What quality serves you best?
As the year draws to a close, it is natural to muse on the mental stocktake, you know, what worked, what didn't, how will next year be different. Last year I shared with you my take on New Year Resolutions (eg the Goal Schmoal, Think Themes). Last year, I dearly wanted to create more Zen in more life. Curiously, I engineered the reverse initially, got stuck in a pattern of poor health, but got there in the end. I'm now meditating regularly, life is much simpler in many ways, and I am deeply appreciative of good health and back on the path of maintaining that. I am breathing more, and breathing better. Letting go.But this coming year I want to focus on qualities that will serve me best.On reflection I may have allowed "Doubt" a little too much air time in 2009. Now, don't get me wrong, Doubt is very useful, and I am greatful for Doubt's protection during the year. But when Doubt is given too much opportunity, it paralyses, and undermines, it complicates, and it shoves "Joy" in a bottom drawer. Doubt subscribes to astrologer's feeds, re-does budgets endlessly, needs a counsellor to listen to it, and is so very, very tiring.I'm really looking forward to giving "Trust" a spotlight this coming year. Trust can come and play more often. She'll probably wear swhirling bohemian skirts, and less make-up. Trust is liberating, doesn't mind an occasional mistake, actually learns from them really. Trust's voice is not necessarily loud, but it is steady and had a deep and warm vocal tone. Trust strides confidently forward and acts after consulting doubt. Trust recognises the principle of abundance and is liberating, expecting "Joy" to right around the corner. Trust gets to play with me personally and professionally in 2010. A lot!One of my most favourite books in all the world is J Ruth Gendler's The Book of Qualities. Initially published in 1984, it is a gorgeous little book of 98 different qualities illustrated through prose and picture. I think I got it about 20 years ago now, and it is never far away. Seriously, in the words of a local icon "Do yourself a favour"...Here's what she has to say about Doubt...
Doubt camped out in the living room last week. I told him that we had too many house guests. Doubt doesn't listen. He keeps saying the same thing again and again and again until I completely forget what I am trying to tell him. Doubt is demanding and not very generous, but I appreciate his honesty.
... and Trust.
Trust is the daughter of Truth. She has an objective memory, neither embellishing nore denying the past. She is an ideal confidant - gracious, candid and discreet. Trust talks to people who need to hear her; she sits quietly with this who are sceptical of words. Her presence is subtle, simple and undeniable.Trust rarely buys round-trip tickets because she is never sure how long she will be gone and when she will return. Trust is at home in the desert and the city, with dolphins and tigers, with outlaws, lovers and saints. When Trust bought her house she tore out all the internal walls, strengthened the foundation and rebuilt the door. Trust is not fragile, but she has no need to advertise her strength. She has a gambler's respect for the interplay between luck and skill; she is the mother of Love.
So with at least 98 qualities available - my question to you, heading into 2010, is what Quality will serve you best?What quality do you need to harness, to nurture, to appreciate to create the 2010 you will be happy for?Happy New Year all, and thanks so much for your comments and emails during the year. I trust we will continue the conversation!