Mindfulness practice grounds us in the moment so that we can act in the most purposeful way possible. Our purpose is always informed or guided by whatever clarity of intention we have. New Year's is the time of year when we bring our attention to purpose and intention in the most organized way.
In Ray's Religion Experts column for December 31, he writes,
......at year-end, when , with the past experience in mind, we ask the question “in what ways do I intend to contribute?”, again with those three areas (wisdom/learning, purposeful action and fulfilling ethical responsibilities). This permits us to set our path for the coming year, as one might sketch a path before a journey. We understand that life is not ours to construct, many hands, human and otherwise, control the outcomes. All we control is our intention and action. Thus, as the year begins, we step into it as one would on a journey, with direction, energy and determination. We expect to be sometime successful and sometimes frustrated. We wish to emphasize intention, direction and action, not accomplishment.
As you enter 2012, bring your attention to what it is that you define as your purpose for this coming year, and consider what intentions will guide and inspire you best.
