Linda George, Contributing Writer
Waking Times 

I don’t know about you, but it feels to me as if January is slipping away, already way too fast. Days of delicious, lazy summer relaxation (here in the Southern hemisphere) feel so good, and are doubly precious – given the speed with which they are passing. Half way through the first month is only next week!

Meanwhile, we stand collectively in Capricorn’s realm, gathering our resources, forming, or not, our goals for the year ahead. Capricorn energy is that of order, structure, goal-setting. (I mistyped that as goat-setting – the symbolism of the sign putting in an unintended appearance)…. But yes, this is the time for ‘new resolutions’ and intention setting. Also, of reigning in some of the indulgence we’ve allowed ourselves over the Christmas period.

We need this time, just as we need every month’s new energy. The cosmos, basking us in Capricorn vibrations, is suggesting we take stock now and figure out where we are, so we know where we are going. Usually that means we need to turn inwards and ask ourselves some questions; talk up some resolve. Or we might prefer to set our new year intentions more peacefully. Something along the lines of:  “I’ll do a yoga practice every, or at least most, days – even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Some days though, I’ll just go for a walk instead.”  Or, “I’ll eat predominantly fruit and vegetables – but if I don’t – it doesn’t matter……. And I’m still going to have a glass or two of wine most days – because I like it.”

We only have a week left in this ‘considering where we are going’ energy, before things shift and we start to want to get social again – probably at which time, most of our hard-out goat goals will disappear out the back door. Suggestion:  goals and intentions for self-improvement, yes – but with a caveat of on-going flexibility and above all – enJOYment.

Wu-wei in Taoism means ‘effortless effort’ – this is my goal; to choose actions that are in the flow, that are in alignment with my highest good. My highest good encompasses body, mind, emotions and spirit. In other words, if it doesn’t feel good to exercise one day, if it seems more attractive to lie low, rest, read – then that’s what I’ll do!

Effortless effort is going with the flow – and the flow changes, day to day, moment to moment. Being in tune with the flow and acting in accord with it is holistic – we become whole, when we honour all sides of our multi-dimensionality, when we listen to our uniquely individual rhythms. We can still ‘set intentions’ for our work, our careers, our physical fitness, our relationships – of course we can. Just thinking about them helps us define what is important to us. We clarify our values by goal setting – so regardless of whether or not we achieve them – the exercise is valuable.

But how about, allowing change to happen – in its own time;  a line I use in yoga teaching. Could be a noble, and, for once, do-able intention for the year. Cripes, there is enough pressure from the outside world coming at us left right and centre, telling us we are not good enough, wealthy enough, healthy enough, attractive enough, young enough….. How about resolving to turn away from all that and start honouring all aspects of ourselves (mind, body, emotions, spirit), by giving them the freedom to change in their own time; or, wild thought, just BE, as they are.

If we are on the path of consciousness raising, then I think we need to trust ourselves to do what is appropriate for our own evolution, at the right time. In astrology we talk of ‘divine timing’.  The movements of the planets and the journey of our earth through the time loop, have a trajectory that is beyond our comprehension and, certainly, beyond our control. We just don’t know what is around the corner in our own lives. If we can stay conscious, pay attention to our own rhythms, our own astrology (whether we know it or not – we will feel it), and be mindful of the need, now more than ever, of our planet, for compassion and kindness – then what more is there to do?

So here’s to a year of effortless effort! Less stress, less striving; more peace, more arriving. We’ll arrive at the place we’re intended to be, if we can just let go – unhook from the endless brain washing messages society floods us with and have the courage to be who we are  – wherever and however that is.

Oh, and yes, we have another week to consider, as per the suggestion of the cosmos via Capricorn, where we would like to arrive – this year, before the energy shifts. Remember it’s just that – a suggestion. It isn’t an order. No one can control our conscious processes, but ourselves.

One more thing, the year of the snake begins February 10. The snake is a potent symbol of transformation. There is a clue here to the intensity of the journey we are all on this year. My response to that is to dream up some big, lofty goals designed to heal and transform – and at the same time choose to release control and let go of fear; to be in the flow of the moment, awake, aware, and trusting the process of my own evolution. Wish me luck with that one – and Good luck with yours!

About the Author

Linda George is an writer and astrologer living in New Zealand. She has been deeply involved in astrology, alternative health, spirituality and metaphysics for decades. She has a background in journalism is currently committed to joining with others in ‘spreading the word’ in these waking times. Linda works as an evolutionary astrologer, writer and yoga teacher. Her last book ‘Sun Signs and Soul Mates’ is available on Amazon.

This article is offered under Creative Commons license. It’s okay to republish it anywhere as long as attribution bio is included and all links remain intact.

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