We’re a week into the new year, and I have been pondering how I might best put my intentions forward for the new year.  I’ve never kept resolutions very well so don’t think that I want to go that route.  Last year, I promoted reviewing what happened the previous year and trying to improve what might be worthwhile to conintue and could be improved upon for better results.  That worked well for me in 2015 but not what I want to do at the start of 2016.  So what to do ….

After some reflection, I recalled times when I used the art form of collage to help me focus my life or to create a cover for a new journal that showed where I was emotionally, mentally, or spiritually at the time.  It was always fun and often a surprise as I would start out thinking that I would go in one direction but ended up in another.  And so it is that I just decided to create a collage today.  My collage is pictured above.  It reflects my need to grow my inner garden, to nourish myself in this new year finding balance to take care of me, do my work, and help others.

Before I started, I sat in silence setting my intention to create a collage that reflected what I needed this year.  The word TIME was loud and clear in my mind.  Then I started the process of looking through magazines for pictures and words that expressed that need.  It is interesting to me that I didn’t use the word time but found the phrase ‘growing in the garden’ (I changed it to ‘growing my garden’.) instead.  To me, that phrase means the same, for growing takes time.  So, it fits perfectly!

Finding words, phrases, and photos was a treasure hunt.  I just cut out what resonated with me not knowing if I’d use these little clippings or not.  When I had a good sized collection, I began to put things together on a sheet of paper, and voila, the collage unfolded in a beautiful way.  Each one of the words is something I hope to nourish in my garden this year: one spirit, love, balance, soul, vitality, inner peace, strength, calm, movement, and I wish for sustainability, the ability to maintain, or if needed, regain these qualities within myself, for myself  so that I can be better able to be joyfully present in all apsects of my life.   Of course, I must now determine how I can achieve these intentions.  Reflection is needed, but I’ll start with a mantra I have used before, ” I am peace.  I am love.  I am calm.”  It’s certain to lead me in the right direction for if I am these qualities, other needs can more easily happen.

If you are so inclined to create a new year’s intention collage, here are some simple directions:

*Sit in stillness and set your intention for the experience.  (Name your intention(s) and ask to be quided to find the right words, phrases, pictures to express it.)

*Look through magazines for words, phrases, and pictures that appeal to you.  A word might come to you that you can’t find in print so just find the letters needed to spell it.

*Begin to arrange your collage on paper as soon as you see a picture that resonates with your intention.  I usually start with a background(s) and/or figure that pops-out at me and start adding the words and phrases.  (You might need to continue to look for more words, because as you begin to place everything, new ideas emerge.)

*When you feel complete, use a glue stick to arrange the clippings.

*Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, use several coatings of Mod Podge to glue and finish your collage.

*Find a prominent place for your collage where you will see it every day and be reminded of your intention.

*Determine how you can achieve your intention(s) and nourish your garden so that you grow and bloom.

And so with a smile on my face and in my heart, I move into the new year . . . . .

Peace and blessings,

Sandy