I am sitting in my living room as I write these words, enjoying a crackling fire and the twinkling lights of the holidays. I have always been sensitive to the energy of a room, which is why I love a warm and cozy ambience in the winter. David diffuses essential oils in our home throughout the year, and right now it smells like a woodsy, fresh winter forest (thanks to the grounding Siberian Fir oil wafting through the air).

This is the first year we have ever decorated for the holidays before Thanksgiving. Truth be told, it’s been an intense year and I was eager to incorporate a boost of cheerfulness into our space. My mother’s cancer diagnosis had been the background music of my life for the past two years, constantly playing in my consciousness. Her passing in August was both intense and also a cathartic release. I say “release” in the sense that I don’t have to worry about her being in pain anymore. While I will continue to process the rite of passage that is losing a parent, I am now focused on living mindfully and creating a positive life going forward. It’s what my mom would have wanted.

I am particularly excited to usher in the new energy of this next year. It feels like 2020 will be a time of great renewal for us all. It’s funny, new year’s eve used to be my least favorite day, as I always felt this pressure to have the best night of my life. And so I would make plans like going to a big party, or participating in some kind of big event (like going to Times Square and watching the ball drop in NYC, back when I lived there). Looking back, Ironically, these “big plans” always included hours of terrible traffic and huge crowds, resulting in my just yearning to go home.

When David and I moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago, we decided that we wanted a more mindful and intentional approach to New year’s eve. One particular year we presented the idea to friends, and decided to all throw a Vision Party. The idea was that we would all get into an abundant state of mind and brainstorm something wonderful that we wanted to manifest in the new year. Everyone would bring a favorite dish to share. We would play music that we loved to make the space feel joyfully sacred, and use it to set a positive intention for the evening.

At some point in the evening, we would go around the room and talk about the past year, including what we had learned and what we would like to improve going forward. Then we would hold space as each person revealed their vision for what they wanted to create in the coming year. At this first gathering we had an incredible time. No one woke up feeling fuzzy from too much champagne (although we all did enjoy some bubbly). The intention was more about connecting than partying.

For the last 10 years we have done some version of this gathering. It’s always a lovely way to usher in new energy.

As we enter this new decade, David and I decided to expand on this idea. We’re partnering with 1440 Multiversity to create a mindful new year event, and you’re invited! I am so excited to be creating a beautiful group experience among the majestic natural beauty of Northern California (click through the images below to check it out).