LIFE RESOLUTIONS

 

 

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)