It is time once again for that odd tradition in our culture of the “New Year’s Resolution”, where we all make lists of the things we want to do differently this year, knowing full well that there’s a snowball’s chance in the lowerworld that we will really do them, since most have been on the list for as long as we can remember.
What then is really behind this? Most of our traditions have some ancient pagan or shamanic roots. Perhaps this is no different.
I took a quick look in the dictionary, just out of curiosity, to see just what a “resolution “ was. Here is the first definition in the Shorter Oxford English dictionary:
Resolution: 1) Death, a state of dissolution.
Well then, perhaps there really is more to this.
Along with being resolute, in the sense of steadfast and determined, resolution is about dissolving, or taking apart. The resolution of a telescope is its ability to distinguish separate details. To resolve a problem is to know its parts so well that the answer is clear.
The New Year’s Resolution, then, is in fact, an annual dismemberment. It is about dying and being reborn (solstice, rebirth of the Sun.) It is about taking apart your life, looking at the pieces—understanding yourself so well you can see clearly who you are.
Many cultures have traditions of dying and being reborn each year. It is important for the survival of the community that each member periodically looks closely at themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, and contributions, and makes some honest assessments.
Our culture, now more than ever, needs for all of us to look at ourselves through a high resolution lens, to see how we need to change. For as we know, in order to create real change in the world, we must start by changing ourselves.
So, I guess it really is about making a list of the things we want to change. It just might be the solution to all our problems...
Blessings for a Joyful and Healthy New Year,
David & Nan
