Happy New Year intentions message on an image of the moon with a bright light

Reflecting Back, Moving Forward: New Year’s Intentions Over Resolutions

 

By: Glenn Workman, Director of Life Temple

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, there’s a palpable sense of renewal in the air. At LIFE TEMPLE, where we cherish the journey of personal growth and collective harmony, the transition into the new year invites us to pause and reflect. Rather than leaping forward with traditional New Year’s resolutions, let’s explore the concept of setting intentions—a practice that aligns more closely with our six guiding principles, particularly with the emphasis on personal evolution and the sacredness of life.

The Traditional Resolution

The word “resolution” derives from the Latin “resolutio,” meaning a loosening, release, or conclusion. In contemporary usage, a resolution often signifies a firm decision to do or not do something. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the act or process of resolving: the state of being resolute.” This implies a certain rigidity, a black-and-white outcome where one either succeeds or fails.

For many, resolutions can be daunting. They set a high bar for success, often leading to disappointment when life’s complexities make these goals unattainable. The pressure of a resolution can obscure the beauty of the journey, turning personal growth into a race with an unforgiving finish line.

A group of people sitting crossed legged meditating to create intentions outside with the sun shining down

The Power of Intention

Contrastingly, “intention” comes from the Latin “intentio,” meaning direction or attention. In the context of LIFE TEMPLE, intention is about the direction we wish to steer our lives, the qualities we want to cultivate, and the energy we wish to manifest. It’s less about the end goal and more about the quality of the journey itself. An intention is flexible, adaptive, and inherently forgiving. It’s about setting a course, not a destination.

Looking Backward to Move Forward

Before we leap into the new year, let’s take a moment to look back at the one just passed. At LIFE TEMPLE, we believe in the power of reflection as a tool for growth. Here’s how we can do that:

  1. **Acknowledge the Struggles:** Every year brings its challenges. Perhaps this year tested your patience, resilience, or faith. Recognizing these struggles isn’t about dwelling on them but understanding their place in your journey. They’ve shaped you, taught you, and prepared you for what’s to come.
  2. **Celebrate the Small Triumphs:** Success isn’t always monumental. Maybe you managed to be kinder to yourself, or you found joy in small, daily rituals. These moments, no matter how minor they might seem, are victories. They are the seeds from which greater changes can grow.
  3. **Learn from Failures:** Failure is merely feedback. Each stumble or misstep is an opportunity to learn. What did you learn about yourself through your failures? How can this knowledge guide your intentions for the coming year?

Crafting Your Intention

Now, let’s shift our focus to setting intentions for the new year:

  1. **Intention Over Resolution:** Instead of saying, “I will lose weight,” set an intention like, “I will move my body with joy and listen to its needs.” This shifts the focus from outcome to experience and self-care.
  2. **Embrace Flexibility:** Life is unpredictable. An intention allows for detours, pauses, and changes in direction without the sense of failure. If your intention is to cultivate patience, every moment of impatience is not a failure but an opportunity to practice patience.
  3. **Connect with the Community:** At LIFE TEMPLE, we grow together. Share your intentions with the community. Support each other in these gentle, guiding aspirations. Perhaps organize intention-setting circles or workshops where we can collectively set our sights on a year of growth, love, and understanding.
  4. **Daily Mindfulness:** Integrate your intentions into daily life. Maybe your intention is to live more mindfully; this could translate to daily meditation, mindful eating, or simply being present in conversations.

The Year Ahead

As we move into this new year, let’s carry with us the wisdom of the past year. Let’s honor our journey by setting intentions that resonate with our deepest values and aspirations. Here at LIFE TEMPLE, we invite you to join in this reflective practice, to set intentions that are not about achieving but about becoming. Let’s celebrate every step, every breath, and every moment of connection.

In this new year, may your intentions be your compass, guiding you through life’s ebbs and flows with grace, resilience, and an open heart. Here’s to a year of intention, community, and the sacred dance of life’s continuous unfolding.

Glenn Workman, Director of Life Temple

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