Here we go again. Each
year we set new goals. Each year we make
a vow to try harder. We make a vow to be more focused in achieving the goals we
set. Each year we tell ourselves that
finally - THIS TIME - we will not give up.
On one hand it is good to not be too hard on ourselves if we are not
able to keep the resolve. Making changes to well set habit patterns is not an
easy thing.
However, not being hard on self when the goal is not
met is not the same as giving up. Start over
a thousand times – or a thousand times one thousand times if that is what it
takes. If the resolution is honorable …
if the resolution brings beauty and balance to life do not give up.
Though I make numerous and a bit more ‘public’ New Year’s Resolutions
each year, I hold closer to my heart a goal set 4 years ago when it became
clear to me the need was paramount. Over
and over I have failed to keep the resolution.
Over and over I have reaffirmed the resolution with sincerity. Inch by inch the journey of 1,000 times 1,000
miles is traversed.
Here is what I know:
*I do not know how long it will take.
*I do not know how many times I will need to start
again.
*I do know I will not give up.
*I do know the destination is assured.
It is commendable to make small honorable resolutions and
then keep those resolutions. (Exercise 3
x per week, eat a nutritious breakfast every day, and say please and thank
you). Even small honorable resolutions
build toward ‘life resolutions’ which will bring beauty to our lives and the
lives of those around us.
At some point, you might consider actually looking at a LIFE RESOLUTION and making it your own. You might
consider something so magnificent you are humbled to even consider the perhaps
daunting task of seeking attunement with the virtue. There are any number of sources offering
possible directions for this life travel.
One I offer here for your consideration is from The Bhagavad Gita
XVI:1-3
The Blessed Lord
said:
Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in
acquiring wisdom and in practicing yoga, charity, subjugation of the senses,
performance of holy rites, study of the scriptures, self-discipline,
straightforwardness;
Noninjury, truthfulness, freedom from wrath,
renunciation, peacefulness, nonslanderousness, compassion for all creatures,
absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, lack of restlessness;
Radiance of character, forgiveness, patience,
cleanness, freedom from hate, absence of conceit—these qualities are the wealth
of a divinely inclined person, O Descendant of Bharata.
— The Bhagavad Gita
XVI:1-3
In these short stanzas we are given 26 soul qualities which
bring transcendent beauty. Perhaps it is
time to set a life goal worthy of one who is in essence Immutable Soul. Listed in The Gita are SOUL QUALITIES. Take one on for a year or two or longer. Even one year of focused intention will
change you forever.
If not now – when will you finally take the first step to
achieving your true potential?
These thoughts are offered not by one who knows all truth
but rather by a fellow sojourner on the path.
1.
Fearlessness (abhayam)
2.
Purity of heart (sattva-samshuddhi)
3.
Steadfastness
4.
Almsgiving (dana)
5.
Self-restraint (dama)
6.
Religious rites (yajnas)
7.
Right study of the scriptures (svadhyaya)
8.
Self-discipline (tapas)
9.
Straightforwardness (arjavam)
10.
Noninjury
11.
Truth (satya)
12.
Absence of wrath (akrodha)
13.
Renunciation (tyaga)
14.
Peace (shanti)
15.
Absence of fault-finding and calumny (apaisunam)
16.
Compassion toward all beings (daya)
17.
Noncovetousness, absence of greed (aloluptvam)
18.
Gentleness (mardavam)
19.
Modesty (hri)
20.
Absence of restlessness (achapalam)
21.
Radiance of character (tejas)
22.
Forgiveness (kshama)
23.
Patience, or fortitude (dhriti),
24.
Cleanness
25.
Nonhatred (adroha)
26.
Lack of conceit (na atimanita)
