As we pass mid-point of the first month of the New Year, perhaps we should pause and monitor the progress (or lack of it) of our New Year’s resolutions, or perhaps even the resolutions themselves.
Still ranking at the top of the chart are usually resolutions pertaining to our health and physical appearance that constitute only one phase of mankind’s 3-fold nature that is physical, mental and spiritual. Therefore, over or under development of any single part of the three without comparable development of the other two will inevitably result in an unhealthy imbalance.
The physical infant, for example, is totally incapable of grasping such reality that becomes a matter of choice for adults. Therefore it is totally controlled by natural physical instincts (that are finite) that it gradually learns to control with maturity. The same applies with spiritual infancy although infinite. Both are captive to natural instincts and controlled by innate fear until mature enough to understand love to some degree. We are taught from infancy as well as by physical urges that we must nourish the physical body if it is to survive. Yet mere knowledge alone is insufficient in itself. The mental component of our triune nature tells is that we must act upon such knowledge to make it a reality. Primary to our physical health (that ends with the grave) is the extent of our inate spiritual development-–that does not but continues throughout the worlds of God- from whence it came, according to Baha’i and other Holy Writings.
Development of our infinite spiritual nature requires perpetual mental alertness and exercise that in turn lend guidance to one’s physical and moral compass. In so doing one becomes a light not a judge; a model not a critic and subsequently part of solutions rather than problems.
As we revisit and rethink our New Year’s resolutions, may we “Lift up our eyes unto the hills from which cometh our help” in making right decisions, rather than continuously dwelling on the unpleasant things (and people) of life. The most effective way to change the plight and direction of any given deteriorating situation is to change the hearts, minds and subsequent attitudes of the individuals involved–starting with “The man (or woman) in the mirror” as Michael Jackson so vividly reminds us still, the one over whom we have the most control–should we but practice exercising it.
As we can neither lift ourselves physically, mentally nor spiritually by our own proverbial bootstraps, it is imperative that we associate with and support those individuals, organizations and institutions that would elevate every aspect of our triune nature. We must likewise learn to make peace with inevitable inability to affect some people and situations that stand to bring us farther down than we could ever lift them.
As from childhood I have been an avid believer of memorization, please allow me to leave you with one of my favorites, a “Prayer for Decision.”
Lord, grant that I may have the faith to start, When once convinced the action that I plan, Is right for me and good and sound of heart; And holds a blessing for my fellowman.
Lord, let not timid thinking hinder me, But fill my soul with confidence to dare;
And let me venture forth right merrily; Nor strive to cross the bridge ‘til I am there.
With humor and with courage, Lord; I know that I can face the things that may go wrong;
Can gather up the loose ends as I go, And handle each day as it comes along.
And all the rest, Lord that I can foresee, The happenings of chance, the heft of load;
Will work out right, along the way for me; Not ere I start, but somewhere on the road.”
