Monday, January 11, 2010

Seven Buddhalicious New Year's Resolutions


Since most of us have surely broken our resolutions by now, I came up with a list that makes sense to me and doesn’t involve any new gym memberships, money expenditures, schooling, or dietary restrictions:


1. Set aside at least a few minutes a day to be still and silent. Let the mud settle so you can have some clarity and peace of mind. As my teacher says, it’s more important to do a minimum amount of practice regularly than a maximum amount of practice sporadically. Translation: five minutes a day every day is better than forty five minutes once or twice a week.


2. Practice generosity even when you're not in the most generous of moods and may feel like you'd much rather be the recipient than the giver.


3. Don’t indulge the voices and thoughts from inside that criticize yourself and others, and keep you mired in the past and worrying about the future. This isn't about repressing them or pretending they aren't there mind you, but just about not giving any weight to them anymore.


4. Recognize the power of speech and use words wisely. I'm talking about a post-"I’m not gonna be PC" mindset where you don't just say anything that comes to mind simply because you can, but instead realizing that the words we choose and use have a very real impact on ourselves and others. I've actually had to explain to several people recently why it's not ok to use the word "gay" to describe something as being outdated, overly feminine (whatever that means), distasteful, or geeky. 


5. Look people in the eye and smile at them even if you think there's absolutely no chance you'll ever see them or need them again. This applies to the bank teller, the grocery store check out clerk, a homeless person, your next door neighbor (this can be a hard one for New Yorkers),  your annoying mother, just about anyone you encounter on any given day. And don’t get pissy if they don’t smile back or respond, don’t expect anything at all, just do it freely and openly and notice how it feels (even if it feels strange).


6. Pay attention. Don’t get lost or zone out throughout the day, or rush through the things you consider a chore or a nuisance. Wash the dishes carefully and mindfully.  Shovel the shit off the sidewalk with the same attention you’d give to arranging a vase of flowers.  Keep an open and curious attitude toward the physical experience of each moment. Don’t miss out on your life in search of the next momentary distraction in the form of food or sex or shopping.


7. Remember that we’re all made of the same stuff, the same universal substance. Recognize the divinity and worth in every living thing, even if you don’t care for the particular form that it’s currently taking. It doesn’t make sense for a wave to see itself as any different from the foam at its tip, so try not to hate anyone even if they act like “the enemy.” H20 is water at one temperature, steam at a higher temperature, and ice at a lower temperature. Yet it’s all H20 just the same.   

5 comments:

Nathan said...

Thanks. I like these. I wrote a pretty strong, anti-resolution post a few weeks ago, but these seem to be good at any time, and not fluffy. I'm especially interested in #5, as I tend to not look at others often.

Theresa said...

These are things to strive for everyday, for certain. About #5, I've recently taken up a practice I call 'guerrilla smiling' (and waving) around my country neighborhood. I don't know if it's my imagination or not, but people seem to smile and wave more around the neighborhood now, in the year or so since I've been doing this. I guess it doesn't matter either way, but it has been interesting seeing what happens when you smile or wave at someone who isn't expecting that.

Tippy said...

i love your suggestions. they are great to practice and great to know. For me it is especially the right time because I am under attack by a witch from hell and I have been having a hard time focusing back without fear and anger. So thank you much

David Clark said...

Your #5 can be a really rewarding practice. Smiles and expressing appreciation for the small kindnesses others perform can go a long way toward making this a kinder and more pleasant world.

Ven. Lawrence Dō'an Grecco said...

I'm pleasantly surprised at how well people have been reacting to # 5--it really is such a simple thing but sooooo important. I've even been reminded myself to do it more instead of hurrying through my day to day errands.