Happy New Year

What would de Caussade say about the new year? Would the author of The Sacrament of the Present Moment condemn the constant "looking back/looking forward" disposition that marks these days? I suspect he'd find it harmless fun, but I also think he'd tell each individual under his spiritual care to be careful. It simply isn't healthy to think a lot about the past or the future, much less to obsess about them. I have a very hard time focusing on the present moment. I'm good at concentrating on specific tasks, which encourages me (Simone Weil said the power of attention is humility in the intellectual order). But when it comes to my "down time," my mind tends to wander backwards and forwards. My emotional/spiritual disposition after such wanderings is never good, for reasons de Caussade explains in his masterpiece.

At this time of year, the culture encourages us think back about the previous year and make resolutions for the next. I think we should buck that practice. Instead, repent a bit for the things you did wrong in 2010 and make spiritual resolutions for 2011. You might also toss in a little reparation for your 2010 sins (give alms for the money you stole) and make one or two resolutions in the profane sphere (e.g., stick to a diet). Spend just a few minutes on the exercise, and then leave it. After that, just concentrate on the present.

At least, that's my new year's resolution.