Wrap it up!

If you thought wrapping was done now since the holidays are past, think again. The end of the calendar year is tonight. This is a perfect opportunity to wrap up 2004 and look ahead to 2005.

I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Many are made under the influence of the moment or alcohol and several are regretted before January 1st. If you are a regular gym bunny, you know the machines and bikes will be packed until the 15th of the month, then slowly taper off back to the regular attendees. Why? People often feel guilty about over indulging during the holidays and want to lose what they’ve gained. Unfortunately, a commitment of repentance from actions that are willful is frequently ineffective. When immediate results are not realized, the sinner returns to the super-sized order.

Why not take a different approach to indulgence? Living a life of compassion for ourselves should allow each of us to indulge in our desires, so long as they are not harming others. If we are committed to good health, we will not eat ourselves into obesity, neglect our workouts, work too much and sleep too little. Think about not what you “should” do, but what you “want” to do for the highest and good of yourself and all concerned.

In doing this, we make a conscious choice of living, instead of repeating for thoughts we feel are wrong. It is the difference between living an empowered life and a life of desperation.

Tonight, before the ball drops in Times Square or you raise your New Year’s toast, write down a few things you’d like to leave in 2004. That might include procrastination, guilt, hopelessness and feeling impoverished. Take those papers outside and burn them in a bowl. Thank the Universe for the support you know is yours and ring in the New Year with a clean slate.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Terry

Nothing's Perfect, Everything's Perfect

I’m having one of those days when do matter what I plan out, with ever good intention mind you, nothing seems to be working right. I find myself tongue-tied when speaking with others – and amusing situation to most people given that I seldom am without a comment on most anything. I made three attempts at stringing lights on my Christmas tree, which resulted in language most unbecoming the season. I’m attending a charity ball this evening, and I don’t feel excited.

So WHAT is my problem?!? Plans and ego, that’s what. I once heard that it’s fine to “go with the flow” but we have the obligation to choose the stream, river, lake or ocean in which we will flow. Though I had many things to do on my “list” today, I have had absolutely no focus, no purpose, other than to accomplish “stuff”.

While I was having my first cup of coffee, and fretting about all I had before me, that “still small voice” suggested I take a few minutes to meditate. Of course, I didn’t, which is why I ended up in the state I’m in. I couldn’t be bothered taking the time. Mahatma Gandhi was once quoted as saying, “I have so much to do today I must meditate two hours instead of one.” I would have been wise to recall that this morning, instead of now.

By allowing ourselves to go with the flow of the day AFTER we’ve set ourselves up to win by mediation, prayer or whatever practice we have to center ourselves, then, and only then, can perfection be made manifest in our lives. And now, with that thought in mind, I’m going to take that ten minutes I could have taken this morning. Namasté.

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,
Dr. Terry