Hello, everybody.
And hello, 2012.
If you haven't noticed, I'm still feeling a little murky about this New Year, and feeling out a new approach that is not so balls to the walls (a saying with origins in aviation, in case you were wondering!).
Plus I have been busy with a giant house project. We're in the final push to finish by the 15th, hooray!
Starting a year without huge plans or goals is a radical departure for me. I'm kind of loving it although it feels very strange to be without a list of my top ten goals and some new productivity mantras.
Instead of trying to master myself through goals and resolutions this year (as if I was my own horse to tame!), I want to approach this year differently.
This year, I want to play. I want to be moved by curiousity.
And, as I might hear in yoga class, I'd like to observe without judgement.
Instead of goals and resolutions, I want to conduct experiments.
Try things out. See if they really work for me. Ask, what if? and what would happen?
Let go of musts, shoulds, and have-tos.
I might be pleasantly surprised to find that something is totally amazing. Or, not at all what I anticipated.
Here are a few of the experiments currently in development at Rex Labs:
What would happen...
...if I ate only whole, unprocessed food for three weeks? And let go of caffeine and added sugar too?
...if I scheduled my life around my endocrine system and the super powers of my cycle? (see the Alisa Vitti video in this post to know what I mean! It's powerful.)
...if I created new morning rituals?
...if I organized my home and my office? Deeply and truly? Would I feel more blissful and filed inside?
...if I did Shiva Nata every day for a month?
...if I scheduled play time into my life?
...if I implemented the piles of business knowledge I've accumulated over the years?
...if I chose speaking over silence, in ways that were loving, honest, and direct.
...if I made significant changes in my home space?
Some of these things are new, and some I have spent a lot of time thinking about how wonderful they would be--when they came to pass. Although, not surprisingly, they haven't.
When I frame things as a 'have-to, forever,' that's kind of uninspiring.
An experiment is intriguing. I observe. If I try it, and like it, and it really does work, I can choose to continue. Or not.
An experiment breaks my pattern of being infatuated with expectation and dreaming. My addiction to being on the cusp of greatness. Of thinking about how amazing the future will be when I get there.
The only way to get data is to do. To get into the lab!
Actually, this whole adventure is really an experiment in experiments.
Will experiments work? Let's find out! I'll be sharing my lab notes with you throughout the year, of course!
Comments: I would love to hear what you are trying out this year. Or what things you have always dreamed of putting into action. I would love to hear all about your approach to change in 2012.
xo Maeg
p.s. can you believe I took that picture from my bedroom window? And with a phone, no less!
I love your way with words here! (and always) 2011 departed sort of badly for me, as you know. I've already adored 2012 from my own willingness to make it different. Life will have its ups and downs but I'm working on coping with the downs better, and relishing in the ups more. I have good feelings about it.
Posted by: Tamara Like Camera | 01/06/2012 at 10:33 AM
i like the what if, but knowing you, i worry that these are resolutions in disguise! "what if" you go moment by moment and just see what happens? "what if" you totally let go of all the challenges you make for yourself? "what if" you see how you're feeling when you're feeling it and then decide if you want a coffee or not?
maybe i am totally wrong on this one, i just want to make sure these really are experiments and not expectations. it's because i love you! or maybe because i'm too lazy to actually make a resolution myself!
Posted by: Marykate | 01/06/2012 at 03:10 PM
Oh, you are sharp one, Marykate! You know me well. I think you definitely have a point. At the same time, I want to find that space where I can both be gentle with myself and stretch myself to find ways of being that really make me feel good. Framing things in terms of experiment could be the way to get there. We shall see!
Ive also found recently that letting go too much of my structures has felt good in the moment but not in the next moment. But--I hear you and love you too! Ill keep your words in mind xoxoxo
Posted by: Maeg | 01/06/2012 at 05:05 PM
I love how you've framed these "non goals" as ideas of things to try. How much more reasonable and inviting that way. Also, realistic.
I think I'm in a very similar place as you this new year, but am having a hard time getting my motivation going. I'm trying to embrace the urge and need to take naps on Saturday afternoons instead of writing and watch things on Netflix without feeling like I'm wasting my time, but it's not easy. Will probably blog more about this idea (if I can work up the motivation to do so) and this post will definitely be part of my inspiration, so thanks!
Posted by: Sarah | 01/07/2012 at 07:50 PM
I want to play and experiment this year too. I completely get what you are saying. Here's to 2012 :)
Posted by: Kristen | 01/09/2012 at 05:58 PM