As we make another transition into a new year it is customary to make new year's resolutions that express our desires to change us for the better, expressed by a formal acknowledgment of our hopes and dreams.
An interesting fact: The word resolution has its origins in late Middle English with its root dating back to Latin, translated resolvere, meaning loosen, release. So, while we are making resolutions for the future we are in fact quite literally asking to let go. Makes sense! How can we make any changes without letting go of old beliefs?
In a Zen-Buddhist story a master received a well accomplished and knowledgable university professor, who showed interest in Zen. The master served tea. He poured the visitor's cup full, and then kept going. Eventually, the professor could no longer restrain himself and addressed the master. "It is overfull. No more will go in." "Like this cup," the master said, "you are full of opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
I like this story, because it so beautifully symbolizes the process we all go through with making resolutions. We are emptying our cups and allowing new possibilities and desires to fill in, gently and gracefully.
My deepest and most humble desire for you is to realize that your resolution doesn't have to be limited to the one time in the year, but can be expressed in every moment of your beautiful and ever changing lives. Empty your cup and allow the New and the Change to take place in your loving existence.
From my deepest heart, I wish you a Happy New Year.
-- JM
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 8:11AM