Happy New Year, Friends:
So, another year slips quietly by, eh? Or perhaps it has run screaming past. In any case, it seems we once again find ourselves in the position of setting resolutions. Though I must admit, I am not a fan of this particular tradition. Have you noticed that most people set resolutions as a kind of penance? You know, some kind of punishment for not having done 'enough' in 2013. But I can't help but wonder, what's enough?
Perhaps instead of resolving to do or be better, we might spend some time reconnecting to the inherent and basic goodness that resides in each and every one of us, and then set a pure intention to act from that space. I mean, think about it. When we’re connected to our most compassionate, kind, patient, and loving selves, what else but compassion, kindness, patience, and love could we possibly extend to others.
This is one of the things I love about the system of yoga and its teachings. But before I go into all that, let me just say that it’s totally fine if you don’t identify as a yogi. And of course, if you don’t identify as a yogi, you probably aren’t all that familiar with the teachings I am referring to. No problem. It’s really quite simple. Without going into too much detail, the essence of yoga is that we are all divine. And yes I know, the very word 'divine', depending upon your association with it, might make your toes curl. Stay with me. Really, all this means, is that every single living being has within them…well, life. And what is it that gives us life? Breath, consciousness, the desire for happiness and contentment, and the desire to love and be loved. Which, according to yogic philosophy, is our birthright, and the very reason we are all here. So label yourself whatever you like. Or better yet, drop the labels all together, because yogi or otherwise, most people can relate to that.
The notion of basic goodness is a reminder that we are all capable of greatness, and have within us a vast and inexhaustible amount of potential. Yet due to numerous factors, most of us are not connected to this aspect of ourselves, or to the inherent goodness in others. This is where the real work lies. If everyone resolved to remember their worth and that of all others, the world at large would be a much different, much improved place. Can you imagine it? It’s ours for the taking. But it begins with us. Changing your perspective of yourself and of all others could literally change the world. Now what could be a better resolution than that?
This year I resolve to know myself better so that I might know each of you. I resolve to think, speak, and act from the well of compassion and love that I know resides within me, even though sometimes I forget. I resolve to work for and on the behalf of others; those who are suffering; those who are afraid; those who are in pain; and those who continue to hurt others because they themselves have been hurt. I resolve to remember that my best really is good enough. And I resolve to live in a way that is in accordance with my moral and ethical beliefs, causing the least amount of harm to all others along the way.
2014 awaits, friends. There is much on the horizon. Stay tuned. In the meantime, be in touch. Be kind. Be happy. Be free.
With peace and gratitude,
Erica
So, another year slips quietly by, eh? Or perhaps it has run screaming past. In any case, it seems we once again find ourselves in the position of setting resolutions. Though I must admit, I am not a fan of this particular tradition. Have you noticed that most people set resolutions as a kind of penance? You know, some kind of punishment for not having done 'enough' in 2013. But I can't help but wonder, what's enough?
Perhaps instead of resolving to do or be better, we might spend some time reconnecting to the inherent and basic goodness that resides in each and every one of us, and then set a pure intention to act from that space. I mean, think about it. When we’re connected to our most compassionate, kind, patient, and loving selves, what else but compassion, kindness, patience, and love could we possibly extend to others.
This is one of the things I love about the system of yoga and its teachings. But before I go into all that, let me just say that it’s totally fine if you don’t identify as a yogi. And of course, if you don’t identify as a yogi, you probably aren’t all that familiar with the teachings I am referring to. No problem. It’s really quite simple. Without going into too much detail, the essence of yoga is that we are all divine. And yes I know, the very word 'divine', depending upon your association with it, might make your toes curl. Stay with me. Really, all this means, is that every single living being has within them…well, life. And what is it that gives us life? Breath, consciousness, the desire for happiness and contentment, and the desire to love and be loved. Which, according to yogic philosophy, is our birthright, and the very reason we are all here. So label yourself whatever you like. Or better yet, drop the labels all together, because yogi or otherwise, most people can relate to that.
The notion of basic goodness is a reminder that we are all capable of greatness, and have within us a vast and inexhaustible amount of potential. Yet due to numerous factors, most of us are not connected to this aspect of ourselves, or to the inherent goodness in others. This is where the real work lies. If everyone resolved to remember their worth and that of all others, the world at large would be a much different, much improved place. Can you imagine it? It’s ours for the taking. But it begins with us. Changing your perspective of yourself and of all others could literally change the world. Now what could be a better resolution than that?
This year I resolve to know myself better so that I might know each of you. I resolve to think, speak, and act from the well of compassion and love that I know resides within me, even though sometimes I forget. I resolve to work for and on the behalf of others; those who are suffering; those who are afraid; those who are in pain; and those who continue to hurt others because they themselves have been hurt. I resolve to remember that my best really is good enough. And I resolve to live in a way that is in accordance with my moral and ethical beliefs, causing the least amount of harm to all others along the way.
2014 awaits, friends. There is much on the horizon. Stay tuned. In the meantime, be in touch. Be kind. Be happy. Be free.
With peace and gratitude,
Erica
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