this now is it
Have you made your resolutions? How are you doing about sticking with them now that we’re entering our 2nd full week of the New Year? I hope you are enjoying yourself and are taking pride in your efforts to pursue whatever it is you’ve resolved to do…or not do.
I have decided this year to take a page from my good friend who resolves not to have resolutions, but to have a word for the year. As I’ve mentioned this in my classes this week, I’ve discovered this is a popular practice. Lots of people have a word or words that they contemplate and work towards throughout the year. I’m going to give it a try. I have a list of several words I think would be good for me to meditate on, and so I’m not sure if I will pick just one. Perhaps I’ll have a word collage. For this week, though, in my practice and in my classes my word has been this.
I am a planner. I like to look ahead. I like to set goals and figure out the steps needed to achieve them. But creating new habits–like committing to a daily yoga practice or cutting out sweets–can be daunting. Perhaps we could say instead that in this moment, with this breath I am present and fully involved in this activity. Whether it’s the activity you’re trying to do more of or the thing you’re trying to do less; if you’re doing it with full awareness, you’re living this life more completely, more intentionally, more honestly.
In “Father Reason,” one of my favorite poems by Rumi, he writes, “No need to announce the future! This now is it. This. All your deepest needs and desires are satisfied by this moment’s energy, here in your hands.”
I wish you the best with your this. Happy New Year!