Resolutions vs. transformation

Look for the beauty that surrounds you: listen to the birds sing, enjoy the laughter of children, marvel at the colors of each sunset.

by David Kuehl — 

At the beginning of each new year, many of us vow to change some aspect of our life that we find uncomfortable or feel we no longer need. Whether it is our weight, our job, our relationships or our personal habits, we make a commitment to change these things in order to bring some kind of improvement or happiness into our lives.

The problem with these promises is that, by making them, we place ourselves either in the past, experiencing guilt and disappointment for what we have not accomplished; or we live in the future, imagining all the things we need to do to become that ideal person. The true power of manifestation lies in the middle — being present.

To be present is to be in the moment, in the “nowness” of our lives. Whatever provides us with our individual connection to a higher consciousness (prayer, music, meditation, the sound or sight of something in nature, etc.) is only found in the here and now. It is only in the moment that true miracles (manifestations) can occur.

Here is an alternate approach to making a resolution: Set your intentions. Say them out loud, write them down or draw a picture of the wonderful things you would like to manifest or create in your life. Once done, release them into the Cosmos — whatever fits with your individual belief system — to let go and let God.

From that point on, stay in the moment. This takes practice. It can be difficult to let go of old habits such as worry, fear, doubt and judgment.

Believe in miracles. Look for them. Start your day with a mantra such as, “I am grateful for all the miracles that are about to happen.” Look for the beauty that surrounds you: listen to the birds sing, enjoy the laughter of children, marvel at the colors of each sunset. In those moments of being present in the here and now, you will find the true power of transformation and know that you have always been part of perfection.

David Kuehl is a musician (Mt. Dulcimer/vocalist) who is a member of the In-Chant Ensemble, which performs contemporary spiritual/gospel chants and songs by H.G. Moses. Besides being a storyteller and a writer, he is a healer who works on humans, animals and computers. 602-795-1871 or d.kuehl@cox.net.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 3, June/July 2006.