Some Aspirations for the New Year 2018

May all those whom I meet truly know peace, and may I be the cause of peace, however small or seemingly insignificant.
May I remember that all beings are not just interconnected, but interdependent, and my actions always have effects more far reaching than my eyes may see.
And thus may all my thoughts, speech and actions bring benefit to others; joy and relief from the sufferings of this world.
May I recognize in my own suffering the indelible truth of karma and the opportunity to deepen my practice without complaint or diversion.  
May every day my wisdom deepen, and in doing so, may the benefit of my actions only increase, however gradual or seeming not to as I face new challenges each day. 
May I bring no harm to any being, including myself, and if I should cause harm, may I recognize, regret and rehabilitate it promptly and may its effects be short-lived.  May I forgive and accept fully and without judgment.
May I see all beings, my mothers, as my teachers and sacred friends always.  Not just intellectually but with my heart, fully.
May I accept myself and others in each moment, and utterly without condition, and may I understand always that acceptance does not mean that I should not help to change the world for the better as I understand it.
May even in all my staggering imperfections I not shy away from following the inspiration of my ideals, or willingness to embody them however painful that may sometimes appear to be. 
In other words, may I do it anyway, and may I be fine keeping quiet when that's what's called for too.  And may I remember to stop and listen well, to really know the difference.
May I always remember and carry with me the foundations of my own practice, lineage teachers and my own teacher, and may I remember each new day to dedicate my actions consistent with the practices that abide.  For those without teachers in this lifetime, may they know more deeply the guru in their hearts.
There will be joy, and there will be suffering.  Through all of it, may I, somehow, in some way, re-devote myself to these ideals daily and always remember the reasons to be grateful.

May it be so.