Live and Let Die: Practice for the New Year

“When you were young

And your heart was an open book

You used to say, ‘Live and let live’

(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)

But if this ever-changing world in which we live in

Makes you give in and cry.

Say live and let die”

(Paul & Linda McCartney]

As we move into 2026 there are three practices that I encourage throughout the year. The first is to forgive and forget. Forgive yourself for not knowing before what only wisdom and the passing of time could teach. Forgive others for the same. To forget means to realize that the past is gone and only exists in our minds as shadowy interpretations. To forget also means to let go and move on unburdened by thoughts that only cause suffering. Unless we are going to mindfully examine them, they are useless. Let us learn to live and let die.

The second is to not judge others or as The Buddha Shakyamuni  simply put it, “Don’t look into another’s bowl.” Judging is based on an opinion that is no longer open to new information. It assumes a perfect perspective which does not exist. Rather, practice discernment. Discernment allows us to have a personal and even passionate heuristic perspective on things, all the while being open to new insights that may change our opinion and that sometimes only experience can clarify.

The third is to stop blaming others. The habit of blaming others is a mirror to our own confusion and anxiety. When we cultivate wisdom and compassion for ourselves and others, we realize that we are all influenced by delusional thoughts and beliefs. When we practice this we recognize our shared negative conditioning and the various circumstances that lead to the experience of harmful actions. Instead of assigning blame, we can cultivate understanding and care for ourselves and others, as everyone has been influenced by their own struggles with ignorance. The Buddha Shakyamuni taught that complaining about fate and blaming others is the greatest detriment to one's gratitude and blessings.

So try and test each of these three; I know it will change your life for the better. May we all abide in Oneness.