Happy New Year from Sedona Meditation Training & Retreat Co.

In Ancient Rome, Romans worshiped Janus, the pagan god who was depicted with two faces - one on the front of his head and one on the back. He had the ability to look back on past events and forward to the future.

In 153 B.C.E. the month named after Janus was placed at the head of the calendar. Janus then became symbol for new beginnings and resolutions as many Romans looked for their enemies to forgive them before the beginning of each year.

Today, this month is known as January. The beginning of the year has since been the perfect time to reflect, forgive others and yourself, and look forward. What are your desires for this year? What do you want to do differently from last year? Did you make some intentions on New Year's Eve?

Deepak Chopra says he doesn't only do new year resolutions, instead, he takes stock every quarter of the year. In a recent interview from the L.A. Times, he gives this suggestion as to how to make a resolution stick:

"...Find true inspiration, then the resolutions will stick. So for me it's to go to a deeper level, and that's why I place so much importance on this idea of silence. I'm not saying everybody should do it, but even if you took five, 10 minutes of quiet time every day or every other day or once a week and asked yourself simple questions like, Who am I? What do I want? What is my life's purpose? Is there a contribution I can make to my community or to society? What kind of relationships do I want to have? What is my idea of well being, and how can I achieve it?

I don't ask that you even know the answers, but if you start to do this kind of reflection, it has a very interesting way of not only moving you to the answers but of changing your behavior. So instead of saying, I'm going to have all this willpower, and I'm going to try so hard, which is all mental fatigue; reflective self-inquiry spontaneously leads to change." Read what else he says here.

Whether you take stock on New Years Eve, or in the middle of March, it doesn't matter. Each and every moment, this one now, transcends time. This moment is not based on any number on a calendar, or time on a clock. You can set intentions, make a new resolution or take a vow in any moment. All you need is your own full attention on your inspiration in the present moment.

Here's my list of resolutions....

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