NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

New Year’s Resolutions
A New Year's resolution can be many things, but it is generally a firm decision to do or not do something or a commitment or determination to achieve a specific goal or outcome. You have probably made many resolutions in past years and kept some not others.

The question arises as to whether the principle of non-attachment to outcome can render all resolutions impossible. You are immersed in a culture that values achieving goals and attaining outcomes, but at the same time, you have come to know that attachment to a particular outcome can be at the root of much suffering. We suggest that a New Year’s resolution can be approached in a way that aligns you with the principles and practices of One Life Awareness. If you are aligning with the recognition of your innate nature and the direct experience of the natural state of mind, a New Year’s resolution can actually benefit you.

When setting a New Year's resolution, you can bring attention to your underlying motivations and clarify your intention. This process of introspection and self-awareness promotes an emphasis on recognizing the nature of mind. Clarity of intention is beneficial in focusing the core beliefs that inspire you to be present and mindful in every moment.
One Life Awareness points to a non-attachment to conceptual elaborations and dualistic thinking. While setting goals, recognize the impermanence of outcomes and avoid fixating on success or failure. Instead, focus on the process, the present moment, and the transformative journey itself. Highlight the steps and efforts you are taking in the present moment. Acknowledge that life is inherently uncertain, and outcomes may not always sync with your expectations. Embrace the unknown as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Frame your resolutions around your mindset, qualities, and deeper self rather than attempting to control external circumstances. For example, affirm your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to personal growth. Let go of making goals of acquisitions and seeking empiric results. Detach your sense of self-worth from external validation. Instead of seeking approval or validation by attaining a particular outcome, focus on honoring your values and principles through your actions.

We suggest that resolutions can be more than just surface-level goals if you align them with your deeply held wisdom and compassion. You may question yourself about what truly matters to you and how you can live in greater alignment with your principles.

Practices such as meditation and mindfulness can play an important role in the resolution-setting process. These practices can help you to quiet the mind, connect with your true nature, and gain clarity about your intentions for the upcoming year. You can integrate your resolution with a meditation practice, using the mindfulness cultivated in meditation to support your efforts in bringing about positive changes in your life.  A New Year's resolution provides an opportunity to become aware of issues and to consciously choose to break free from those that do not serve your well-being. Promote the cultivation of virtuous qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and loving-kindness by framing your resolution in a way that aligns with the cultivation of these qualities through the fostering of positive change not only for yourself but also for the benefit of all others. Regularly reflect on your progress, challenges, and the impact of your resolution on your overall well-being by including practices of self-reflection and inquiry. Self-awareness is an essential aspect of One Life Awareness.
In essence, a New Year's resolution can be a transformative and spiritually enriching practice when approached with mindfulness, awareness, and a focus on the direct experience of the present moment. It provides an opportunity to align personal growth with the principles of One Life, fostering a deeper understanding of the nature of All That Is.

​Cultivate gratitude for the present moment and the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, promoting a sense of fulfillment independent of external outcomes. We say in the simplest way, never use your resolutions against yourself. An example of this would be finding fault with the outcome, and criticizing yourself for what is present in the moment. Let your resolutions evolve throughout the year as you grow and deepen your trust in knowing the perfection of what is here and now. Flexibility and openness to change are necessary to keep resolutions productive rather than a burden or means of finding what is lacking in your life. Let all New Year’s resolutions simply support who you are and find the love your core. Resolve to simply love everyone and everything and be who you truly are. A New Year’s resolution is not necessary or unnecessary, but if you feel like making one,may it reflect your deepest being and consider your efforts to be in service to the greatest good for all beings. Happy New Year!