The Power of One
For most us, a New Year begins with a big dollop of good intentions, and long list of New Year resolutions. Very quickly, the task of ‘getting it right this year’ becomes daunting if not overwhelming as the prospect of failing to live up to these intentions and resolutions becomes more real. But what if the answer to the pledged changes at advent of each New Year lies in one principle, or in getting one thing right?
When I was an early teenager, I looked forward to a favorite class of mine where we were requested to keep a journal of inspirational stores; and had to bring in a new story each week to share with the rest of our classmates. One of the entries in my journal, which still sticks in my mind to this day, is that of the a man who used to commit a multitude of sins, against himself and others; and who came to the prophet Mohammed asking for advice on how to combat his weakness (or redeem his sins). The prophet replied that all he had to do was just one thing: not to lie. The man left dumbfounded believing this was such a simple resolution to make; and before long his life began to change.
My own understanding of that advice also included not lying to oneself; in other words, becoming aware of our true motives and intentions- and this is the first step to developing spiritual awareness.

