New Year’s Resolutions from the Perspective of Your Soul 

Having recently ushered in the New Year, my mind has begun swirling with ideas about what I might want to accomplish over the next twelve months (commonly known as resolutions). In the past, my resolutions have typically been focused on changing, altering, fixing or attaining something in the outer world.

This year, I am putting a new twist on a long-standing tradition, and I’m looking at the topic of New Year’s resolutions from the perspective of the soul. The soul is not so much interested in what we are “doing” right now or what we might be doing in the future (setting goals, attaining milestones, etc) as much as it is interested in who we are “becoming” in the process of all of our doing. Let me explain.

Here is what New Year’s resolutions look like from the perspective of the ego (the small self):

·           Lose twenty pounds so I can fit into a size 8 jean

·           Get promoted by mid-year along with a 20% salary increase

·           Pay off $10,000 in credit card debt by year’s end

·           Exercise 3 times per week for at least 30-minutes

All of the examples above are focused on “doing” something or changing ones outer experience, usually under the auspices that we will be happier once we achieve our goals. Interestingly, if happiness could indeed be found or acquired through the process of goal-setting and achievement, New Year’s resolutions would only be necessary once in a lifetime.

Here is what New Year’s resolutions look like from the perspective of the soul (the higher self):

·           Learn to love and accept myself exactly as I am

·           Forgive myself for past errors in judgment and weaknesses of character

·           Release the need to judge, criticize and blame others

·           Practice being more loving, compassionate and kind in all my affairs

All of the examples above are focused on “being” and, more importantly, on changing ones inner experience as opposed to changing ones outer experience. Can you see the difference between the two lists?

Our true nature (our soul nature) is wholly complete, utterly compassionate and unconditionally loving. When we make the commitment to focus on our inner world and release the negativity in our lives (anger, resentment, blame, hatred, etc) we support our own spiritual growth and development. In doing so, everything else just naturally falls into place. In the cosmic ebb and flow of life, all things are inextricably linked. The more love we send out into the world, the more we love we receive in return.

Focusing ones attention on inner work versus outer work is synonymous with a Yin approach to life. It is subtle and unassuming, yet highly effective.  Moreover, because our outer world is merely a reflection of the current state of our inner world, all spiritual growth is ultimately an inside job.  So this year, vow to make your New Year’s resolutions those that support the inner journey – your soul’s journey.