Advice to Myself

 

I don’t put much stock in New Year’s resolutions. I resolve throughout the year to fix what I can, improve where I can, and try to find faults and change them as I can. 

That said, I do find myself making notes to myself, advice if you will, of how to be a better human being. There are way too many other figures throughout history who have written such texts (and far more profoundly and eloquently than I). 

All of this said, perhaps there is something in sharing this “Advice to Myself” at the turning of this year. 

NOTE: my original draft is a little more geared to a Buddhist approach. I’ve “universalized” it a bit more tor our common humanity’s sake.

Advice to Myself

Before going to sleep; dedicate whatever merit you have accrued throughout the day to all beings; offer a thought, a prayer, a resolve, that all beings be happy and free from suffering and may all bear both triumphs and defeats, moments of joy and suffering with equanimity. This includes oneself (of course!)

Upon rising, generate as much goodwill and altruistic motivation as you are capable of - let this be the motivation for awakening for the day and in the broader context of your entire life; express gratitude for this literal awakening and also for the opportunity to fully awaken; begin the day either silently or very quietly reading a text that inspires you. Internalize the meaning, try to actualize what’s in the words (as opposed to merely memorizing or repeating emptily).

If you have a formal meditation practice, begin your sit. Then begin your movement throughout the day.

Remember to pay attention, to be as present as fully as possible, to be as fully as possible; and remember that you do not exist only from ‘your own side.’ Myriad causes and conditions obtained, came together to provide you this moment. Since beginningless time, you have been led here; you are not separate from Being’s continuum. 

Before you enter, generate goodwill, love, and compassion.

As you exist, dedicate all good action and the results thereof to all beings.

Before you speak, generate a good heart.

As you finish, let mind be present in silence.

When you walk, each step lasts only a moment, the air that enters the nostrils is not your air; 

When you stand, the foundation is utter openness, utter luminosity;

When you sit, ineffable presence and being arise; becoming passes ineffably, but maintain compassionate awareness.

31.XII. 2023