Annual Reflection: 
2025 Reflection &
2026 Intention

@csloughrige2025 not to be reproduced without permission.

Happy New Year ✨

As we step into 2026, I’m offering this Annual Reflection & Harmony practice as a free gift to you—whether you’ve been part of this community for years or you’re newly finding your way here.

When Jesus spoke of the “Kingdom within you” (Luke 17:21), and promised, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom” (Matthew 16:19), he was not calling us to strive harder, but inviting us to slow down—to pause, to notice, to choose. To feel our way among what is already here, and to intend, again and again, to let God’s Kingdom unlock itself in this moment, here and now.

In my own desire for continuing transformation, a line from Carl Jung has stayed with me:

“A normal goal to the young becomes a neurotic hindrance in old age.”

Rather than framing the coming year in terms of goals or the past year in terms of wins and losses, we are invited into a deeper understanding of spiritual maturity: the capacity to welcome all that arises. Joy, sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, embarrassment, envy, disgust, and boredom—ennui, as the film Inside Out names it (and if you haven’t seen it, please do!)—each arrives as a teacher. Through this openness, we deepen our sense of self and learn to discern what continues to nourish and give life, and what may have clearly or quietly become a burden. One way we practice this discernment is through regular reflection—daily, weekly, and annually.

This annual practice invites you to review the past year with honesty and compassion, so you can step into the next one with greater clarity, freedom, and intention.

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What Is an Annual Reflection?

This practice is inspired by the ancient Examen, often described as “rummaging for God.” Imagine feeling around for your keys in a familiar drawer—you already know they’re there, but you slow down, move things aside, and notice what your hands discover underneath.

An Annual Reflection helps us notice where life, resistance, growth, freedom, and invitation have been present. It offers discernment for our yesterdays, grounding for today, and wisdom for tomorrow—perhaps even the keys to the Kingdom.

We’ll reflect across three lenses:

·       Physical (body, energy, rhythms)

·       Relational (connection, belonging, boundaries)

·       Vocational (work, calling, creativity, service)

And we’ll listen through the three centers of intelligence:

·       IQ — Head (Thinking): meaning-making, perspective, discernment

·       EQ — Heart (Feeling): emotion, connection, empathy

·       GQ — Gut (Instincts & Doing): instinctual wisdom expressed through action—or conscious restraint

Together, these offer a holistic way to uncover the “keys” and deepen your awareness of how you—and God’s presence—have been at work in your life this year.

Optional note: You may choose whether to use your calendar for a month-by-month reflection, or simply allow whatever arises to come forward naturally. For some, structure provides grounding; for others, it can feel distracting. Notice which approach feels right for you.

1. Centering: Aligning Head, Heart, and Body

Begin by settling your body and breath.

Take a few slow breaths. Bring gentle awareness and welcome:

·       your mind (thoughts, images, stories)

·       your heart (emotions, longings)

·       your body (sensations, posture, energy)

There is nothing to fix—only to notice and welcome.

Prayer“God of presence, bring harmony to my thoughts, emotions, and instincts/actions. Help me reflect on this past year with clarity, compassion, and courage.”

Reflection
How does it feel to pause and center? Write any immediate thoughts, sensations, or prayers.

2. Gratitude: Where Did I Experience Life and Harmony? Reflect on moments—large or small—where life felt aligned, meaningful, or supported.

Head (Thinking)When did I experience clarity, insight, or a widening perspective?

Journal: Recall a moment when something made sense, a truth settled in, or trust grew.

Heart (Feeling)What relationships or experiences brought connection, joy, or tenderness?

Journal: Describe a person, place, or moment where you felt seen or cared for, connected.

Gut (Instincts/Doing)When did I feel grounded, brave, or quietly strong in my action or non-action?

Journal: Note a decision or action that felt aligned—even if it was imperfect.

Prayer Giver of life, thank you for the ways harmony showed up in my mind, my relationships, and my actions this year.”

3. Review: Where Did I Struggle to Live in Harmony?

Now, with gentleness, reflect on places of tension or misalignment.

Head (Thinking)Where did fear, rumination, or rigid thinking take over?

Journal: Write about a situation where your thoughts felt limiting or exhausting.

Heart (Feeling) When did I feel disconnected, overwhelmed, resentful, or numb?

Journal: Explore how emotional strain affected your ability to stay present or open.

Gut (Instincts/Doing)Where did I react impulsively, avoid what mattered, or push beyond my limits?

Journal: Reflect on an action—or inaction—that didn’t feel grounded or true.

Prayer“God of mercy, I bring you the places where harmony broke down. Meet me there with understanding and wisdom.”

4. Release: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves

This is an invitation to loosen your grip on what weighs you down.

Head: What beliefs, assumptions, or controlling thoughts am I ready to release?

Journal: Name the mental patterns you no longer want to carry forward.

Heart: What hurts, shame, disconnection, resentments, or self-judgments need compassion and release?

Journal: Describe what you are ready to place in God’s hands which are gentler hands than your own.

Gut: Where has striving, avoidance, guilt, or misplaced anger shaped my actions?

Journal: Identify one place you long for greater freedom or courage.

Prayer
Giver of Grace, what keys are here for me?
Silence

I offer to You my anxious thoughts ____________,
the wounds of my heart ____________,
and my misdirected efforts and actions____________.

I ask for the grace to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change what is mine to change,
and the willingness to participate in my own healing.

I offer myself to the transforming work of Your Spirit.

5. Intention: Living with Greater Harmony in 2026

Rather than grand resolutions, choose simple, embodied intentions.

Head (Thinking) Faith 
How will I tend to clarity, curiosity, and trust?

Journal: Name one gentle practice or posture of mind you want to cultivate.

Heart (Feeling) Love
How can I remain open to love, truth, and connection?

Journal: Name one way you will nurture authentic connection—with yourself, others, or God.

Gut (Instincts/ Doing) Hope
What grounded, courageous action feels invited in the year ahead?

Journal: Commit to one small, meaningful action or habit.

Prayer Guide me into a life of harmony—thinking with wisdom, loving with courage, and acting with integrity. May my life reflect what matters most.”

Closing Blessing

Take a final moment to rest. Feel your breath. Notice your body. Let yourself be held by grace.

Blessing

Holy Mystery—Three and One—source of harmony and wholeness: May I come to know you as you meet me, moment by moment.May I live fully as myself, made in love,and reflect that love through my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Grant me wisdom, compassion, and courage, faith, hope and especially love as I continue the journey home.

P.S. If you’d like accompaniment as you integrate this reflection, you can [schedule a spiritual direction session].

@csloughrige2025 not to be reproduced without permission.