Blazing Into the New Year

It’s time to let go. Let go of the energy that isn’t yours, let go of the messages that someone else imposed on you, time let it all go.

It’s always a good time to let go, and traditionally, people view New Year’s Day as a new beginning. Let’s use this shift from one year into the next as an opportunity to start again. I’ve found that doing the gentle practice of Burning Mr. Old Year has amazing results.

What’s that? I’m glad you asked!

Burning Mr. Old Year is a Columbian tradition where families make giant dolls stuffed with different materials that may have brought sadness or incited bad memories. They also sometimes add fireworks, to spice things up. At midnight, they burn him to symbolize getting rid of the past; this allows them to start the new year without those negative reminders.

I modify this practice by making a small paper doll, and writing all that I want to let go of on it, then then I either burn him over the sink, outside or in the fireplace at midnight. It’s the idea of burning away what you no longer wish to hold onto. Afterward, I smudge my space with sage, getting rid of any residual negative energy, and then I begin to journal. It’s the most authentic, freeing way to begin a new chapter. Try it!