Christmas is behind us, and a New Year beckons us. What is the intent we set for this new year? We could resolve to run faster, eat better, be thinner, anger less, be more disciplined, or strive for any one of a myriad of such goals.
At the heart of all these pursuits lies humanity’s fundamental drive: all to avoid pain and limitation, and to lasting find happiness. But this very impulse arises from the soul memory of our true nature: That we are the children of the Light, and ever new Joy is our inheritance. Thus, our resolve to be better in the New Year is a stirring of divine awareness within us.
The beautiful Christmas image of baby Jesus laid in a humble manger, smiling up at the shining faces of Mary and Joseph; and adored by shepherds, angels, animals, the wise men: Swami Kriyananda said that this image is deeply symbolic of the birth of divine awareness within us. The first stirrings of this awareness should be treated with loving care and protection, as though it had the fragility of an infant.
Thus, whether we resolve to run faster, eat better, be more disciplined or be less angry, let us resolve to do it with God; to feel His calmness guide us and His power give us endurance. Outward acts of betterment, when done with the consciousness of God, are a way to protect and nurture the stirrings of Divine awakening. They find their ultimate fulfillment in the inner act of Divine surrender – indeed, it is this self-offering that is the key to all success.