Welcome to my sixth blog in December!! Here is New Years Eve and a useful day to consider the future of 2020 and all that is to come... take the time to reflect on everything that is dear to you.
Between Christmas and the beginning of a new year, it is natural for us to feel unsure but I hope to encourage you all in your trust and confidence, not only for yourselves but also for all those dear around you. Throughout the festive season, and in particular on Christmas Day itself, we are reminded of the selflessness of a respected figure who was born in the humblest surroundings and who eventually gave up his life in sacrifice for the immorality of mankind. However, once this day has passed and a hectic atmosphere inevitably return to our lives, alongside the madness of Boxing Day sales, it seems as if Christmas and all of its peaceful serenity took place long ago. Therefore, let us pause and consider these inspiring words by Khalil Gibran, which urge us to pay attention to the calm within:
"Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof"
I gotta have faith...
As the words by George Michael show, we must take the initiative ourselves to surround ourselves with good company and have confidence that those nearest and dearest will support us, just as much as we will support them. Rumi says "This universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are". These words may seem overly simple or arbitrary but if we focus on the underlying meaning, we may grasp the immense power which they hold. How many times do you look at yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually and say the following: I am enough!? When was the last time you felt fully content?! Indeed, have you ever truly felt this way?! I don't think that there is any shame if you haven't experienced such pure emotions.
The society in which we find ourselves today thrives off materialistic goods and processes, with which we are promised a healthier and happier life. We are persuaded into thinking that our lives are not complete until we have the perfect house, car, holiday, physical body, even family...the list goes on endlessly. For many industries now, technology is necessary for the business to grow and for others to learn about what solutions they offer. Be that as it may, we shouldn't neglect ourselves and others around us by constantly striving for the impossible perfection. If we consider the simple example of photos, the number of filters and lenses which are freely available to help brighten the image shows how reality can be easily distorted, and how we must be careful not to judge every picture as it first appears.
Our society colours everything that we see, from pictures, music, adverts to everything in between. It creates an unrealistic ideal of perfection which is not possible to attain for the entirety of our lives and so, now we must be strong and certain in ourselves that we are enough. Moving forwards, it might be useful to repeat the words "I am enough" on a daily basis to help spread positivity and self-confidence throughout the words. As we have discovered, our thoughts are more powerful than they may first seem.
Let your faith be bigger than your fears...
When we think of the New Year, one of the first concepts which springs to mind revolves around the tradition of resolutions. And with that may come trepidation and panic. Neither of these emotions are needed. It is said that the ancient Babylonians were some of the first people to start making New Year's resolutions around 4000 years ago, when they promised to repay debts and return any objects they had borrowed. In the same way, after Julius Caesar had manipulated the calendar and established January 1st as the beginning of the new year circa 46BC, a similar practice occurred in Ancient Rome. Named for Janus, the two-faced god who looked backwards into the past and forwards into the future, the month of January had special significance. The Roman offered sacrifices to the deity and made promises of good conduct for the coming year. For early Christians also, the first day of the new year became a traditional occasion for thinking about one's past mistakes and for resolving to behave better in the future. When we consider these origins, it appears a lot simpler than the build-up which is created around January 1st in the modern day.
Words by Martin Luther King Jr. are comforting here:
"Faith is taking the first step, even when you can't see the whole staircase"
We must take heart from these words and continue to step forwards with strong strides into what lies before us. Despite the religious roots of the resolutions, many people now only make resolutions to themesleves, instead of making promises to gods, focusing purely on self-improvement. This may one explanation as to why so many resolutions seem so hard to follow on. #anotheryearanotheryou
On average it takes over 2 months to change a habit...
As this statement reveals, it takes longer than we may initially think to change something within ourselves. Therefore, a decision made tonight may only start to work effectively and produce desired effects, near the end of February and even in March. We must be patient with ourselve and others and not seize this moment to set an unrealistic goal. #bekindtoallincludingyourself
Responding to the indulgences of Christmas with catharsis...
An article taken from the Economist includes these words which seem to emulate the feelings after Christmas as we begin the new year. Feeling guilty after eating festive food, many of us may seek to undertake wildly impulsive sports or fitness regimes in the hope that we will feel more virtuous in the months to come. Every year, around 1/3 of British people make New Year's resolutions but many reckon that only 1 in 10 of us will be successful in keeping them until the end of the year. Generally, we consider taking more care over our physical appearance, setting aside 'me time', having a better work/life balance, getting organised or maybe learning a new skill or language. All of these are wonderful aspirations and are definitely not to be ridiculed but it is important to consider your motivation behind the actions. Why are you doing it? Because of shame at previous actions? To make others proud?
Since so many of us seem to find the tradition hard to maintain, it might be worth reminding yourself of positive reasons behind a new change in behaviour and to break down your goal into realistic steps. Mahalia Jackson' words suggest a loving perspective "Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them". Instead of making unrealistic promises to ourselves, let us think about the smaller differences we can make within ourselves which will make a difference not only to ourselves, but to all those around us too. Let us reward ourselves whenever we see improvements instead of focusing on the set-backs which will occur, if we seek to change a habit. Let us help ourselves by writing or speaking about our goals with others to solidify good intentions. Let us be reasonable, both to ourselves and others. It has been proven that finding a friend who you can share your dreams with increases your chances of fulfilling them. Let go of the worry and remember that "A problem shared is a problem halved" - there will be many people in your life who are happy to help and support you at any point in your life. #youareloved
Faith - daring the soul to go beyond what the eye can see...
As January and the promise of a new year draws ever closer, we may understandably feel apprehensive in uncertainty of what is to come but in contrast, perhaps this opportunity calls for another type of behaviour. The time to embrace chance. A moment to embrace all that is found within you and simply to have faith.
I conclude this last blog of 2019 with uplifting words by Ralph Marston:
"The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen"
Lots of love and see you in 2020,
Sitara xxx
Very thoughtful and truthful blog Sitara..... I hope it inspires others as it has me. xx