Open your heart with good intentions

So dear readers, how are you setting your intentions for the New Year? I’m not talking about resolutions — you know, those promises we make in January and break by March. I’m talking about how you will see the world and life in it through grace-filled eyes over the next 12 months. That takes intention rather than resolution. And if we hope to be more open, generous, compassionate and positive, the news is, well, a bit disturbing. It appears that we must shift our consciousness a bit in order to live out that intention.

Recent neuroscience material I’ve read indicates that it can now be demonstrated that our human minds are wired for negativity rather than positivity; yes, we actually prefer and find it easier to ruminate on the negative or the fearful. It appears that we are drawn to problems rather than opportunities. Bah Humbug is easy even after the season has passed.

And so it seems that setting positive intentions, focusing on them and living them requires a spiritual discipline, a re-framing. Living our intentions with generosity and compassion requires a mystical relationship with the Divine rather than one rooted in rules and judgment. And the root of mysticism is, I believe, a connection with Perfect Love. Can we live out of love and abundance, confident that there is room at the table for everyone, without sinking back into the egoic position of superiority and self-righteousness?

Once again, as the year begins, let us be reminded that love is the intention, compassion is the intention, comfort and service are the intentions that connect us to the Source of All and to each other. And if our brains are not naturally wired for that, then our hearts must take the lead and guide us along.

The faith traditions of the world remind us that we are to love others as we love ourselves, that we are to refrain from judgment, and that we are to support and serve all. Have compassion for all. Make room for all. And so, whatever tradition you follow, may Spirit open your heart and the hearts of all of us as we strive to enter into this New Year with grace, love, patience and compassion for the world and for ourselves.

Happy 2018! May you set your intentions with grace and live them fully with great love.