Vision for a New Year

I don't really like New Year's resolutions. A year is such a long time; heck, sometimes a week seems like an impossibly long time. Although I have habits I practise day after day after day (exercise, meditation, reading, etc) , any "resolution" I'd make on Dec 31 would probably disintegrate by January 15. Instead of resolutions, I prefer to set an intention for the year, usually by picking a word or a phrase that seems inspiring and somehow resonant. My words for 2025 were "ease" and "wonder," striving to make things feel effortless while taking the time to marvel at everything good passing by. I think 2024 was the year of "abundance." That was a good one, and a good year, too, as I recall.

The word getting me excited at the start of 2026 is "ecstasy." Ecstasy can mean two things: extremely joyful/happy and also mystic self-transformation. Yes and yes. I've become fascinated with the idea of ecstatic vision or ceremony leading to healing and transformation. Ecstasy lies at the root of music and theatre; the Greek God, Dionysus, created healing transformation through his ecstatic rituals. I'm actively looking for ecstasy in my life, asking myself how I can create rituals with others, how I can find extreme joy and transformation in my life and work. Ecstasy can be a great yoga session or an energetic bike ride, a beautiful walk with my dog, communing with the tree across the alley while I'm sitting in my hot tub, dancing in my kitchen, or celebrating a friend's good news. Hopefully, setting the intention will help me look for ecstasy wherever I can find it, to be aware of the possibility for ecstasy and acknowledge its presence. I'll also get really good at spelling the darn word. All those c's and s'es. I have 12 months to bring all the ecstasy into my life. I'll be sure and let you know how it works out.