In Need of a Tune Up

New Year Resolutions list (Photo – CB Graphic Dept., commons.wikimedia.org).

We shake with joy, we shake with grief.
What a time they have, these two
housed as they are in the same body.
~ Mary Oliver

The starwheel has turned again. Winter is upon us, and 2017 is finally here. For many the new year is a time to create resolutions for living a healthier, more centered, more meaningful life.

By Tera Landers

And you know as well as I do that many of those resolutions are notoriously hard to keep.

Why?

It is because we set unrealistic expectations of ourselves, or because “the system” is out to get us, or because we don’t have willpower or focus? Well … no.

We create and live within daily patterns that support our current behaviors. We drift back into what is comfortable. Many of you have lives that are already so full, it’s hard to create space for a new habit. Even when it is good for us!

In order to live into our becoming, we need to be part of supportive communities that are also working toward a deeper wholeness.

Spiritual life is all about creating a whole and integrated life – a life where joy and grief, delight and righteous indignation – live side by side within us. And in a spiritual community, you may be able to set aside several times a year for you to assess the current state of your mind/body/spirit connection, and determine where you need a tune-up.

Throughout this year, I encourage you to engage in small group opportunities that will help you explore your spiritual wholeness. As always, I encourage you to consider where in your life those already exist. Do you have a group of friends that can also act as an accountability structure for all of you to keep your whole-living intentions? Can your intentions be supported by a low-cost community class or meet-up activity? Having the idea to change is one thing; you can make the change stick by creating a supportive container in which it can flourish.

May 2017 bring you ample opportunities for richness and wonder.