Intention Meditation

Andō Utagawa Hiroshige's Kasumigaseki, 1857

Kasumigaseki is a woodblock print from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo by Andō Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858). Here, we see a scene of New Year's morning festivities featuring a procession of performers in the center with kites soaring in the sky above them. To the right is a kadomatsu, or gate pine, a traditional Japanese New Year's decoration symbolizing strength and vitality.

As we welcome the new year with our own traditions, take a moment to consider an intention for the year ahead.

• Sit comfortably, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
• Begin to visualize your hopes for the year.
• Choose an intention based on your hopes, gently lift your head up and inhale.
• Exhale and release your intention into the sky.