Wisdom From The World

Nature surrounds, sustains and supports us.  It shares wisdom with us through plants and animals.  Some have noted that the dragonfly, with its iridescent body and wings, is a symbol of change, transformation, adaptability and self-realization. It is a symbol of happiness, new beginnings and love.  In times like these, we could all use a bit of hope and encouragement.

All We Need Is Love

As we celebrate the month of love, if everyone in your house is healthy, consider sharing hugs with each other this month.

A warm embrace reduces stress, pain, depression, anxiety, dementia, blood pressure, anger. A touch increases confidence, security, mood, sleep, attention span. A caress calms the brain. A squeeze slows the heart beat. Keep spreading love.

A Remedy for 6 January 2021

Many people have asked me how to respond to the actions of January 6, 2021.  I offer the following actions for your consideration as we Love the Most High - Love neighbor - Love Self:

1. Practice self-care. Sleep, rest, water, fruits, vegetables, lean and/or no meat; movement, kind gentle thoughts, nature, identify and/or avoid triggers.

2. Practice spiritual disciplines. Meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, celebration. 

3. Read and take action from this book - When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck de Groat

4. Reflect and act on John Wesley's 22 Questions for Self Examination - Discipleship Ministries | Everyday Disciples: John Wesley's 22… (umcdiscipleship.org)

We Love You

Just Apologize

Did the stress of 2020 strain some relationships with friends, family or colleagues?  Consider a god 'ole fashion apology to remedy the situation. Relationships can be great sources of stress relief, but conflict can cause considerable stress, which really takes a toll.  Learn the art of apologizing effectively and you may find a significant reduction in the negative effects of conflict and relationship stress because apologies help us put the conflict behind us and move on more easily.            

Source: very well mind

Speak Well to Yourself

How often do you catch yourself saying mean or hurtful things to yourself? We are always our harshest critic. Stay aware of your internal dialogue you have with yourself.    Encourage yourself to follow your dreams and conquer your fear. Be your own best friend and support yourself.

                             
                                              

Recovering Quickly

                                                                                                                                                       

What can help us recover quickly? Critical mindedness, flexibility, active engagement, communalism helps protect against experiences of discrimination, promotes adaptation situational demands, offers drive for connection and facilitates a critique of existing social conditions. Source - apa.org

Facing End of Life

We all will die some day. Facing death directly (live well, explore passions, plan for passing, adopt rituals, explore the afterlife, read about death) enables us to transcend anxiety, insecurities and experience its transformative powers. Research tells us that when you embrace death you reap gifts of gratitude, freedom, beauty, worry-free, letting go, and euphoria/joy. Source: Psychology Today