The beginning of a new year often comes with positive aspirations.

And I wanted to start the year not only feeling positive vibes, but living my best life!

Meditative mountain walks, juicing, exercise, and ingesting every positive affirmation was what I had envisioned.

In reality, I started the year out by testing positive for Covid. Let’s just say that this was NOT on my vision board.

I was quarantined alone in our bedroom, a cup of hot tea in one hand and tissues in the other. When I wasn’t sleeping off the symptoms, I binge watched an entire season of a reality TV show I’d rather not name (Below Deck on Bravo). Don’t judge, I wasn’t feeling well!

When faced with an unexpected curveball, maintaining a high vibrational state can feel like a challenge.

But I hold a firm belief that we can navigate challenging feelings and situations, while still maintaining an outlook of love. And this is exactly what I want to talk about with you today.  

First, it’s important to acknowledge that feelings like disappointment, sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm are all natural responses to personal challenges. Although I strongly believe in positive thinking and the law of attraction, it’s just as important to honor where we are emotionally.

As spiritual people, our task is to hold space for the full range of authentic emotions and responses. Doing this allows us to process them in a healthy way, so we can then contemplate how to best channel our energy positively. With that in mind, once we have held space for our heavier emotions it’s important to get back in the groove and connect with our original intention. So let’s get started.

While I am not an expert in Eastern Astrology and religion, I’ve always held a curious fascination with dragons. My interest in dragons was sparked through my childhood obsession with the movie The Neverending Story.

I remember being mesmerized by the character Falkor – part dragon, part dog, and a comforting protector. Dragons have always symbolized playful yet powerful creatures in my mind.

The fact that 2024 is the year of the dragon feels like a good omen for all of us, prompting me to seek advice on the meaning of this particular year. I reached out to my friends in Japan, and here’s what I learned:

2024 is the year of the “Kinoe-Dragon,” a rare occurrence happening only once every 60 years, making it especially significant. “Kinoe” refers to a large, thick, and solid tree that grows straight up into the sky.

The dragon, a symbol of success and prosperity since ancient times, embodies a spirited ascent into the heavens. It also represents movement in a positive direction, directly connected with the vibration of energy. This year suggests that our intentions will swiftly ascend to heaven, bringing us unique opportunities for growth and success.

Personally, a deep love of Japan is one of the greatest gifts in my life. Working there and creating an amazing circle of friends during our 13 return trips has been a truly enriching experience. And I can’t wait to return this year.

For years, I’ve talked about bringing English-speaking clients along on this adventure. In perfect alignment with the dragon energy of 2024, I am determined to manifest this vision into reality by moving this energy up into the heavens.

This May is the first time we are offering Journey to Japan with Dougall & David!

Currently, we are offering a significantly discounted rate that expires soon, and I wanted to remind you about this special offer. (You can learn more about it by clicking here!)

During one of our nights in Tokyo, we plan to host a special event centered around dragon energy, inviting local experts to share their insights and help us embrace the energy of the year.

The new year always brings a unique energy for all of us. You may have started this year feeling inspired and connected. Or you may have started it with a challenge or a set-back.

Either way, it is my belief that we can maintain a high vibration while allowing ourselves to feel all of our authentic emotions.

I also encourage you to invite in a little dragon energy to help you move forward in every aspect of your life.

Much Love,

Dougall