We’re starting a new year and a lot of people are making their new year resolutions such as losing weight, eating healthier or making more money. Others strive for better relationships, less stress or more happiness. Still others, resolve to increase their spiritual practice in whatever form it might be, in order to attain to higher states of consciousness in the coming year.
In order to make any meaningful change, one must keep an open mind and learn new things or ways of behavior or modes of thinking. If one has closed off oneself, either through laziness or stubbornness, it becomes impossible to accomplish something new that we have not been able to achieve previously. Such a person’s resolution then is merely wishful thinking, a dream based on desire and illusion and without a practical foundation.
However, having an open heart doesn’t mean following the whims and vagaries of popular opinion or being gullible. It doesn’t mean to drop what has worked for us and give up a path that we have been following to starting a new path because somebody on the Internet says it worked for them. It is good to listen to diverse opinions but never be lazy and accept or reject something without research and verification. This is the same principle whether we are focusing on material or spiritual issues. Success most often requires listening with an open heart, followed by due diligence.
In order to be able to discriminate between helpful and harmful information, between truth and falsity, between effective and non-effective advice, it is crucial to increase one’s awareness. To listen with an open heart, an increased level of awareness is critical. An awareness of one’s present and past emotional reactions to what is given, an awareness of the causes leading to such emotional reactions, an awareness of any ulterior or hidden motives, an awareness of obstacles, whether physical, emotional, or mental to achieving one’s goals. To be aware is to look at a true reflection, not a distorted view. Awareness is a key factor to succeed in life on every level.
Life is full of illusion, delusion and confusion. The Masters tell us that we are dreaming with our eyes open. True happiness comes when we wake up from this dream of life. Suffering is a karmic dream – awake and free yourself from this cycle of life and death. Awake and realize your true Self.
If you ask me what is a worthwhile new year resolution, then I would counsel you to Wake Up. Learn to listen with an open heart, whether to the Master or the fool, but know the difference. Accept the truth even if from an unlikely source. Don’t be fooled by anxiety treatment deceitful words made in spiritual garb. We must emulate the Hamsa or swan, a symbol of the Awakened that can separate milk from water.
Watch yourself and increase your awareness without judgement or critical thoughts. Awaken to the inner guide in heart who will lead out of this dreamscape. Watch your thoughts, watch your words, and watch your actions – become more aware from moment to moment. Be more awake from moment to moment. Eventually, Be Truly Awake in the moment.