A Unique New Year's Journey Inside

I’ve never been a big fan of traditional New Year’s.  It’s not that I haven’t tried.  I’ve gone big like the year I hung out with millions of others at Time’s Square.  That falls into the “you should do once before you’re 25” bucket.  I’ve done exotic, Honolulu ocean front balcony view.  Pretty cool.  I’d do that again.  I’ve done quiet, just Christian and me in a lonely Ocean City hotel room, room service – my favorite. I’ve done traditional, spent big dollars on a so/so meal at a glitzy establishment downtown.  Overdone.  I’ve done cultural, Venezuelan house party at our house.  I'm not sure I can hang like that...

This year as I ring in 2017, my 40^th turn around the sun I decided to go inward and am at the Monroe Institute for a New Year program. 

Nicknamed “Soul Spa”, or “Consciousness Camp”, it’s a unique place on a regular day, let alone over the New Year’s holiday.  It’s situated in the Virginia Mountains about 45 minutes west of Charlottesville.  Three buildings on a decent spot of land seemingly untouched by time since the 1980s, it was founded by Bob Monroe who was a radio broadcasting executive who became known for his research into altered consciousness. He invented a technology called Hemi-Sync which is designed to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.  The work at the Monroe Institute is still very true to its founder though it’s expanded quite a bit since then.  They are doing some pretty cutting edge work and recently brought in a new head of research from the University of Virginia.  You should check it out.  www.monroeinstitute.org

You get the point, it’s not a traditional New Year’s holiday experience.  This is a journey inside.  For approximately 14 hours a day we work through a variety of activities that focus us inward with the help of the Hemi-Sync piped in through headphones in our private pods.  We learn a concept, head to the pod for an hour, come back and debrief, and do it again.  Multiple times per day. 

This weekend at Monroe is part of an overall personal development curriculum I have established to take time to look inside and build the foundation of inner strength and clarity throughout the year.  3-4 times a year I take a couple days and either attend a program of some kind or just get away by myself for reflection and relaxation.  The time is built into my calendar one year in advance.  I also have a routine of acupuncture, massage, frequent workouts, and meditation to keep me on point throughout the year.  

Should you embark on a similar journey I don’t know what it would do for you, though I can tell you what it has done for me.  I can say I’m generally calmer in the face of serious challenge.  I’m a better listener than I was.  I’m much more intuitive.  And listen to it.  I’ve prioritized my body and am in close touch with how I feel.  I sleep better.  I’m more confident and comfortable in who I am.  I have a better sense of my boundaries, which means I can push them more effectively without going overboard.  I’m more empathetic.  I’m (slightly) more patient.  I’m more aware of how what I do affects others around me.  And I’m much better at bringing forth what I want in my life and in my business.  Generally, I'm a better version of myself which as it turns out has made me a better husband, friend, family member and business leader.

No champagne or parties for me this weekend.  No watching Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin.  No loud music and boisterous conversation.  Nope.  Not this year.  Instead I will be reflecting with tremendous appreciation for all the growth I’ve had in 2016 and for all the people who have contributed to my life and business in many ways, large and small.  And I will be setting my intentions for 2017.  Here are a few. 

 I intend a significant expansion in our business platform with the addition of several more compelling and talented leaders.

 I intend a significant increase in financial abundance for myself and those around me contributing to the great work we do at our organizations.

 I intend measureable impact in the lives of those we serve. 

 I intend 2017 to be a very healthy year with a drop and hold to 18% body fat max.

 I intend for those around me to set and meet their health and fitness goals.

 I intend on 3 great trips to international destinations.

 I intend our new family members who have just come to the US integrate successfully and begin to feel like the US is their home.

 I intend on producing a concert in January 2018.

 I intend on setting a clearer vision for the progression of my business and life beyond 2020.

 I intend on casting and communicating a clear vision in 2017 and holding that vision steady as both opportunities and challenges present themselves.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year