The end of the year is a time for reflection on the past and a look toward the future with an eye to improve.
Self improvement is part of human nature. This drive is woven into our social fabric, and is reflected in our institutions, our religions, and our magical practices. Earliest written records from four millennia ago show that the Babylonian people were making pledges of self improvement at the start of each year. In modern times, we continue this tradition of making a resolution for the new year.
Resolutions around weight loss, exercise, to quit smoking or drinking, make better money decisions are common. Most are valid. In fact, any kind of resolution toward self improvement is fine so long as it supports Will.
The only new year resolution worth making is one that aligns with the pursuit of one’s Will. Anything else is a waste of time.
The law of Thelema, or "Do what thou wilt," is a simple instruction that allows a single path by which to find betterment. Each person has a Will that they alone may find and follow, but this singular Will is an individualized expression of a universal Will, or True Will, which reflects the larger macrocosmic order.
Here at the end of the vulgar calendar year, it is in keeping with the tradition to look at the events, big and small, that happened this year. Take stock of what was accomplished, and what was not, and assess what did and did not serve us in our search of Will.
Home. Family. Relationships. Work. Spirituality.
On the Venn diagram of our lives, these are the big circles that intersect. Relationships may have changed. There were births and deaths. Goals were (or were not) reached. Are you better off now than you were at the start of the year? And more to the point, by what measure are you better or worse off?
Are your basic needs being met? Are you actively pursuing what needs doing? Are you happier? Do you feel more or less fulfilled? The facile expectation of self improvement is that it will lead to feeling better off and happier. The common conception of finding and doing one's Will is that there is more ease, and less day to day conflict.
“A man who is doing his True Will has the inertia of the Universe to assist him.” — Magick in Theory and Practice
As you look back at the past year, it is important to see where you have been, but also where you are now. Look at your daily habits and patterns. Are they serving you, or hindering you in pursuit of Will? Are the people in your life supporting your path or distracting you? Pluck out the ones that no longer serve. Seek out change rather than avoid it.
In practice, this means that we are constantly seeking a way forward in thought, word, and action that is most aligned with our current understanding of Will. Such a process requires rigorous self examination, and it necessitates that we do more of that which supports our Will and reject anything or anyone that does not.
Crowley said that 90% of Thelema is discipline. Without discipline, there can be no persistent change. Take a hard look at your daily practices. Are you maintaining a solid foundation or have some practices slipped? Are there changes you need to make?
The reality is that change is hard and almost always comes with some amount of pain as we pursue our Will. When in the midst of change, it is normal to be feeling uncomfortable at any given moment. It is also natural to feel a sense of failure at such times, of wanting to give up even, but it is critical to recall in those moments that this is a necessary part of the great work.
The best advice when things are hard is to keep pushing forward. Once we successfully navigate the stages of change, there comes a stronger sense of self. We have more power and a larger sense of control, even in the face of further change. This is growth. This is the ease we seek. This is the real and true measure of being "better off."
Make the new year one in which you renew your commitment to finding and doing your Will. Do that, and no other shall say nay.
Happy new year!