As one year sunsets and another dawns, my thoughts turn to what is to be revealed, as yet unknown. A new year. New possibilities. New challenges.

I am not one who makes New Year’s resolutions. What I decided to do is focus on a word, a word that I want to be mindful of and manifest as best as I can in starting a new year. It only took a few minutes for the right word to surface – ROOTED. I use this word often, even start all my Tai Chi classes with this word – “Bring yourself into the room. Feet parallel, hip-width apart, knees soft. Visualize your feet and legs like a tree, rooted deep into the earth. See if you can make the roots a little bit deeper.”

As we make our roots deeper and stronger below the earth, we will become more stable above the earth. Stable, centered, balanced, strong – isn’t that what we all would like to be and have every day? If I were not so involved with Tai Chi, I might have used the word “grounded.” That’s a good word, too, because it suggests a connection with the earth and being stable, both physically and mentally.

Being rooted allows the body to move in a coordinated way. The body moves as a unit, all parts synchronized, coordinated and relaxed. I aspire to that and know it is a process not an end, nor a static state. Being rooted allows the mind to relax and focus only on the moment.

I aspire to be rooted in my standing and in my walking. I aspire to be rooted in kindness and in giving what I can to help others improve health. I aspire to be mindful and focused on the moment so I can actively listen.

What is your word for the new year? I really want to know, because if you share, it will help many others along the way.

What is your word that you want to be mindful of and manifest?