Varkala, Kerala, India
As the New Year arrives, I reflect on my annual theme. I usually make a theme that is broad enough to be a guide and is not a goal. In 2016, I acknowledged my theme was a disguised goal or, really, a New Year's resolution (which I didn't accomplish), thus the reason I don't do resolutions. They just don't work for me. My 2016 theme of '500 hours of joyful writing' manifested as '50 hours of far-from-joyful writing'. Ah, but, it is often the themes that don't work so well that segue into more inspired themes for the following year.
My theme for 2017 is peaceful ease. Like how I feel right now sitting amongst the chaos and buzz of the Coffee Temple in Varkala, writing blissfully as I switch back and forth from the blog to my book, oblivious to the noise and bustle around me.
I am engrossed and relaxed. Or when I'm laying on the Ayurveda massage table, my body graciously accepting the loving work of Jaya as she kneads my muscles while the sounds of the wind and waves in the distance, the pots clanking and food being prepared in a nearby restaurant, and the Indian music whining and weaving into my psyche - all tenderly stroke my soul. That is peaceful ease.
I know what it feels like and I will seek this feeling this year in whatever I do, with peace in my heart and ease in my body. I hope 2017 is a year of peaceful ease for each of you.
To see more of Jim's photos and in higher resolution, visit his Flickr site.
Inviting 2017 In with Open Arms
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Varkala, Kerala, India
Other Entries
-
Dec 1516 days prior
Calangute, India -
Dec 247 days prior
Varkala, India -
Dec 31
Varkala, India -
Jan 077 days later
Varkala, India -
Jan 1010 days later
Varkala, India -
Jan 1111 days later
Kochi, India -
Jan 1717 days later
Ooty, India -
Jan 2121 days later
Mudumalai, India -
Jan 2525 days later
Hampi, India -
Jan 3030 days later
Mysore, India -
Feb 0738 days later
Pondicherry, India -
Feb 1344 days later
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar -
Feb 2051 days later
Inle Lake, Myanmar -
Mar 0160 days later
Hsipaw, Myanmar -
Mar 0968 days later
Phuket, Thailand -
Mar 1473 days later
Udaipur, India -
Mar 2786 days later
Jaisalmer, India -
Apr 23113 days later
Kathmandu, Nepal -
Apr 23113 days later
Rome, Italy
Comments
2025-05-22
Angie Harwood
2016-12-31
Here's to blissful ease - a beautiful theme for 2017. I wish you joy in your journey! Happy new year to you and Jim! Angie
Jane Hustins
2016-12-31
Brilliant theme, Donna. I wish that for you and for the world. Keep well and thanks for including us in your adventures through word and photo. xx
Bonnie Vanechuck
2016-12-31
Sat Chit Ananda ~ translated as our true nature .
Sat - truth
Chit - consciousness
Ananda - bliss
I wish you and Jim a blessed , blissful New Year , as you continue on your journey. Peace to all xo Bonnie and her family :) lotus to ❤️️
Alana MacNeill
2016-12-31
Wishing you and Jim a very happy new year
Sue Stanger
2016-12-31
This is a splendid theme for the new year, one to which we should all try
to aspire. Peace and well being can only be achieved from the inside out
and you are certainly inspiring that as we read your wonderful blog.
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them with us.
Sue and Robin
Peter Delefes
2016-12-31
It sounds like you have made a good start on your 2017 Resolution. Onward and upward. Best wishes to you and Jim for the New Year. Chronia Polla. Peter
Wendy Santo
2016-12-31
I dunno. "the noise and bustle around me, she kneads my muscles while the sounds of the pots clanking and food being prepared in a nearby restaurant, and the Indian music." But it does sound more relaxing than the day I spent yesterday creating and modifying all my budget spreadsheets for 2017. Massive migraine. I'll work on blissful ease. xoxo
Katharine Weinmann
2016-12-31
May all that is good and true and beautiful bless you and Jim this new year. Heading back to write on Whidbey in early March in a wee group CB has gathered. I'll think of you. Sending love to add into your peaceful ease.
Susan Walker
2016-12-31
Happy New Year Donna and Jim
Beautiful theme for 2017 I wish you space filled with Peaceful Ease
Janice Godin
2017-01-01
Happy New Year!
Margaret Angus
2017-01-02
Peaceful ease - what a wonderful theme. Wishing you lots of it. XO
susea
2017-01-02
Donna, a wonderful theme for 2017. I take the pledge too and join you in pursuing a peaceful journey for this year. Amazing colours and images Jim.
Happy New Year to you both.
Janice MacInnis
2017-01-03
I will echo others' comments that this is a terrific theme. I am grateful for the inspiration. Hugs to you both.
Sundari Pashupathi
2017-01-05
Hello Jim and Donna!
Debbie Parker forwarded this blog to me and I'm soo envious that you are in India at this time of the year!:-)
Happy New year to you both and looking forward to following your trip around India!
Cheers
Sundari