Divine You

Dear Listeners

Depending on what region you are in, you might notice a recent season shift. Out West I caught a cool breeze accompanying the sun rise. In the Northeast a few trees' are turning, a fall fragrance fills the morning air. Earth's axis is still moving, and time marches forward (in the northern hemisphere) to Autumn, a personal favorite. Not just for the foliage, but how the landscape transforms, views open, its cool enough to make warming soups, stews and roasts- my favorite.

The news is daunting these days, it feels like multiple issues will converge at some point. Many distressing stories to sort through; clean water supply, droughts, floods, homelessness, climate, war, layoffs, and political extremes furthering divisiveness. Individuals are collectively strained- possibly exacerbated by covid fatigue, the confusing policies implemented, inflation pressures, under staffing, sickness or worsening of heath, sudden loss of a loved one, the list can be quite long.... how to navigate this?

As social beings, we can individually reflect on what connectedness looks like in our lives (how often is it helpful for you to meet someone for coffee, lunch, a walk, or a soulful conversation). Getting through trying times is eased by support and being around others. Reading this, you may reflect on varying degrees of support around you, maybe it’s one or two people, or a handful. If the contact you have is not enough, broaden your circle, if the isolation runs deep, consider a professional to help lend perspective or feedback on how you’re handling life's curve balls. Social support is a component of one of the ‘life categories’ listed below (relationship).

The area I’m interested in focusing on - is engaging in something you are passionate about. I've made suggestions in prior posts to connect with nature, but you may also look at sports (baseball, or pickle ball anyone?!), volunteering, painting/drawing, playing an instrument, writing, or cooking, the list doesn't stop there. Think creative, calming, where you let go a little (let your mind rest) offering a mini vacation and absence of worries even if it lasts a few minutes… and if it includes a little FUN that’s a bonus! Keep in mind- anything you apply yourself to can have the standard of JUST GOOD ENOUGH. I’m writing that in caps to catch your attention, in that its not about doing it right, perfectly, winning or crushing it, it's about allowing another side of yourself to come out and express itself in a creative way. There is too much pressure associated with living these days, we all need healthy ways to let off some of the pressure. Emphasis is on healthy.

I’d like for you to think of these types of activities as complementing living, meaning recreation balances other areas of life such as work, relationships or devotion. If you are considering seeking balance, contemplate what aspects of life are over-represented (spend most of your time engaged in) versus anemic (get ignored). If you are well balanced, good for you keep it going! Often check the phase of development it’s in (is it just beginning and in an expansive stage, on cruise control and steady, or deconstructing/felling apart). Don’t force the phase, for now, note it.

A long time ago I was stuck in a hurricane. It was scary, I was never in something so consuming or powerful before. It spanned for miles. There was no where to go, it was unavoidable, so we just had to hang in and get through it. My apartment mates and I did all preparations suggested (closing/taping windows, collecting water, etc...) then we went into the innermost part of the house, a bathroom, and proceeded to sit on the floor and talk, sing songs, eat snacks and one person made necklaces with her beading kit- which kept us all occupied. All I could remember were the sounds of whistling pipes and the rattling building. While we were in the storm, we were aware of the storm but we had outlets to let ourselves relax a little to not make the storm worse for ourselves.

That’s where my mind is at, it’s wonderful to do meditations but I also encourage an action, meaning engaging the body/mind so the mind gets to ease a little, maybe it gets a mini vacation… even in the middle of chaos.

Thank you for listening. This post is public, please share it with anyone you think it might help.