Four thousand years ago in Babylonian times, resolutions were made with the intention that what was done on the first day of the New Year would be reflected in the remaining days of the year. Incidentally, the Babylonian New Year was celebrated in March to coincide with the planting of the spring crops. The Babylonians were in touch with the rhythms of the seasons and farming.
Even today, four thousand years later, we can draw upon the similarities between harvesting of crops and bringing forth fruitful results into our lives – resolutions are the seeds; a mind full of good intentions and beliefs makes for fertile ground; positive thoughts are the tending of the ground; and the process of obtaining desired results is in the four seasons– new beginnings, tending, harvesting and resting.
The obsession with the fast pace life style creates a gap between Nature and self, resulting in initial sizzle with an eventual fizzle due to constant distractions. In nature, after the seeds have been sown, the energy is put forth for tending the ground. Instead of tending, we get caught up with the constant change in priorities. The very resolution that was made with enthusiasm becomes a source of dissatisfaction.
Dissatisfaction results due to impatience, lack of commitment or lack of understanding of the natural rhythm that brings desired results to fruition.
The underlying intention is the force, and the belief in oneself is the focus that will tend the farm and carry the enthusiasm to fruition. If the force and focus are not aligned, the target will almost always be missed. Therefore, more important than the resolution is the intention and the belief behind the resolution. How do we close this subtle gap?
Closing the gap requires a closer look at the deep seated FEAR.
Face Reality with Courage: For instance, one makes the resolution to manage personal temperament and stay calm in difficult situations. It takes great courage to sit with the anger and find its root within oneself. The anger seldom lies outside; it is in the underlying unresolved issues. Or, if one is looking to quit smoking, the question to ask is what feelings are being suppressed or what unfulfilled needs are being replaced by the addiction?
Embrace Honesty: Owning up to the discovery of inner inconsistencies through courageous acts of introspection is the next step. When the process of discovery points to self-sabotage, then it requires owning up to self-sabotaging beliefs, thoughts and behaviors and taking the responsibility to change those behaviors.
Allow time for Introspection: Introspection is the most powerful tool. We are great at noticing others’ idiosyncratic behaviors, however, when we master the art of examining our own idiosyncratic thoughts, feelings and behaviors, majority of our problems would disappear. We would be able to see a clear distinction between ‘enabling’ and ‘disabling’ beliefs that either facilitate or hinder the process of achieving desired results.
Reduce Speed: Multitasking and too much running around guarantees two things: Stress and Errors. Reducing speed for down time is a must to gain perspective and generate strategies for the following round of the Four Seasons.
How are you going to align the force of intent and focus of belief to create your personal rhythm of success?
Wishing You A Very Happy New Year!
Neerja Arora Bhatia, CPC
Emotional Resilience Coach, Facilitator & Author
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