84 www. AspireMAG. net | December 2025 / January 2026
R. I. S. E. – A SIMPLE MINDFUL R I T U A L T O C L O S E T H E YEAR:
A powerful time to practice mindfulness is in moments of transition. Before we rush to welcome 2026 let’ s pause to honor the year that’ s ending 2025 and set the tone for what’ s next.
Let’ s R. I. S. E. into the new year together:
R – Reflect Take a few minutes to write down three things from 2025 you’ re grateful for or that you wish to celebrate. Then include a lesson you learned. Let yourself feel the appreciation or the high notes as well as the challenges.
ready to release at the end of 2025. Safely burn, shred, or bury it as a symbolic act. Then, savor the lightness of letting go.
E – Envision Now you have created space for a new vision. Close your eyes and picture yourself moving through 2026 with presence and ease. Imagine how you want to feel, what life will look like. Note the images or words that arise to embody 2026. Let this vision be your compass for the year ahead.
I – Intend Place your hand on your heart, take several deep breaths, and write down one or two intentions for 2026. Focus less on“ doing” and more on being and how you want to feel. For example:“ I intend to move through the year with more ease” or“ I intend to listen and speak to myself with compassion.”
S – Shed On a separate piece of paper, write down one belief, habit, happening, or story you’ re
84 www. AspireMAG. net | December 2025 / January 2026