The Mexica calendar (commonly referred to as the Aztec calendar), has 360 days, and five “extra days”. In the Nahuatl language, those five extra days are called Nemontemi. One interpretation of the word is “complete what has been lived.”
Traditionally, the Mexica people used those extra five days as a time for reflecting on the completed year. It was a period of introspection and preparation for the new year.
My Personal Nemontemi
I began my personal Nemontemi practice in 2014. At the time I didn’t know about the Mexica tradition of the extra five days. I just intuitively noticed that the last six days of the year felt like an in between space and time. A transition point between the past year and the new year.
After Christmas, once all the presents are opened, empty boxes are stacked high, and wrapping paper litters the floor, my attention naturally turns to the New Year.
And if not mindful, I miss out on the final gift of the season: the last six days of the year.
I noticed that the last six days are the perfect time to reflect on blessings and gifts received all year. These days can be a time for reviewing lessons learned and challenges met. The last six days of the year can be a sacred time and space in which intentions and plans are set for the new year.
And that’s how I arrived at my personal practice of Nemontemi.
Time for Introspection
My personal practice during this period is to reflect and review on the first three days. From December 26 through 28, I review my journals and electronic notes, and outline the things that stand out. This one ritual helps to reinforce or recall lessons learned, it sharpens the memory of moments past, and highlights patterns repeated throughout the year.
By the end of December 28, I am filled with gratitude for everything that happened in the year, I have a greater sense of clarity and purpose, and in this state of gratitude I am ready to set intentions and make plans for the new year.
Time for Intentions
On December 29 I begin reviewing my life mission. In doing so, I notice whether or not my actions in the past year aligned with my mission. If my actions didn’t align, then I identify where I can course correct and refocus.
A better alignment to my mission makes it easier to set my intentions for the new year.
Now that I’m filled with gratitude and clarity, more aligned with my mission, and focused on my intentions, I’m ready to plan my desired outcomes for the new year.
The last two days of the year (December 30 and 31) is when I plan. I begin with the end in mind, and focus on how each outcome will further my life mission. I visualize myself making the effort and working toward my desired outcomes. I imagine the excitement and satisfaction of achievement in my body. Then, and only then, do I write down the desired outcomes.
After writing down my desired outcomes, I make a bullet point list of those outcomes, and put that list in my planner. This ensures that I constantly see my desired outcomes as I plan my weeks and days, and it keeps me on track throughout the year.
My wish for you
However you spend the last six days of the year, I wish you an abundance of joy, peace, and love.
May you close out the year in a beautiful way, and may your hopes for the new year be realized.