28 Comments

I was thinking of 'more Grounded' but it doesn't have the sparkle/joy element that you mentioned, does it work? I was exploring something that was around both more ease and more confidence, I saw the word grounded and it really jumped out at me. What do you think?

Also I was going to go for less fear, but worried it was too big and general, that maybe something more specific would be more helpful? I thought of less perfectionist.

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How does 'more grounded' feel? It doesn't have to be sparkle/joy - it might be release or relief, or a sense of 'rightness'... I guess the test is does it come from Self-energy or from self-protective parts. It sounds good to me - makes me think of Wendell Berry! And your 'less' - don't worry about generality - and don't worry too much as it's all connected somehow - I can see a connection between fear and perfectionism... let me know how you get on!

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Love the idea of gentle vows. For me, it's more ease, less judgement.

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Perfect!

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More self-nurturing, less lethargy - time to come into my power in my 50th year 💪💥 🌺

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👌🏻

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My first thought was more generous and less selfish - and then I think that sounds like the same thing. And also I am resistant - both of those sound scary and hard and uncomfortable.

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Hmm - I wonder how you can get to this but in a way that makes you feel excited or relieved? More abundance, less over-stretched giving? More receiving, less tension? More self-acceptance, less guilt? Play with it! Let me know what you get to!

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I'm currently working with - More connection, less grasping. I am getting closer. And trying to be gentle with myself about it!

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Love that. Very Buddhist 😉 and yes, how to work with our vows in a way that's consistent with our vows 🤪

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Love this, thank you! Will think on my own "gentle vows."

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More hope, less anger. More civility and less disruption in our political system, a prayer for our democracy.

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I love the idea of wishing for personal and social/structural vows Michele. And I'm with you 100%.

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More play, less ambition? Satya, I hear you!

I'm constantly battling with my inner workaholic, who seems to think that rest is for the weak. I love the idea of 'play' as a vow; it reminds me that joy and silliness are just as important as productivity. And your description of ambition as a 'siren lure' is spot on – it's so easy to get caught up in the chase for 'more' and lose sight of what truly matters. Maybe it's time to schedule some mandatory playtime into my calendar!

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Sounds good! I think many of us here can identify with a tendency towards workaholism...

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Last year I chose to make curiosity my watchword and it changed me (for the better). I approach everything now with curiosity and am far less anxious and driven. I'm more open to what is and what will be, without striving so hard. For 2025 I want to complete the first draft of my book, and find a path to publish it. I also plan on more introspection, and more time in Nature. My expectation is that I will be filled with joy. Thank you, as always, for your insight and care. Wishing you the best in the New Year! Love, Virg

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Sounds like a plan! Always lovely to have you here ❤️

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Oh yes I love this approach. Last year I chose the goal of doing better at taking care of myself. It worked in some important and subtle ways. So this year I’m going to keep this idea in place. What I want less of is clutter. So many things I no longer wear, use or need. If I can routinely get them to thrift centers for donation I will feel better.

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Nice!

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Thank you. I’m thinking more acceptance, fewer expectations.

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Love that!

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Hi Satya, I love this as an alternative to resolutions which, for me, are often unrealistic in the long term. I’ll have a good think 🤔

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Oh I love this offering. I am going to linger in this while December draws to a close and think about what I want more of /less of in 2025.

Thank you, Satya. Gentle vows feels comforting in the way resolutions never do.

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I'm glad!

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Hi Satya. Thank you, this feels like a generous offering. I am going to tentatively give this a try. My system is pretty twitchy (and switchy), but hopefully all parts will be able to share in this <3. Gonna have a think...

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No pressure ☺️

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This resonates, Satya - especially as the Solstice is the perfect time for reflection. The two vows that pop into my head are: more writing (especially of the playful kind, I am feeling drawn to play with writing for children...) and less cleaning... Though the latter may be a little ambitious 😉

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Hehe I particularly approve of less cleaning 😂

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