Pay Attention

A single theme runs through spiritual teachings like a string that connects the beads of a mala. That theme is: Pay attention, focus on what you are doing, be here now.
At this time of year many people make resolutions for the new year. Generally, these are about creating new, healthy habits or leaving behind harmful ones. They’re typically about something on the physical plane—diet, say, or exercise. A few people may resolve to improve mental or emotional habits: changing attitudes or controlling emotions. Fewer still make resolutions about their spiritual lives.
All of these are helpful, especially the spiritual resolutions. These help us transcend the endless dualities of maya rather than, as Swami Kriyananda occasionally put it, “trying to improve the mud puddle we’re sitting in.”