The days are long, but the years are short. 

I overheard one seasoned parent say this to a new mother just recently, regarding the process of parenting. The phrase was instantly lodged in my mind. 

It’s a Gretchen Rubin line. And it is one that applies just as well to life in general. 

As the end of year approaches, the longing for reflection has begun stirring inside, as I have come to expect each and every December. I find myself wanting to make sometime to look back on what this year has been. Who have I spent it with? What have I created in work and at home? What have I let go of? What adventures were had? New skills learned? Precious memories experienced? What are some key things that have happened in my family? In my pack? In my local community? In the world? How are things the same or different from this time last year?

The days are long, but the years are short.

I believe we show our gratitude to Life by fully experiencing it. All of it: the parts of life that are easy to love and the parts of life that are not.

Reflecting is a way of experiencing life a second time. We often spread more layers of meaning atop our memories when we look back. Hindsight is 20/20 and all. 

So, as the last Month of 2022 dawns, and the light of the Moon is growing in the sky (Full on December 7th), I offer this practice, a candlelit contemplation: 

Reflections on 2022: A Candlelit Contemplation 

All you need is: 

• 30 minutes minimum
• a candle
• a journal
• Optional: Your smartphone (on airplane mode) or camera
• Optional: Your planner or calendar from the year, if you have one. 
• Optional: Your Spotify wrap up (if you use it) 
• And anything else that may help you remember the year. 

1. In the evening, find yourself with a candle and journal near a window where the evening sky is visible (if possible). 

2. Light the candle. And if you wish say your favorite prayer or use our Wild Spirit Invocation: Let this flame represent the wild spirit which burns within each of us, as we awaken our own wild spirit, we awaken the collective spirit. 

3. Allow you breath to slow down as you take a few minutes to refresh your memory by looking through your photos of the last year and your planner and your Spotify wrap up (if you use it). 

4. When you are ready, turn to a fresh page in your journal and write, “The days are long, but the years are short. – Gretchen Rubin” Title it “Reflections on 2022” or whatever creative personal title you wish. 

5. Answer whichever questions feel interesting or juicy for you: 

Who have I spent the most time with this year? 

 

What was my favorite precious memory from each season? (Or if you have the time, Month)

 

What have I created? In work and at home? 

 

What have I let go of this year? (Places, habits, tasks, responsibilities, relationships, etc.) 

 

What habits did I hone in on this year that made my life better?

 

What adventures were had this year? (Inner & outer) 

 

What new skills have I learned? 

 

Are there any new interests that have emerged this year? 

 

Who or what media have I turned to for guidance, entertainment, and perspective? How has it influenced my thinking and life? 

 

What are some key things that have happened in my family? In my pack? 

 

In my local community? In the world? 

 

Looking back, if you were to give the year a title, what would it be? Ex: 2022, The Year of Heart Mending 

 

If you could speak to this year, what would you say? 

6. When your reflection time feels complete, look up at the sky, look for the Moon & take a few breaths of gratitude. 
7. Pick up your candle. Exhale all your breath, then inhale and Howl (at any volume). Inhale again and exhale to blow out your candle and close the space. 

I’ll be doing this practice with you this weekend ♥️. I find it sweet to think of us sitting by our windows around the world sharing in a practice – hope you do to. 

May we remember: The days are long, but the years are short.

In Love, 

Chris 

P.s: Coming up: 

• Next week I’ll be sending out a big announcement (!) about Wild Woman Underground – be sure to get on this list here to receive it! 
• December 23rd – join me for a Solstice-inspired New Moon Meditation Adventure!
• January 10th – Wild Woman School is back in session! Join us for “The Art & Power of Joy Making” on January 10th. 

YOUR TURN

Please share in the comments below:

What gem of understanding or wisdom have you uncovered in 2022 that you want to carry with you into the new year? (Small or large) 

For example, here is mine:💎 My gem of understanding uncovered this year: I am the tortoise – slow and steady. When I remember this, and accept it, I am content and productive. When I forget, I experience burn out and anxiety. 

How about you?

Can’t wait to read ’em ♥️.

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