By Tara-jenelle Walsch
Here’s a fun extension to the holidays: You may be feeling an unexplained sense of togetherness with others this month. This is likely because we’re all standing in the same place, at the same time. Every one of us is experiencing the feeling of just having ended a year and not having yet begun another. Our hands are freshly dusted off from closing down shop and we’re sitting at the wheel deciding where to go next.
The magical space that rests right between just ended and beginning again is one that is filled with immense value, yet so often overlooked. It’s a time for retrospection and contemplation; a time to look over our shoulder and review what was created in the past year and witness the compilation of cheers and tears, vigor and repose, optimism and discouragement, that was assembled through our experiences.
And this January, since we’re moving into a new decade, the space in-between begs to be seen for its significance; both in our personal lives and for the collective contribution to the spiritual infrastructure of universal realignment.
Today’s fast paced life-style has many of us leaping from rock to rock just to maintain our personal and professional agendas, let alone to match-strength with others. We’re encouraged and expected to “keep buggering on” as Winston Churchill would say—move forward without looking back and do what it takes to sustain momentum.
For this reason, and many others, it takes awareness to step into the space in-between. To pause and dip our toe in the water between those rocks, from time to time. And when we’re there, it takes courage to look at all that was, is and could become—and make conscious decisions from that place.
Most people have the courage to reflect after bringing things full-circle from start to finish. Whether it’s moving through a year, a relationship, a job, or a big purchase like a car or house—letting go of the old and starting anew pulls us out of routine and engages our thoughts in a unique way. Our mind naturally recaps experiences and translates the emotion we feel into thought, then evaluates how best to move forward.
Some things, like relationships, may not necessarily end in total, but we move through cycles within them that have their own beginning and ending, which evolve us through levels of deeper and enriched understanding about ourselves, others and life.
Although there are many days where it may feel quite the contrary, our primary reason for being is not to make ends meet and stay alive. We’re not here to simply drag our bodies around, year after year without self-inquiry, soul guidance or co-creation.
So how do we feel into this space to receive insight before moving forward into the next new beginning? We slow down and quietly ask ourselves questions.
In regards to the space in-between that we’re all in right now as we enter a new year, ask yourself specific questions pertaining to the last year, such as:
What were my most memorable experiences in 2019? How did I react to them in the moment?
What were my biggest lessons learned and most valuable messages received in 2019?
What did I like best and least about the year?
What would I change moving forward?
What happened in 2019 that I didn’t expect?
There were likely days in the last year where faith fled the scene and doubt stood up to the plate. It’s not always easy to wake up with a positive frame of mind, especially if we’re facing any level of adversity.
This can feed the tendency to reflect on the “bad” things that happened; the dreadful events, sad news or unexpected misfortunes. If you start sinking into gloom like this, remember that it’s just as important to look at the unfavorable things that happened in 2019 so that you don’t rob yourself of validation.
Then supervise your introspection and as you look at your experiences, asking yourself how you will now choose to look at those things differently. Rather than view them as bad, which feeds lower vibrations and weighs down your heart, you can expand your perspective by viewing them as gifts in some way.
Byron Katie said it best with, “Nothing happens to us, everything happens for us.” When we hold this belief, it allows us to see that we aren’t victims of circumstance.
And let us not forget the disappointment around those things that we wished would happen in 2019, but may not have. It’s important to review these things and give yourself a pat on the back for all of your effort, whether or not it achieved the outcome you originally desired. Why? Because all effort creates an outcome of some sort. It may not be immediate or hugely impactful, but energy toward anything, creates something.
Now that you’ve reflected on the last year, try giving your introspection a twist and ask: What good things in 2020 am I anticipating?
What wonderful things in your personal life can you imagine and make the intention to bring into your experience this upcoming year? Even, and perhaps most especially so, if it’s something you may otherwise view as impossible.
Then stretch your imagination further and ask: What good things can I imagine for the world at large? How can I be a part of making the world a better place?
What will I choose to do with my life moving forward into the year? Who will I choose to be moving forward in the next decade?
Using the space in-between for self-inquiry leads to much more than just answers. You’ll be surprised at what comes up and out, but even more so you’ll feel closer to yourself and increase your level of self-trust. This is both healing and empowering, and energetically works to create the direction you seek.
There could be no better way to start the next decade than to give yourself the insights that will come to you through this process. Welcome to the next year of your life. Create grandly and joyfully.
RoadMap to the Space In-Between
1. We’re all in the exact same place right now
2. This place rests between just ended and beginning again
3. It’s called the space in-between and has immense value
4. It takes awareness and courage to step into this space
5. We get there by slowing down and asking ourselves questions
6. Ask anything & everything about what just ended & what is about to begin
7. Self-inquiry leads to much more than just answers
8. Create well
