Do you remember when you were a kid and playing (okay, I’m dating myself here because I’m thinking about ‘playing’ as in physical activity outside the home) and you yelled out ‘Do Over!’ and you got another chance to do something again that you just didn’t get quite right the first time (or the second or the third, etc.)?  That’s what today, the 1st of the New Year means to me and I’m sure countless others and it’s also a time to reflect on the prior year.  Have you done that lately and really recounted all of your accomplishments?  This is the time to reflect on the positive actions of the past year and to consider what you’d like to accomplish in 2008.  I don’t make resolutions anymore, however I do think about what I’d like to accomplish in the year ahead and for me the first thought is about traveling.  Where will I go this year…what will I discover or rediscover and what will it bring into my life?  One profound lesson of 2007 that came to me during my road trip (yes, one positive action of ‘07) was to change my way of thinking about traveling.  Most times I would focus more on expectation and more often than not I set myself up for disappointment so about 1/3 of the way through my road trip I started thinking about anticipation vs expectation and what a difference it made for me in my perception, which is ultimately my reality.  I began to find more joy in each destination because I let things unfold before me vs the expectation of perfection and it allowed me to discover more and to be fully present in each moment.

Being mindful is important and as you’ve seen in previous posts and articles it is one of the topics I like to discuss and inform others about.  If you’re thinking about ways to be more fulfilled in 2008, consider focusing on mindfulness.  There are many books on the subject and they’re great, however I’m more interested in taking action with the application of being mindful so I opt for workshops and discussions.  Undoubtedly you’ve ready previous posts about Miraval and their focus on mindfulness (www.miravalresort.com).  There are many classes on the subject, however more importantly it’s the application of what you learn there that offers lasting benefits.  Many years ago on my first visit to Miraval I wrote an article about my experience for Balance Magazine (www.balancemagazine.com), and I thought I would include a link here if you’d like to read it.  http://www.selfgrowth.com/arti……olfi1.html

The spa lifestyle has a lot to do with balancing your life and being fully present in all that you do.   I hope that you will consider practicing mindfulness in your life this year as it’s really quite simple, we just tend to make things difficult sometimes (http://www.miravalresort.com/A……vityID=328).

I wish you all the best for good health, good friends & family, and a good (no great!) life.  La Dolce Vita in ‘08!