2020 Reflections with Jasmine Brand-Williamson

1. What has been your biggest lesson from 2020?

I realised how difficult I find it to let go of control, especially when it comes to planning for the future. Last year I was living in rural Sri Lanka, I moved to Glasgow in January and I planned for this year to be busy; full of new friends, old friends and family. It certainly has not turned out the way I imagined.

This year has given me the opportunity to sit with those feelings of discomfort and learn to trust. I'm still learning, but slowing down and practicing meditating more has helped. This is one of my favourite meditations to practice when I'm feeling anxious about the future.

2. What’s one thing you’ll do once the pandemic is over?

I'm the youngest of 5 children so it's difficult for us all to coordinate meeting up as a family at the best of times as we are all so spread out. My mum has also spent most of this year alone so I can't wait to arrange for us all to get together when this is all over!

3. How have you tapped into your creativity this year?

I've enjoyed tapping into lots of different creative outlets from attending online life drawing sessions to writing blogs. I love cooking and having so much time to experiment in the kitchen has been so wonderful. I started up a page to share some of my favourite recipes - have a look here.

4. What are you grateful for today?

My partner George - we went from a year of long distance to this year of living together for the first time during a global pandemic. Today, and every day - he finds the time to support and appreciate me.