Living in the Circle: Setting Intentions in Sync with Nature

In a world that moves at lightning speed, it’s easy to get caught up in waiting:

• Waiting for the evening after a long day.

• Waiting for Friday after a challenging week.

• Waiting for summer to escape winter, or for winter to cool the heat of summer.

And before we know it, we’ve spent our lives waiting for happiness. But here’s the truth: joy is never in “what’s next.” It’s in the now.

This is why I always write my intentions in a circle—a practice that grounds me in the present while staying aligned with the natural rhythms of life. A circle has no hierarchy, no beginning or end. It mirrors the cycles of nature, where every phase—highs, lows, winters, and summers—holds its unique value.

Intentions vs. Resolutions

As we move into the new year, many people rush to set resolutions. But resolutions, as we know them, often feel rigid and linear. They tend to be goal-oriented, focused on outcomes and productivity, and can carry a heavy weight of external expectations.

Intentions, on the other hand, are softer and more personal. They’re about aligning with your values, connecting with your inner self, and growing in harmony with the world around you. While resolutions can feel like a to-do list, intentions are a way of being.

In many ways, resolutions reflect the patriarchal structure of the Gregorian calendar—a linear system of 12 months that marches forward relentlessly. Intentions, however, honor the circular rhythm of nature and the Moon’s 13 cycles, offering us the space to flow, reflect, and recalibrate.

Why the Circle?

Writing intentions in a circle helps me honor the cycles of the Moon and the seasons. Each phase of the Moon and each season of the year brings its own energy, reminding us that growth isn’t linear.

For example, here’s how I might nurture an intention like TRIBE throughout the year:

• Spring: Actively reach out and connect. The airy energy of this season inspires socializing and collaboration.

• Summer: Celebrate and deepen relationships. This is a time for warmth, shared experiences, and strengthening bonds.

• Fall: Reflect on the connections I’ve nurtured and express gratitude.

• Winter: Turn inward to dream, recharge, and plan how I’ll continue nurturing my tribe in the year ahead.

By placing my intention at the center of a circle and surrounding it with the seasons, I remind myself to honor every phase—whether it’s about planting seeds, taking action, celebrating growth, or resting and reflecting.

A Simple Practice: Remember Your Roots

Staying grounded in the present moment is key to living in alignment with nature. One of my favorite exercises to anchor myself is to “remember my roots.” Here’s how to do it:

1. Bring your attention to your feet.

2. Imagine strong, luminous roots growing from the soles of your feet deep into the Earth.

3. With each breath, feel those roots strengthen, grounding you in the here and now.

I do this nearly every day (even during “mom life” chaos, like brushing my teeth!) because it’s a simple yet powerful way to pause and reconnect.

Honor the Rhythm of Life

As you step into the new year, consider ditching resolutions in favor of intentions. Write them in a circle, honoring the ups and downs of life. Reflect on the seasons and how you’ll nurture your intentions throughout the year, just as you’d tend to a garden.

And most importantly, don’t wait for happiness—it’s already here, in the present moment. Align yourself with the flow of nature, trust the wisdom of the Moon, and give yourself permission to grow in your own time.

What intentions are you planting this year? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey!