Serenity

6 posts

Forgiveness

Forgiveness.  We know it matters, but golly it can be hard to do. Most religious traditions focus on forgiveness as an essential part of the spiritual path, but it matters for our personal health, too.  Beyond the obvious discomfort we experience from an inner roiling diatribe, it is literally hard on the heart.  “Held-in hostility” has been linked to heart attacks, and difficulty healing if we have one.

The challenge, of course, is that though we may be willing to forgive, we can’t will it to happen.  There are things that can help: realizing we are only hurting ourselves can help shift the inner tide. Turning the whole mess over to a Higher Power to deal with justly (and letting go of our idea of what justice should be) helps.  Finding ways in our own lives we have been less than perfect along similar lines as the offender is a good thought process.

I created a CD with a guided imagery to help this process. In the name of contributing to a positive spin in the world right now, I am giving these away free of charge. (I do ask, please for postage).  If you or someone you know could benefit from this, please do take one – and pass it on.

I am sincerely hoping this may contribute to good.  And chime in on the comments if you have added thoughts, suggestions, helpful advice for us all.

Quiet Time for Reflection

Winter: a time of quiet reflection; longer nights; inward focus.  The time of earth when sap runs slowly, trees rest, bears hibernate, birds migrate, and humans go berserk in a frenzy of holiday shopping, booze, and parties.

Wait.

What just happened?

OK, here’s the deal: we get to decide how we do this.  Amongst the hidden blessings of last year’s COVID-quiet, forced though it was, is the realization many of us have how much we enjoy less busyness in our lives. So, the real question on the table is how well we can define our boundaries and make choices that are authentic for us. 

Many years ago, I began what has become an annual tradition of taking a silent day every Winter Solstice, to reflect on my priorities and to ask myself whether my life choices were aligned.  I invite you to consider something like this.  A scheduled, dedicated “time-out” from the hustle and haste to ask yourself:

“What do I feel truly has value in this life? And in my life, specifically? Are my actions aligned with this?”

Meanwhile, Happy Holiday to you – in whatever way you choose to indulge.

Helping from Serenity

So often people equate panic and distress with caring.  But, really, how helpful is this?  In my experience, those who flutter around all in a twitter when I am in need are just an added drain to my dwindled resources.  I would rather be alone.

By the same token, those who equate being in a dither and rage about world conditions with caring are confused.  To accuse the serene of being obviously “uninformed” is to confuse mental agitation with somehow being helpful.  It is not.

It’s easy to do – get in a dither.  The anxiety of an event is the first thing to hit, often.  And to spin off in an attempt to rid ourselves of the uncomfortable sensations of this is natural.  But there is another way.

There is a place of serenity inside, deep enough to be unruffled by the passing turmoil of the world.  Find this place – sink deep within to notice that Life, Itself, is nourishing you.  Whatever action comes from this space is clear, intentional, precise, and helpful.

For us each to find the place where we can greet the day with equanimity and even curiosity is such a gift.  To ourselves – and the world.