No work or love will flourish out of guilt, fear, or hollowness of heart, just as no valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.

Alan Watts

It is interesting to take a look at INTENTIONS and RESOLUTIONS from a Buddhist perspective. Just as it is common at the end of the year to talk about Gratitude and Generosity, most of us at least consider, with the best of intentions, making resolutions and setting goals for a better or improved new year.

Given our understanding of the differences between our thinking selves (who we believe or think ourselves to be) and our essential selves (when we're just being without thoughts or beliefs) there are some interesting, subtle and important distinctions that can be made about intentions and resolutions.

It is true that setting goals is a valuable skill as we imagine any kind of future activity or behavior. How else could we plan or feel we have direction in our lives? But, there’s a possible catch in the word “future” we need to notice.

If we only project ourselves forward in time to a “better” version of ourselves or life, how much of the present moment are we missing or ignoring? What do our goals mean if they are only connected to outward projections and don’t take into account our authentic, interdependent, true selves? There is a lot to suggest that our hopeful visions of a better future are more likely to bear meaningful fruit and skillful action if they are matched with clear resolve that grows from our deepest, unconditioned values.

And, finally, as this will be our last class, I want to say again how grateful I am for your interest and support and participation in our very special group. It has meant a lot to me being able to share my interpretation of the teachings with you. I wish you every kindness for the New Year and frequent visits with your true self - the real you that is already whole and at ease.