We’ve got to do lists. We have check lists. We have reminders we can schedule on digital equipment We are easily trapped into a got to, got to, got to mentality. A got to mentality robs us of our peaceful mentality. When we’re moving from one task to the next and thinking of the tasks yet to come we leave no space for ourselves. Think of the tasks that lie ahead and ask, “which of these are essential? Which can wait? Which can be discarded or postponed? Free mental space up for yourself. Don’t surrender this space. Your emotional and physical health depend on you securing that peaceful space. Here’s a hint, your stomach is often an early warning alarm that what your are doing is upsetting your equilibrium. If your stomach is screaming at you, it may be time to think about strategies that tone down the task that is causing your stomach to sound the alarm.
peace
There is One Place to Live
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
― Lao Tzu
Love is a Place ~ A Poem by e. e. cummings
love is a place
e. e. cummings
love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places
yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skilfully curled)
all worlds
Peace on Earth
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” — Norman Vincent Peale
Peace on Earth ~ A Poem by William Carlos Williams
Peace on Earth
William Carlos Williams
The Archer is wake!
The Swan is flying!
Gold against blue
An Arrow is lying.
There is hunting in heaven—
Sleep safe till tomorrow.
The Bears are abroad!
The Eagle is screaming!
Gold against blue
Their eyes are gleaming!
Sleep!
Sleep safe till tomorrow.
The Sisters lie
With their arms intertwining;
Gold against blue
Their hair is shining!
The Serpent writhes!
Orion is listening!
Gold against blue
His sword is glistening!
Sleep!
There is hunting in heaven—
Sleep safe till tomorrow.
Do All With a Sense of Calmness
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. ~ Saint Francis de Sales
The Power of a Smile
One of the things that makes me happy is to see people smiling. When I see people smiling (not the fake posed kind, the kind that comes from the heart) I know they are happy. Smiles have a way of silently expressing a genuine love for others. Smiles are contagious. I know when I smile at someone, they return the smile. In that moment, two human beings made contact and in a silent way assured each other of life’s goodness. Each time we offer another a warm smile we are sharing a moment of peace, a moment of connection, and a moment of love. Mother Teresa said, “A smile carries a powerful message. We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
The Gift of Gratitude
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie
The Gifts of the Super Moon
I took this photo of the past week’s super moon. It was the last super moon for 2024. If I wasn’t aware that there was going to be a super moon I’d have missed my opportunity to witness it. The photo doesn’t capture how I felt when I saw it. I felt awe, a sense of peace, and grateful all at the same time. Life is good.
Today’s Thought: Knowing the Difference Makes a Difference
When we attempt to control things, events, or people we can’t control we become frustrated. Our frustration often turns to anger and we say or do things we later regret. The Serenity Prayer offers a way through this conundrum.
“God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.”
