Gandhi demonstrated through his own loving actions that it is possible to BE THE CHANGE, although it requires great effort, sacrifice, dedication and unyielding faith. Last year was filled with constant worry, negativity and complaining. Compounded with global and environmental concerns, it is abundantly clear that we have a collective responsibility to resist negativity and take actions to create positive change – the change which Gandhi himself created and inspired in others through love and peace.
The New Year is a time where we often find ourselves setting goals and resolutions – often outwardly focused, financial or materialistic. The reality is that we live in a world that desperately needs positive change. Use the following mindfulness exercise to initiate change in your own world:
- Consider Gandhi’s quote, taking the time to reflect on each word. Notice anything that arises that is deeply important to you.
- Write down the things that are important to you, or areas where change is necessary or beneficial. Are these identified areas of in alignment with your own values?
- Get clear! If you find yourself motivated to “be the change”, find ways to incorporate your own personal values with the changes you wish to see. It might be helpful to set an intention. Be clear about how you would like the world to look, feel, and function.
- How do you live each day? What small steps can you take to initiate change in a mindful and compassionate way?
- Change is contagious. Humans experience behaviors as infectious and can rarely resist being infected when consistently exposed to a new belief or action. Spread goodness everywhere you go!
It is natural to find ourselves more compassionate and kind to those that are easy to love. It takes discipline and mindfulness to notice our reactions to individuals who possess different values, temperament or even physical abilities. By bringing awareness to our own judgments and thoughts, we acknowledge the human condition and choose to turn toward positive change in alignment with our own values.
I have included links to help you identify your own values. Remember, setting an intention is like planting a seed: it requires daily attention for it to grow. Through meditation, reflection, and loving action, you will soon “be the change”.