What is Begin Again?
Begin Again is a series of 6 short workshops (microworkshops) that you can use any time you want to restart after a transition in your life. Whether it is the beginning of the year, the month, the week, or the day, you can start all over. Whether you need a little tweaking on goals you already have, but lost traction on or you need to start from scratch, these short workshops can give you a boost.
How much time will it take?
These are not full workshops that go in-depth, but micro-workshops that will only take about an hour each. As with most things, the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. They come with meditations, worksheets, and resources. You can do one or all. They do not build on each other, but are stand-alone.
What’s Included?
1.Pre-workshop Preparation for thinking about what you want.
2.Workshop 1: Reflect and Release to consider what was and release any negative emotions or setbacks.
3.Workshop 2: Building a Growth Mindset to foster ways of thinking that support your growth and resilience.
4.Workshop 3: Health and Vitality Reset for setting physical and emotional wellbeing goals.
5.Workshop 4: Financial Foresight to develop a financial plan and set financial goals.
6.Workshop 5: Creating Connection and Community to set goals for your relationships and community involvement.
7.Workshop 6: Closing to bring the series to an end with a ritual.
What’s the catch?
Please enjoy these as a gift from me.
Modify as you would like.
Share widely.
Send feedback if it occurs to you: luann@luannccollins.com. Happy New Year/new start and good luck on all your transitions whenever you begin again.
Pre-workshop Preparation
Setting Intentions & Goals
Objective: Clarify your personal and professional goals for the new year.
Activities:
Guided visualization exercises
Goal-setting strategies
Intention-setting practices.
Output: A vision board or a list of tangible goals.
Guided Visualization Meditation
Purpose: Use this guided visualization meditation to release negative emotions and setbacks while setting intentions and goals for the upcoming year or anytime you begin again.
Before beginning this or any meditation, be aware of your potential triggers or trauma responses and be proactive. If you experience any duress or negative emotional response, open your eyes, breathe deeply using 4-count inhale to a 6-count exhale and affirm that you are in a safe place, fully here in the present. You may need to stand up and walk around or do some gentle stretches. If you have experienced intense emotions in previous meditations and want to participate in this meditative experience, keep your eyes open and softly focused in front of you. Never force yourself to continue when you are feeling anything except calm and relaxed.
Introduction
Begin by finding a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes gently and take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly to expand. Hold for a moment, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.
Beginning with your feet, scan your body for any tension-- toes , soles, ankles, calves, thighs, back, stomach, chest, arms, hands, shoulders, neck, face, jawline, brow line, tongue, the top of your head. Continue to breathe deeply and naturally, letting each breath bring you into a state of relaxation.
The Meditation Release & Intend
1. Grounding and Centering
Imagine roots growing from the base of your spine and the soles of your feet, anchoring you firmly to the earth. (break) Feel the support and stability of the ground beneath you. (break) With every breath, allow yourself to let go of any tension. Inhale deeply. "I am safe." Exhale deeply. "I Release." Inhale deeply. "I am supported." Exhale deeply. "I Release.”
2. Reflecting on the Past Year
In your mind’s eye, visualize the time that has passed. See the highlights and the challenges, like a movie playing softly. Allow yourself to acknowledge each moment without judgment. Give yourself permission to feel gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned. Inhale deeply. "I am grateful." Exhale deeply. "I release.”
3. Releasing Negative Emotions
As these events play out, imagine a gentle breeze sweeping over them, lifting away any negativity or heaviness. Each exhale carries away old emotions, resentments, or setbacks. Release them with gratitude for the lessons they have taught you. Inhale deeply. "I am grateful." Exhale deeply. "I release."
4. Visualizing the New Year/New Start:
Now, turn your focus to the horizon ahead. See a new path unfolding, bright and inviting. This is your journey of a new start, to begin again. Envision stepping onto this path with confidence and hope. Inhale deeply. "I am confident." Exhale deeply. "I begin.”
5. Setting Intentions and Goals
As you walk along this path, consider what you wish for this new start. Visualize your heart's desires clearly, as if they have already come into being. Engage all your senses: see, hear, feel, and even smell your successes. Embrace the joy and fulfillment of achieving these intentions. Inhale deeply. "I am confident." Exhale deeply. "I begin.”
6. Strengthening Commitment
Feel a sense of commitment and assurance in your heart. Picture each intention taking root, growing stronger with each breath. Imagine these intentions as seeds planted in rich, fertile soil, ready to blossom as the year progresses. Inhale deeply. "I am strong." Exhale deeply. "I begin."
Conclusion
Slowly bring your awareness back to your breath, anchoring yourself in the present moment. When you're ready, take a deep breath in and gently open your eyes. Offer yourself a moment of gratitude for going on this journey.
Take a few minutes now to write down your most important goal, the results you wish to achieve, the intentions you have for going through this workshop, or a commitment statement to not only follow through on this series of exercises, but on the new life you've imagined, the intentions of your heart's desire.
Examples
Result:
"Through this series of workshops, I have gained clarity on my personal values and discovered a renewed sense of purpose. I feel more balanced and equipped to handle life's challenges with positivity and resilience.”
Intention:
"My intention for the upcoming year is to approach each day with openness and gratitude, actively seeking opportunities for growth and connection. I aim to embrace change as a chance to learn and flourish.”
Commitment Statement:
"I commit to integrating the practices and insights gained from this workshop into my daily routine. I will dedicate myself to nurturing my mental, physical, and emotional well-being by prioritizing self-care and setting healthy boundaries. I am committed to living authentically and joyfully, staying true to the vision I have crafted for my life."
Closing
As you return to the room, know that you carry with you the power of intention and the peace of release. Hold onto the feeling of renewed strength, looking forward to a new beginning with a heart open and ready to embrace all possibilities.
I hope this meditation helps you create a powerful and transformative experience.
Goal-Setting Guide & Worksheets
Here's a simple goal-setting guide, complete with worksheets to help release negative setbacks, embrace positive emotions, and set meaningful intentions for beginning again,
Introduction:
This guide is designed to help you reflect on the past year, release negativity, and set empowering goals for the upcoming year or anytime you are wanting to begin again. Use the worksheets to document your thoughts and intentions.
Worksheet 1: Reflecting on the Past Year
Exercise: Reflection & Release
Instructions: Take some time to quietly reflect on the past year. Consider both the challenges and achievements.
Questions to Consider:
What were three significant challenges I faced this year?
What did these challenges teach me?
What am I most grateful for from this past year?
Activity: Write down any negative feelings or setbacks in the space provided. Then, write a sentence of gratitude for each learning experience.
Begin Again
Worksheet 2: Releasing Negative Emotions
Exercise: Letting Go
Instructions: Use the space below to identify emotions or situations you'd like to release. Let them go with compassion.
Letting Go Prompts:
I release the fear of...
I let go of regret around...
I am free from the frustration with...
I release the wish to have been better in this way.....
I release the wish to have been different in this way....
Visualize these feelings dissipating like clouds, making room for new, positive possibilities.
Worksheet 3: Setting Positive Intentions
Exercise: Intention Setting
Instructions: Set three intentions that align with your highest self and personal growth for the new year.
Intention Prompts:
I intend to do more of… I plan to cultivate…
My life will be enriched by…
Affirm these intentions daily to integrate them into your consciousness.
Intention Setting:
Worksheet 4: Creating Goals for a New Year/New Start
Exercise
:
SMART Goal Setting
Note: This is not set in stone or a commitment. This is a beginning, a goal brainstorming, a time to cast into the future and test what you want for this next period of time or to assess whether prior goals really hold true for you now.
Instructions: Define specific, measurable goals that resonate with your intentions.
Goal Template:
Specific: What exactly do I want to accomplish?
Measurable: How will I know when I have achieved this?
Achievable: Is this goal realistic for me?
Relevant: Does this goal align with my values and long-term plans?
Time-Bound: What is my deadline?
Example:
Goal: "I will read 12 books related to personal growth by the end of the year."
Creating Goals:
Conclusion
With these worksheets, you’ll be able to clear away past negativity and create a solid foundation for a fulfilling new year or anytime you decide to begin again. Revisit your goals and intentions regularly, adjusting them as necessary to stay aligned with your evolving journey.
Intention-Setting Practice
This is an intention-setting practice designed to prepare for a New Year’s/New Start retreat or any time you want to begin again, promoting clarity and focus:
Purpose: To enter the retreat time with a clear and focused mind. It creates a space for setting personal intentions that align with your goals and values.
Materials Needed:
A quiet space
Journal or notebook
Pen
Timer (optional)
Optional: calming music, meditation cushion
Intention-Setting Practice
1. Create a Sacred Space (Set the time for 5 Minutes):
Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Arrange the space with comforting items like candles, cushions, or soft music.
2. Centering and Grounding (Set the time for 5 Minutes):
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths.
Visualize a warm light enveloping your body, bringing relaxation.
3. Reflective Journaling (Set the time for 10 Minutes):
Open your journal and ponder the following questions: What do I wish to gain from this retreat? How do I want to feel during and after the retreat? What aspects of my life am I ready to focus on or transform?
Write freely without worrying about grammar or structure, letting your thoughts flow naturally.
4. Set Your Intentions (Set the time for 10 Minutes):
Review your reflections and choose 3-5 specific intentions or themes you'd like to focus on during the retreat.
These intentions can relate to personal growth, career aspirations, or emotional healing.
5. Example Intentions:
“I intend to embrace vulnerability and open my heart.”
“I am open to discovering new passions and interests.”
“I will practice mindfulness and be fully present each day.”
6. Affirm and Visualize (Set the time for 5 Minutes):
With your eyes closed, visualize yourself at the retreat embodying these intentions.
Imagine the positive energy surrounding you as you achieve your desired states.
7. Closure (Set the time for 5 Minutes):
Conclude the practice with gratitude. Thank yourself for dedicating this time to intention-setting.
Keep a reminder of your intentions, such as a written note on your phone or a piece of paper, to revisit during the retreat.
This intention-setting practice will help you arrive at the retreat with purpose and alignment, ready to fully engage with the experience.
Vision Board Template
Instructions: Use this template to brainstorm and visually organize your desires and dreams for the New Year or any time you want to begin again. This is a tool to help you clarify your vision before setting specific goals.
Vision Board Sections
1. Personal Growth & Development
Questions to Consider:
What skills do I want to learn or improve?
How do I want to challenge myself?
Visualization Ideas:
Keywords: "Growth," "Learning"
Images: Books, workshops, certificates
2. Health & Wellness
Questions to Consider:
What are my wellness priorities? How do I want to feel physically and mentally?
Visualization Ideas:
Keywords: "Vitality," "Balance"
Images: Healthy food, exercise, meditation
3. Career & Financial Success
Questions to Consider:
What are my career aspirations? What financial goals do I have?
Visualization Ideas:
Keywords: "Success," "Abundance" Images: Workspaces, money, charts
4. Relationships & Community Questions to Consider:
What relationships do I want to nurture?
How do I want to contribute to my community?
Visualization Ideas:
Keywords: "Connection," "Support" Images: Family, friends, community events
5. Adventure & Experiences Questions to Consider:
What new experiences do I want to have? Where do I want to travel?
Visualization Ideas:
Keywords: "Adventure," "Explore" Images: Nature, travel destinations, hobbies
6. Spiritual & Emotional Well-being Questions to Consider:
How do I want to nurture my spiritual life? What emotional states do I want to cultivate?
Visualization Ideas:
Keywords: "Peace," "Joy" Images: Spiritual symbols, quiet spaces Begin Again created by LuAnn Collins for BrighterMind 2025 luannccollins.com
Creating the Vision Board
Materials Needed: Magazines (or digital photos or select from padlet), colored pens (or use different font colors), scissors, glue, a poster board or large sheet of paper (or to add to a retreat digital vision board, send a message to luann@luannccollins.com and access here: https://padlet.com/brightermind/beginagainprework)
Steps:
1.Cut out images, words, and phrases from magazines or find photos on the internet that resonate with your vision for each section.
2.Arrange them creatively in each section of your board, allowing for overlap and creativity.
3.Paste them onto your sheet and label each section as per the categories above.
Begin Again created by LuAnn Collins for BrighterMind 2025 luannccollins.com
Translation to Goals
Once your vision board is complete, use it as a guide to create SMART goals. Look at each section and write down specific, actionable steps you can take to bring your visions to life.
This vision board template serves as a creative and reflective process, helping you identify what truly matters to you as you step into the new year or any time you want to begin again.
Pre-workshop Prep Music Playlist @ Spotify
This meditation music playlist is specifically curated to complement the pre-workshop activities. These tracks are selected to create a tranquil and inspiring environment for reflection and planning and aim to cultivate a peaceful and focused environment.
"Weightless" by Marconi Union
Known for its relaxing properties, this track is ideal for easing into a reflective state, perfect for goal setting.
"Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi
This calming piano piece encourages deep introspection and can enhance the intention-setting process.
"Aqueous Transmission" by Incubus
A gentle and soothing mix of sounds that support creativity and visionary thinking during vision boarding.
"The Aviators (Live)" by Helen Jane Long
The tranquil melodies foster a contemplative atmosphere, aiding in setting meaningful intentions.
"Music for Deep Meditation Radio (Spotify)" album by Various Artists
A collection of tracks with traditional instruments designed for meditation, offering a serene backdrop for planning and visualization.
"Ambient 1: Music for Airports" by Brian Eno
These minimalist compositions encourage a calm and open mindset, conducive to imaginative goal setting and visioning.
"Inner Peace" by Steven Halpern
Known for its healing frequencies, this piece is excellent for centering oneself and fostering positivity in setting goals and intentions.
"Inner Peace" by Anugama
A soothing journey through sound that helps clear the mind and focus on aspirations and future visions.
"Amore" by Ryuichi Sakamoto
This harmonious track can inspire a sense of renewal and clarity, invaluable during pre-workshop preparations.
"Liquid Mind VI: Spirit" by Liquid Mind
Ideal for deep relaxation, this ambient music supports an open, reflective state for effective goal and intention setting.
Use the following pages to draw and/or paste your ideas.
Mindset
Health and Wellbeing
Financial Foresight
Connection and Community
