In my last post, I wrote about my guide word for 2025 - scopic. In addition to this overarching word, each month I pick a word or phrase that guides me for that month. In this way, I’m reflecting and reaching and growing in new ways throughout the year.
January’s phrase is “beauty within”. Just like the kaleidoscope has colorful objects inside that reflect in patterns to create the images we see, we all are made up of our different parts; I might call them colors. Depending on the circumstance and situation, those colors can be seen by others in so many different ways. Turn the tube just a fraction, and new patterns of colors emerge.
I have really enjoyed imagining what colors each of my parts might be. One day it was all the colors of the rainbow representing my love of learning. Another day my color was blue. I was sad. Another day I was a royal purple because I needed to remind myself that I am worthy of self care - like taking time to eat lunch. Another day my color was fleshy pink - the color of a wound starting to heal as I felt tender and vulnerable. The imagery helps me find these parts of me and bring them into view.
Each month, I take my word or phrase and write a daily mantra to recite.
January’s mantra:
You are beautiful inside Full of color and life You shape what emerges From those beautiful insides Look at the colors Identify the green, the blue The yellow and orange This is you You are beautiful
I have a theme song that goes along with my January word as well. I added theme songs to my monthly intentions in about the middle of last year and it brings me so much joy every day! I listen to it in my car first thing on my way to work. My song for January is Kaleidoscope Heart by Sara Bareilles. You can click the song title to listen.
The lyrics go like this:
All the colors of The rainbow Hidden 'neath my skin Hearts have colors Don't we all know Red runs through our veins Feel the fire burnin' Up inspire me with Blood of blue and green I have hope Inside is not a heart But a kaleidoscope.
The most beautiful part is this: Not only am I made up of beautiful colors inside, so are you! All the colors, all the hues, all the shades. There might be parts that aren’t your favorite. I think that’s true for all of us. But maybe, if we turn the tube just a little bit, shifting the mirrors, we can learn to see the beauty in all of our parts and see the beauty in each other.
Such a sensory way to interact and experience. I can see how this 'discipline' can open up new avenues.