Every December, as the year winds down and the Wyoming wind kicks up, my family leans into one of our most beloved traditions: watching the entire Star Wars saga from start to finish. Yes—all of them. Lightsabers, Wookiees, questionable galactic politics (funny how much of it echoes today’s political scene), and the eternal struggle between fear and presence. It’s a marathon of nostalgia, popcorn, puzzles, and the occasional debate over the correct order to watch them in.
But somewhere between Yoda’s wisdom and the hum of the Millennium Falcon, I’m reminded that Star Wars is, at its core, a mindfulness manual wrapped in space opera.
So, as we close out the year, I thought I’d share a few mindful lessons from the galaxy far, far away—lessons that might help us step into the new year with clarity, courage, and a little more ease.
This isn’t about perfectionism. It’s about presence. When we commit to something—resting, setting boundaries, taking a walk, saying no—we can do it with intention rather than half‑energy or guilt. Mindfulness invites us to show up fully, even in small moments, especially in small moments.
Fear is the path to the dark side… but awareness is the path back.
Fear, stress, and overwhelm aren’t signs we’re failing—they’re signals. When Luke rushes into battle fueled by fear, things unravel. When he pauses, breathes, and reconnects with his values, he finds his way. Mindfulness doesn’t eliminate fear; it helps us notice it without letting it drive the ship.
As we wrap up the year, consider:
What fear-based habits can I release
What choices feel aligned with who I’m becoming
This one feels like it was written for modern life. Our attention is our most precious resource. Where we place it—on gratitude, on connection, on what we can control—shapes our experience of the world.
Even the Rebellion needed rest.
One of the most underrated themes in Star Wars is recovery. Between battles, the heroes rest, repair droids, share meals, and reconnect with their people. They don’t hustle nonstop. They honor cycles. They begin again.
As you move into the new year, may you give yourself permission to:
– Recharge without apology
– Celebrate small wins
– Step back when needed
– Trust that rest is part of the mission
A New Hope (for You)
The end of the year is a natural invitation to tidy up—your space, your thinking, your relationships, your energy. Not with pressure, but with curiosity. What do you want to carry forward? What can you set down?
As my family settles in for another round of lightspeed jumps and Jedi wisdom, I’m reminded that mindfulness isn’t about escaping to another galaxy. It’s about noticing the one we’re already in—messy, beautiful, unpredictable, and full of possibility.
May the Force—and your inner calm—be with you as we step into a new year.
✨ A mindful practice for the new year:
Choose one moment each day to pause and ask,
“What am I focusing on right now?”
If it’s not serving you, gently shift.
Erin Taylor Coach Offerings
As a certified leadership coach, I utilize an assortment of proven industry-recognized energy and leadership assessments including:
EQi 2.0-Emotional Intelligence Assessment – one of the most scientifically validated Emotional Intelligence instruments on the market today. The Hogan Assessment – a powerful tool designed to evaluate personality in the workplace, offering deep insights into leadership potential, interpersonal skills, and career development.
