Happy New Moment! · Physiology First University

Happy New Moment!

Dear PF Community,

On the occasion of the Gregorian calendar marking a new year, I pray that you all find the strength to choose growth over the illusion of certainty and authenticity over dictate!

Unlike events like the solstice, January first does not mark the end or beginning of a natural, observable cycle, but instead serves as yet another tool of standardization to facilitate systemic processes rather than emulate natural rhythms.

As someone living in Central Europe—a region that is currently still plunged in cold and darkness—I can sense a lot of pressure in the people around me. They are expected to deliver a “fresh start” and go all in on their New Year’s resolutions, while their bodies want to match an environment that suggests deceleration. Winter is a time of introspection that invites us to transform internally—like a slumber in which we PROCESS and RECOVER from everything that has accumulated in our system. So that when spring comes, we can ACT with determination and integrity.

I don’t think it is the season that causes seasonal depression, but rather our need to deny our seasonal instincts. Instead of giving in to the urge to rest and directing our energy toward more inwardly focused, restorative work (both on a personal level and on that of our community), we struggle on, playing the role of dispensable productivity machines.

It is the voice that calls from afar that keeps us going through all kinds of frightening territory. However, we mustn’t forget that it is small, steady steps that will get us to our destination. In an era of overwhelm and detachment—where we know more about a political conflict on the other side of the globe than we do about the life of our immediate neighbour—I want to choose moments over big dates of imaginary significance. I want to choose overlooked but profoundly impactful things like breathing and body perception over alleged milestones. Every small moment, every small decision, is an opportunity to shape our life, shape the world. Hear the call of your mission, and hear the call of nature.

You all can be so, so proud of yourselves. The spotlights make this world seem like an increasingly hostile place, but we are many, and we can change course. There is love and truth growing from each and every heart.

That being said—Happy New Moment, and take care!

Paula

The extremely short video (recorded by some friendly stranger) shows me and my friends during a cold plunge in the North Sea—this New Year’s tradition we had to honour! (;

3 comments

Happy New Moment!