By ~liz Sorensen Wessel

On this Eve of ringing in a New Year there is a temptation to try and turn over a new leaf. After all, the year ahead is as pristine as freshly fallen snow, the path untrodden and before us glistens the hope of a new beginning.

(For fun, I've included Woody Guthrie's 1942 New Year's resolutions, below.)

 
Source:gothamist.com                                                                                

Yet, how quickly New Year's resolutions are broken with our motivation dissipating like smoke. Perhaps, this is because our approach is often about "doing" something (or not) rather than cultivating a relationship with ourselves and with life (as Erie alluded to in this weeks Journal essay, "The New Year's Bell of Kindness").

I can't help wonder if the seed of meaningful change begins first with a reversal of thought.  A thought beyond intellect that flows forth from the heart. One that holds an intention of opening to what arises within us in a friendly way. A state of being that is diminished when trying to describe it with words.

This past week I read an inspiring reflection about living an intention of "giving", which I highly recommend. The author offers a wonderful illustration of giving. (Make your Life Into A Giving, Jaggi Vasudeva,12/27/2011) http://www.iJourney.org). Often, my thoughts wander towards reaching for what seems to be lacking in my life. I've known of a spiritual truth that reveals one cannot give without receiving because they are both really one and the same. I experience this truth, especially when my giving is pure and without any expectation of return. This level of giving is deeply satisfying and nourishing to one's soul.

If we contemplate the gifts life has given us we awaken to significance. Our journey begins with Ruah breathing life into us. Mother Earth provides an abundance of miraculous conditions for our sustanance as well as Beauty to spark our spirits' dance.

When we live an intention of "giving" ourselves to life, of only giving (even though  receiving is inevitable) I imagine a subtle shift might occur in our relationships.
This week, Erie's thought provoking essay speaks to us of living a heart of kindness. My heart's intention is to live "giving"  as a way into a deepening relationship with life, my friends and loved ones. 

Caregivers give because they love. They open the doors of their hearts to the worlds great need without expectation of anything in return and they find themselves sailing upon a wonderous sea of gratitude.

Wishing you much giving in this New Year!

~liz