• Blog,  Monday Moments

    Turn Toward the Light

    Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.

    Worry – a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.

    So why do we worry? We worry because we think something bad will happen or could happen. We worry because we get overwhelmed and cannot handle the situation at hand. We worry because it distracts us from the pain of helplessness. We worry because we don’t feel prepared. We worry because we are anxious or apprehensive about the future. We worry as an attempt to problem solve something that either isn’t really a problem or isn’t a problem that is solvable. We worry about not being prepared. And – unfortunately there is no shortage of things to worry about.

    Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.

    Swedish Proverb

    How can we stop our worrying ways?

    • Set aside a designated “worry time”.
    • Write your worries down – create a Worry Diary or Worry Journal.
    • Be mindful – acknowledge your worries, let your worries go, stay focused on the present, repeat daily.
    • Talk about your worries – build a strong support system.
    • Learn to relax through the use of meditation, yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation.
    • Distract yourself from worry with activities that bring you joy or happiness or where you get a sense of achievement.

    You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.

    Dan Millman

    On the flip side though, there can be a definite purpose to our worrying, a purpose that is not destructive or futile.

    We worry to draw our attention to the fact that there’s something we maybe should be doing or preparing for or preventing, and it gives us the motivation to do something about that. Worry prompts us to do something that might be inconvenient, but protective. Worry makes us prepare. Worry tells us a situation is serious and keeps it prominent in our mind so that we can take action. Worry can serve as an emotional buffer; bracing for the worse can actually dull bad news and make good news feel even better.

    Worrying the right amount actually is better than not worrying at all.

    Now if we could only figure out what the right amount of worry is, right?

    Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.

    Benjamin Franklin

    Like the timing of a flower blossoming, everything happens in its own time. May we have moments where worrying ceases and we are aware enough to enjoy the blossoming process more.

    Smile, breathe, and go slowly.

    Thich Nhat Hanh
    2020 Week #39
  • Blog,  Monday Moments

    Friendly and Kind

    Always be friendly, always be kind. Like the most beautiful flower that you can find.

    Friendly – someone or something exhibiting the characteristics of a friend, such as being kind, helpful or affectionate.

    Kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

    To be friendly is to be kind – and – Kindness is shared by being friendly.

    Qualities of kindness include affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care.

    How can we be kind to others?

    • Smile.
    • Just listen.
    • Offer a hug or embrace.
    • Send out a kind email or card.
    • Give someone a genuine compliment.
    • Help someone out in a practical way.
    • Hold open the door for the person behind you.
    • Encourage a friend or family member.
    • Strike up a conversation with a stranger.
    • Let someone into your lane while driving.
    • Pay for the person behind you in line.
    • Give your time to a friend or someone who needs it.
    • Pause before you speak, and choose words with positive intention.
    • Gift something meaningful to someone: loan a book, bring flowers, drop off cookies, whatever suits your fancy.
    • Say Thank You and Please everyday without fail.
    • Say “I Love You” a little more often to your family and friends.

    Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.

    Princess Diana

    Kindness also includes being kind to yourself.

    How can we be kind to ourselves?

    • Be compassionate toward yourself. Realize you are worthy and deserving.
    • Stop worrying about what other people think.
    • Be kind to others.
    • Be your own superhero.
    • Shut down negative self-talk.
    • Don’t take yourself too seriously.
    • Take time off.
    • Learn to forgive.
    • Respect yourself fully.
    • Go to bed early.
    • Change your thoughts to change your life.
    • Stop trying to fit in.
    • Think of a way to make your life easier, then do it.
    • Stop judging yourself.
    • Learn to let things go.
    • Take time for yourself.
    • Nourish yourself.
    • Bring music into your life.
    • Try to bring meaning to every day.
    • Be your own best friend.

    Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.

    Princess Diana

    Be courageous and strong – be friendly and kind. Wishing you a wonderful week!

    Loving kindness is the spirit of friendship toward yourself and others.

    Sharon Salzberg
    2020 Week #38