World news bombards us from the Internet, television, radio, and mobile devices. The majority seems to describe what’s wrong—crime, terrorism, war, and economic problems. Yet there are times when good news invades the darkest hours of sadness and despair—stories of unselfish acts, a medical breakthrough, or steps toward peace in war-scarred places.
Positive Spin
Posted in Reflections
Tagged crime, despair, economic problems, internet, judgement, kindness, life lessons, mindfulness, mobile devices, news, radio, shut up, social media, television, unselfish acts, war
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Instagram Summer
Posted in Reflections
Tagged Childhood memories, comic strip, day dreaming, escape, freedom, homework, instagram, last day of school, parenting, Quarantine, summer break
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Gardening for a New Season
“Daddy,” my middle daughter said, “for my birthday I want a pretty garden again.” Two years ago, a tiny lump and “Should I have this looked at?” ended with my wife’s memorial service just after Easter. With the time lost to treatment, arguments and constant worry, the garden had been abandoned. My daughter, with her late-April birthday, didn’t realize how painful the memories were. Yet, I began — pulling weeds, turning soil, planting seeds as my hands bled and I wept. Today, a daisy bloomed and tomatoes appeared. Though the garden is a gift for my daughter, I thank her. — Tom Sunstr
Posted in Gardening, Reading
Tagged birthday, Childhood memories, flowers, gardening, Grief, healing project, parenting, planting seeds
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The List
Posted in Reading
Tagged Comical Explanation, essential, home remodel, humor, list, preparation, Quarantine, stay at home order, supplies
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M.E.A.N.
This “portable” mindfulness practice can support you as difficult moments arise at any point in your day. The acronym of MEAN can take as little as a few seconds to a few minutes to complete. Try it out and see how long you prefer doing each step.
Meet: Strong thoughts, emotions, and urges to act by noticing them as they show up in your mind and body.
Engage: in awareness by turning to face, feel and investigate whatever is being triggered.
Allow: yourself to gently let the strong feelings, the powerful thought, and the compulsion to act come up…and then let them go.
Notice: How you feel when you pause to connect with yourself before acting out.
Posted in Reflections
Tagged Body scan, breathing excercise, emotions, engagment, m.e.a.n., Meditation, mindfulness, observe, pause, relaxation, rest, self awarness, self compassion, thoughts, triggers
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