We all live our days wanting something delightful. We might choose healthier or less healthy pleasures, but the desire is the same: to fill the need for delight.
We’re always thinking about the next best thing; hence the tradition of New Year resolutions.
What were this year’s resolutions? Changing the shape of our body, or improving our health or lifestyle?
If that’s the goal, we’re in trouble! Statistics tell us that we stand very little chance of fulfilling our resolutions.
It seems there is never going to be a number on our scales or in our bank account that will meet our desires. We tell ourselves that we know this, but do we really? “If I can just achieve this goal, THEN I can be happy.” How misleading.
No external goal will resolve the deepest question nagging us all; “Who am I meant to be?”
Each of us is unique with a role to contribute in this lifetime. The extent to which we fulfill our purpose is the extent of our happiness.
Regardless of money, or body weight, if we have not found and begun to live for and commit to the desire of our personal purpose, nothing will satisfy us.
For those of us who practice yoga (or engage in other mindfulness practices,) we have to take care not to lay the same expectations on our practice. No arm balance or backbend will meet such expectations. While yoga will aid in calming the restlessness, it is a tool, not the answer.
Some of us are dealing with professions or obligations that discourage us. We wish we could pour our energy into something we truly love and believe in. This sense of dissatisfaction is our Dharma calling: a desire for our purpose.
Purpose is not about profession. Purpose shines through all aspects of life. It shines through relationships to self and others as well as to each living moment.
When we seek the means to fulfill our purpose and have a healthy relationship to this purpose, we have a natural urge to be healthy in order to reach our fullest potential. Our resolutions can serve as tools but they are not the destination.
Let us seek pleasure, intimacy, kindness, and warmth. The soul longs for expression.If you are focused on becoming healthier, ask yourself why you are doing this. We all have desires, but some are more helpful than others. Be clear on your purpose. What is your body here to serve you in doing this lifetime? Reflect: look inward and ask questions.
3 comments:
I loved this post. I set an intention for this year and not a resolution. My intention, which I set just yesterday, is "joy". I think the real practice comes in finding ways to cultivate my attitude about whatever is in my present moment. So, it's not about waiting for joy to come but recognizing when it's there already.
Thanks Shumai. When we cultivate joy, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This is the state in which the body is able to heal, rest, and digest. That alone is a fine enough reason to smile!
Daniel,
Thank you. I just got back from a trip to Germany and when I arrived home I found the move "I AM" waiting for me at my doorstep. It is no coincidence that your message also reflects the content of movie. I am getting divine intervention everywhere I turn. Thank you for being an inspiration to me.
Warmly
Anke
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