“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
—Blaise Pascale
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
—Oprah Winfrey
First of all, Cecile and I would like to wish all our friends and family a blessed and healthy New Year 2020.
Some of my best insights or ideas come from being on my yoga mat. They could easily come from running, swimming, fishing, walks in nature preserves and other recreational activities that bring you joy, and relieve anxiety and stress. I took a restorative yoga class the other day led by a former nurse. It is a deeply relaxing practice designed to slow down the racing or “monkey mind,” breathe more optimally, and get a gentle revitalizing stretch. It consists of a series of floor poses supported by props that include blocks, pillows, and straps that are provided by the studio or club. Those with physical limitations or injuries find it particularly beneficial. The slow-paced nature of the class, the music, the candles, the soothing voice of the teacher encouraged us to be fully present. This practice doesn’t expect you to show up happy. You can arrive with a jumbled mind or a heavy heart. It doesn’t even care if you can’t touch your toes or meditate for hours on end. It simply asks for you to show up. The results, as a dear childhood friend, who teaches in New Jersey promises on his website are: "Relaxation Guaranteed."
Somehow the mind drifted as the mind has a tendency to do, to the uncertain world we live in, individually and collectively as a country, and as a world. In 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” What Franklin forgot to add is change. It is another certainty that we can absolutely bet on. happening in our lives. In the Sonnets to Orpheus, Rilke challenges us to: "Want the change. Be inspired by the flame, where everything shines as it disappears.”
Why? Because this is the way it is. We try to organize our lives based on our likes and dislikes, but life is going to do what it does without any concern for our preferences. This is why 90% of our New Years' resolutions fail in the early part of the New Year.
By embracing the good, the bad and the ugly of change we are aligning ourselves with the truth of the way things are in spite of our lofty goals and agendas, and our need to control the outcome. Saying “it's all good,” is fine until it's not, and change is not always easy.
So how do we let go of the old and welcome the new year? Here is a hint by poet Danna Faulds, from her poem: “Let Go.”
Let go of the ways you thought life would unfold; the holding of plans or dreams or expectations. Let it all go.
Save your strength to swim with the tide. The choice to fight what is here before you now will only result in struggle, fear, and desperate attempts to flee from the very energy you long for. Let go.
Let it all go and flow with the grace that washes through your days whether you received it gently or with all your quills raised to defend against invaders [adversaries].
Take this on faith; the mind may never find the explanations that it seeks, but you will move forward nevertheless.
Let go, and the wave’s crest will carry you to unknown shores, beyond your wildest dreams or destinations.
Let it all go and find the place of rest and peace, and certain transformation.
Peace & Love!
