individual. Look as closely as you can to see the minutiae: face, ears, nose, chin, eyes, eyebrows, lips, hair, clothes, nails, hands, arms, feet, knees, shoes. What are the textures, colors, nuances? What took time to prepare? Was the selection of clothes based on mood, what was clean, or what was appropriate for the occasion? Everything is intentional regardless of how much or how little thought goes into it. This is a great exercise to do with a partner, too. Look and notice each other without talking or touching. When you are done with the activity, share your findings. There is a bit of awe in everyone and everything.

“The thoughts we choose to think are the tools we use to paint the canvas of our lives.” – Louise Hay

With the results of your observations from the above exercises, look at the changes in your life over the last year. Break down your experiences until you see them as particles of your life. Make new or different decisions if you didn’t like choices you made before. Instead of being daunted by the occasional heaviness life can bring, see the awe in what is before you. See the awe as light. There is a purpose to your being and your experiences show you the way in, out or around. Use your awareness. Be gentle with yourself. Most importantly, remember that regardless of what the label is on the “challenge of the moment,” life will still move as intended. As always, breathe through the tough stuff. Look for the awe.

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.” – Marianne Williamson