Tuesday, January 05, 2010

In Lieu Of A New Year's Resolution...

Every year, I informally compile a few New Year's resolutions, and this year is no different. I have a few I'm pondering and have mentally committed, but none are in my mind are standing out as much as a simple western buddhist proverb. As far as attribution, I believe it was written by Portia Nelson (that's the best reference I have, but I might be mistaken; if so, I apologize in advance). So in lieu of offering a resolution, here's that simple proverb, which hopefully serves a similar guidepost to the traditional New Year's resolutions.

Here's to spotting the large holes and finding new streets to explore.

Autobiography In Five Chapters
By Portia Nelson

Chapter 1
I walk down the street. There is a large hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2
I walk down the same street. There is a large hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3
I walk down the same street. There is a large hole in the sidewalk. I see it there. I still fall in. It's a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter 4
I walk down the same street. There is a large hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter 5
I walk down another street.

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