Archive for December, 2017
New Years 2017
Time for ‘out with the old and in with the new’; for celebrating; and for making resolutions. New Year is reviewing the past, anticipating the future and seeking opportunities for new beginnings.
I have written in prior blogs about New Year resolutions, making them and keeping them. Generally resolutions are about our physical self…healthier diet, more exercise, a better job, etc. Today I thought about the spiritual self. What would be my spiritual resolutions for the coming year?
“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” ~Napoleon Hill
“In the life of the spirit there is no ending that is not a beginning.” ~Henrietta Szold
“The the thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” ~Anna Quindlen
This week, I invite you into spiritual resolution making.
Wishing all a blessed New Year!!
Christmas 2017
“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul.” ~Thomas Merton
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” ~Buddha
The winter Holy Season is in full swing throughout the land. I invite you to plant something special in your soul, and share happiness liberally.
Merry Christmas to all!!
Winter Solstice 2017
Thursday December 21 is the beginning of Winter heralded by the Solstice.
A time of rest and quiet, of reflection on the year past and anticipation of the year coming.
“The winter solstice has always been special to me as a barren darkness that gives birth to a verdant future beyond imagination, a time of pain and withdrawal that produces something joyfully inconceivable, like a monarch butterfly extracting itself from the confines of its cocoon, bursting forth into unexpected glory.” ~Gary Zukav
“I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter is tough, but spring is coming. I believe that there is a growing season. And I think you realize that in life, you grow. You get better.” ~Steve Southerland
“When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter, will be forced to the new beginnings of soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of spring.” ~Madeleine H. Kunin
I invite you to take a moment this coming solstice to listen to the quiet, to feel the energy of winters soft glow.
Blessings!
Six Minutes
“When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing – just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?” ~Ralph Marston
Professor Tim Bono, Washington University in St. Louis, assigns upperclassmen a test of sitting quietly for six minutes. No TV, no phone, no radio, just sitting quietly and focusing the mind on something pleasant. Only 67% of the students were able to complete the assignment following both of the rules. The biggest distraction for those unable to successfully complete the test was the phone.
It is harder and harder to set aside quiet time in our wired world. It feels like the Universe has stepped on the accelerator and the entire world is speeding up, revving faster and faster. Quiet time is essential to our physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being.
I invite you this week amid the hustle and bustle of the season, to take the six minute test.
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.” ~Anne Frank
Coping
Life is going to give you lemons; often gigantic, smothering, sour lemons. Coping is a mechanism for dealing with unwanted, unexpected deluges of lemons.
Key components of successful coping strategies involve facing the challenge squarely in front of you. Acknowledge and accept your feelings. Don’t entertain negativity. Get out of the re-hashing, gnashing loop. Treat yourself with compassion.
Use inner resources of strength, positive self-esteem, confidence and faith to cope your way through difficult circumstances. Assess solutions that are in harmony with your higher self and then put them into action.
“Problems are not the problem, coping is the problem.” ~Virginia Satir
“Scientists have demonstrated that dramatic, positive changes can occur in our lives as a direct result of facing an extreme challenge – whether it’s coping with a serious illness, daring to quit smoking, or dealing with depression. Researchers call this ‘post-traumatic growth.'” ~ Jane McGonigal
“The cooperative, loving side of existence goes hand in hand with coping and power, but neither the one or the other can be neglected if life is to be gratifying.” ~Rollo May
I invite you this week to reflect on the strength and power of your coping skills.
Blessings!
