Because
I don't believe in making resolutions, I will not discuss or write
about them. Life changes by the moment, and sometimes setting
specific rules for one's life is not always practical or remembered,
for that matter. A friend messaged me the other day, and mirrored my
thoughts, stating, “When
you are at an age where writing New Year’s Resolutions seems
redundant at best...seeking wisdom seems more beneficial ...so here
are some thoughts to take us into 2018...” She attached a copy of
“The Rules For Being Human,” believed to originally come from
ancient Sanskrit. However, I've seen it re-written and translated in
various ways over the years, most notably by Dr.
Chérie Carter-Scott. Often
the 10th
and final rule is omitted. This
is my interpretation of these rules:
 |
| SIDHARTHA by Stacey Torres (India Ink on Canvas) 2017 |
First,
you are given a body. Each of us gets one issued to us, and whether
we like it or not, it is ours to cherish, protect, nourish and
utilize as our temple, chapel, shelter and armor. Treat it with
respect as no other in life will.
Second,
each of us will be given lessons, and will continue to be presented
with lessons throughout our lives. These will come at any given hour
each and every day. If we choose to ignore them, that is our own
choice and failure. But, if we accept them and learn from them, our
choice becomes our triumph. This practice will never cease during our
given lives.
Third,
we will never fail because we are continuing to learn from our
lessons. So, there are no true mistakes; just experiences – both
good and bad – and we are responsible from learning from these as
well. Stop dwelling on what did not work out, but what you gained
from stumbling about and ultimately growing.
Fourth,
the lessons that have been given to us will be repeated by us, and
presented to us again and again … until we get it right. And then,
and only then, will the next lesson be shown to us.
Fifth,
we shall NEVER cease to learn lessons – like it or not. The moment
we think we have all the knowledge we will need in life, is the
moment we begin to die.
Sixth,
nothing is better than here … not then nor there; but here. Here is what
counts at this moment. We cannot control our past nor our future - Where we've been or where we're going - but where we are - here ...
.
.
Seven,
everyone else is a mirror of ourselves. Consider that there is no way
to hate or love something about someone else unless it truly reflects
something you profoundly hate or love about yourself. Think very hard
about this one …
Eight,
know that everything you do and make of your own life is totally up
to you, and you alone. Stop blaming others and circumstances for what
you have not done or accomplished. You stopped you from doing so, but
you can also take a deep breath and resume the task.
Nine,
please trust that every answer to all of your life's questions lie
deep within you. Only you can know what they are. Be still. Be silent
and listen. Your Creator has placed enough wisdom in you to thrive
with knowledge within the body issued to you; and,
Ten,
at birth you will forget all of this.
But,
in 2018, we can remember these simple lessons, and savor the lives
were are granted, in peace, dignity and grace.
Namaste
Published in The Courier-Times, Dec 31, 2017
