the cure for new year's resolutions

I'm not a fan of making New Year's Resolutions. It's a time-consuming process that smacks of self-discipline, grim determination, and Herculean effort...and it often ends in failure. I prefer to think of it as wishful thinking. This has a more optimistic ring to it. It suggests we believe...or hope...that the new year holds limitless possibility for us...the possibility that good will come to us, that our burdens will be lifted, that help is available. It enables us to envision a world at peace, to imagine an end to poverty and hunger, to hope for an elusive cure, to pray for an end to suffering. 

"Now is the accepted time 

to make your annual good resolutions.

Next week you can begin paving Hell with them."

~Mark Twain~

Last year, I resolved to embrace practices that are said to raise cellular telomerase levels. Telomerase is the enzyme whose function is to lengthen telomeres. Long story short, telomeres are stretches of DNA that prevent the double helix from unraveling so the entire length of the helix can be duplicated prior to cell division. This increases the vitality and reproducibility of stem cells, enhances health, and extends life. Meaning, you want your telomerase levels to be as high as possible if you hope to live a good long life!

"Bad news: A lot can change in a year.

Good news: A lot can change in a year."

~Rohit Hooda~

The bad news is that telomerase activity can be inhibited by common environmental stressors such as exposure to adverse prenatal conditions, childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence, PTSD, nutritional deficiencies, and isolation or lack of love. 

The good news is that certain practices can raise telomerase levels. Good nutrition, exercise, meditation, yoga, a positive outlook on life, dwelling in happiness and gratitude, serving others, and love, especially self-love, all enhance telomerase activity. Telomerase lengthens telomeres, and long telomeres promote a long and healthy life, so that's what I worked on all year long.

The problem is there's no way for me to know if I succeeded. Unless you're a cell biologist, you can't simply measure your telomerase levels to see if they're improving. I have, however, been told that I seem to be happier and more peaceful, so something must be working.

This year, in keeping with my pro-telomerase practice of mindfulness meditation, I have decided not to look back at the year that has passed, with its shortcomings, goof-ups, and defeats...that lead me, inevitably, to feelings of inadequacy, shame, and sadness.  

"Don't look back.

You're not going that way."

~Mary Englebreit~

Likewise, I am not looking ahead. I won't be inviting frustration and failure with broken promises, misguided intentions, or impossible goals...meaning, I won't be making New Year's Resolutions this year.

Instead, in keeping with my mindfulness practice, this year I plan to focus on the present. What it feels like to be in the moment. Literally. If you're interested, the meditation goes something like this:

Begin by bringing the breath into focus.You may close your eyes or keep them open. Because I tend to hold tension in the abdomen and throat, I make sure I'm breathing correctly, inhaling with a soft belly, and feeling it tighten on the out-breath. I relax my tongue and throat until I can feel the in-breath all the way into my upper airway. I do a quick body scan to acknowledge any areas of discomfort. 

"I think this is how 

we're supposed to be in this world.

Present and in awe."

~Anne Lamott~

When you are ready, turn your attention to the space around you. Notice the temperature. If you're outside, is the air still, or is there a breeze? Take note of the light around you. What do you hear? The birds outside? The TV downstairs? Thunder in the distance? What do you smell? Coffee brewing in the kitchen? Fresh cut grass? Wood smoke? Don't forget to visualize what is behind you and overhead. Fully immerse yourself in the moment. If your mind starts to wander--and it will--return your attention to the breath.

Oh! You caught yourself starting your grocery list? Good for you! Return to the breath.

Oh! You just now remembered where you left the book you've been looking for? Good for you! Return to the breath.

If emotions arise--and they will--simply acknowledge them, and turn your attention back to the breath. Perhaps tears well up. Maybe your heart starts racing. Perhaps your breathing quickens, or your throat tightens. Welcome whatever comes up without judgement, shame, or rejection...then let it go. Return to the breath, to the space you're in, to the sound of it, to the light around you, to its bouquet.    

Training in mindfulness reminds us to let go of our regrets about the past with its frustrations, disaapointments, and defeats. It asks us to release our grip on the future, and to allow it to unfold as it will. It is a sure cure for New Year's Resolutions.

"Whatever is good for your soul,

do that."

~Unknown~

jan