We’ve all been blessed to welcome in another Gregorian New Year, regardless of “…in whatsoever state therewith to be content.” ~Phil. 4:11 For in whatsoever state we may find ourselves there can most surely be found others less fortunate.
We have the propensity to dwell on negative aspects within our present and especially throughout our past. While it is natural I suppose to a point, when serving as stepping stones, but beyond which soon become stumbling blocks. Whether or not we customarily make New Years resolutions, let’s give it one more try. Whether or not it is even celebration of our respective New Year, let’s not wait to give it a try.
Allow me to start by continuing to share the spiritual and psychological wisdom and theories of others that (as foreign as some may seem) are so far advanced from our starting or present viewpoints.
It was a very special friend who first reminded me that as with batteries and other conduits, negative force is necessary to make positives work! Therefore perception and results determine the bigger picture. Simply put, How we look at anything (or anyone) determines what we see. And that little how is usually determined by a big thing called attitude-–a derivative of Love (or lack of it). Love of what and how we perceive or pursue it. It seems that far too many are of the opinion that love is something to be sought or found, ideally perhaps in a parent and/or later in an individual destined to be one’s “soul mate.” What we do not understand is: “Although we inherently possess the capacity to love, there is much knowledge to be gained about love. It is not only important to know how to love others, we must also learn how to be loved by becoming more lovable,” we read among our favorite Baha’i reference books. “If our primary aim in life is to love and be loved and yet we are unlovable, we will be constantly frustrating ourselves as well as others. We must therefore first make a concerted effort to become more lovable, a fete best acquired by spiritualizing one’s habits.
One of the essential features of a habit is that the action becomes automatic without forethought-–as required in perfecting any art. It is such spiritualized behavior that presents to others the most tangible evidence of your loving capacity and reciprocal potential.
Unfortunately we have become trapped instead into believing that youth, good looks and skimpy sexy fashion fads made us lovable. It is upon such erroneous assumption that holiday and year-round cosmetics and similar exterior lure industries flourish year-round. Such trends have confused love with lust and love songs of old have been replaced with “lust” songs.
As the ultimate thing that makes one lovable is the acquisition of virtues it is therefore impossible to experience true love without first spiritualizing one’s habits. This makes us less critical and more forgiving–as we are constantly being forgiven-–by Whomever we perceive. This also frees us from wasted efforts to be perceived as preferred before realizing who we really are. Strive this New Year to find the New You!
In this new Revelation we have been promised: “Unto each one hath been prescribed a pre-ordained measure, as decreed in Gods mighty and guarded tablets. All that which ye potentially possess can however, be manifested only as a result of your own volition. Your own acts testify to this truth. (Investigate!)
