Here we are again, the start of a new year, some of us making resolutions, wanting to be better versions of ourselves. I remember a time when at a party everyone would be talking about it. It seemed an important passage into the next year and we were keen on having at least one resolution. I notice that nowadays I hear people either not having a resolution or having more of a general goal that they carry from year to year, wanting to see improvement in that one quality. Something like, "Same as last year...I want to be a better person." A noble goal, but maybe a bit vague? I also hear a bit of fatigue—call it resolution fatigue—where resolutions are not really perceived as reliable anyway, so what's the point? Or maybe being so busy already, that adding one more thing to the To-Do list just takes us over the edge. It can end up feeling like some outdated ritual that belonged to a bygone era. So it was no surprise when I heard on an NPR report that a study found close to 50% of people interviewed did not make any resolutions. Makes sense. The whole practice is ready for a bit of an overhaul.
It's a funny thing how humans can get so excited about a resolution or goal, start the year with leaping enthusiasm, then peter out after just a couple of months. Maybe even make headway only to backtrack and undo all the good that has been done for months on end. But this isn't how we generally live our lives. I mean, we live with more commitment than this, right? We go to jobs every day for years, take care of children and pets, have relationships, maintain homes and personal property. All of this takes a certain amount of commitment. So what gives when it comes to resolutions?
Many years ago I found myself also giving up what felt like an antiquated practice of setting resolutions at the new year. The basic idea was good but something felt contrived about a goal becoming so important all of a sudden, or that the better version of ourselves would be put off until January 1st. And yet, what a good idea to formalize that nudge to move forward! So I feel a little twang of disappointment when I hear people saying that they have chosen nothing specifically to focus on for the year, because I believe there is an opportunity to step into the new year, or any time of year, with new inspiration that can be practiced so that a positive sustainable shift actually occurs.
My own experience has shown me time and again that setting Intentions is an incredible way to rally our psychic forces around an idea we want to actualize. Setting genuine, heartfelt intentions is like building a bridge between the unseen and the seen. The very setting of them starts things moving forward, bringing unforeseen and sometimes seemingly magical opportunities and synchronicities to our attention. But that movement can stall if we don't back it up with tangible committed actions that can be sustained over time, the kind of time needed to meet that intention. Each step is a commitment that brings us closer to a manifested intention.
Setting true intentions is actually a deeply satisfying process. Tuning into what our hearts and minds and souls desire is like coming home again, connecting us with what is most important to us, both in the shorter and longer term. It is our particular code for our particular future that connects us with the world. When we carve out meaningful time to clarify our intentions, in writing, commitments automatically arise for us to act on in order to witness that intention blossom into full flower. These commitments are a natural part of the intentional process and literally move us from point A to point Z and full fruition.
Check out how inspiring it is to contact your true Intentions. Just one is enough if it is powerful for you. Back it up with the commitments required to see it manifest, and act on those commitments. Then watch what happens.
Wishing you a Joyful and Prosperous 2018...
Melanie Hutton, Innertegrity
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