Can we really change? New Year’s Resolutions have such a low success rate. Rick Hanson in his neuroscience book, Buddha’s Brain: the Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, says

“You really can nudge your whole being in a better direction every day.”

But how? Setting a goal with an action plan can work with more simple changes in our lives. But there’s no quick fix for the more complex ones like: increasing self-care, listening, being more present and finding meaning. Experiment with setting intentions in place of resolutions. Here are some suggestions. •Get quiet, centered in whatever practice works for you: meditation, a walk in the woods, a centering prayer, Yoga, T’ai Chi… •Formulate your intention: “What would life be like with a little more ___________in it?” Remember to focus on what you do know/want – not what you don’t…….a little more self-kindness, self-care, reflection, focus on what really matters, or something more specific such as an under par golf game, being more present with my children or being more productive with my time. Once you have discerned your intention (vague is OK). You can begin playing with it •If you know what it looks like, feels like, smells like, picture yourself being successful in your mind’s eye. Use all of your senses to summon this new reality. Make it today’s reality. •Repeat the process, learn to trust yourself, trust how life unfolds. Many wise ones have talked about how, when you are clear, unseen opportunities unfold.

“If you want to change your reality, change your focus. If you want to change your focus, change the questions you ask yourself. Questions control your focus, therefore questions control your own experience of life.”

~Kobi Yamada, Ever Wonder