The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31, but for many people its the easiest and most logical time to make new goal and even set knew intentions.
Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. All of these are great resolutions however, the vast majority of New Year’s resolutions are in relation to physical things instead of things that serve our expansion as an extension of source energy. The better term to use for spiritual goals are intentions. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. An intention is a course of action one intends to follow that serves a higher purpose.
Setting New Year intentions are not just a list of goals written on a piece of paper. To me the intention is a kinder plan for forward movement and the resolution doesn’t allow for life to happen. An intention is a plan to create change. When resolutions are made and then dropped by February we feel a bit like we failed… So how can you create an intention that is kind and loving towards yourself and the world around you?
Their are many ways this can be done but today I wanted to share what I do to set new intentions. Personally, I do it all year round many times, but for many people its easier to do at times like these that represents a time of change and renewal. Another example of a good time to set intentions is the spring equinox.
Mediation
You can do a couple different types of new year meditations, but my favorite thing to do, for new years in particular, is to reflect on the year mentally. what things do you not want to follow you into the next year? What aspects of yourself do you want to change this year? The most important question to ask yourself is "Why do I want these things?" Asking this question will help you find out if these intentions will actually serve you spiritually. What I mean by this is that sometime we often find that the reason why doesn't serve our true-self or serves a aspect of yourself that is trying to please someone else. For example say you want to loose weight but you want to only because you think it will help you get a date with the person you are interested in.
After you meditate on your desired intentions, write down what you experienced in as much detail as you can. You want to look at this list at least once a month to make sure you are staying on track.
New years is also a time where I make a list of positive things that happened over the last year so I never forget!!!
Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. All of these are great resolutions however, the vast majority of New Year’s resolutions are in relation to physical things instead of things that serve our expansion as an extension of source energy. The better term to use for spiritual goals are intentions. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. An intention is a course of action one intends to follow that serves a higher purpose.
Setting New Year intentions are not just a list of goals written on a piece of paper. To me the intention is a kinder plan for forward movement and the resolution doesn’t allow for life to happen. An intention is a plan to create change. When resolutions are made and then dropped by February we feel a bit like we failed… So how can you create an intention that is kind and loving towards yourself and the world around you?
Their are many ways this can be done but today I wanted to share what I do to set new intentions. Personally, I do it all year round many times, but for many people its easier to do at times like these that represents a time of change and renewal. Another example of a good time to set intentions is the spring equinox.
Mediation
You can do a couple different types of new year meditations, but my favorite thing to do, for new years in particular, is to reflect on the year mentally. what things do you not want to follow you into the next year? What aspects of yourself do you want to change this year? The most important question to ask yourself is "Why do I want these things?" Asking this question will help you find out if these intentions will actually serve you spiritually. What I mean by this is that sometime we often find that the reason why doesn't serve our true-self or serves a aspect of yourself that is trying to please someone else. For example say you want to loose weight but you want to only because you think it will help you get a date with the person you are interested in.
After you meditate on your desired intentions, write down what you experienced in as much detail as you can. You want to look at this list at least once a month to make sure you are staying on track.
New years is also a time where I make a list of positive things that happened over the last year so I never forget!!!