A Soft Morning Gently Unfolds

 

A Soft Morning 

A soft morning gently unfolds

The good spirits begin to show 

No need to hurry today

they say

The calm spirits say 

let's lollygag and hang out all day

Today's a day to refresh

Let's play

A soft day is always lurking below

ready for you to notice and gently unfold.

Let your good spirits in

to slow you down

and lift you back up again.

Original Photo by Lee Bryant

Lightarted Living: Surrounded by the Love of a Mother for all Eternity

Lightarted Living: Surrounded by the Love of a Mother for all Eternity: 

Surrounded by the Love of a Mother for all Eternity

 

Moo Cow pictures by coffee maker

Although my mother has been gone for 17 years, I've made it a habit to enjoy her company every morning with my coffee.

See those two pictures above my coffee maker? When my mother--who we called "Moo"--passed, I took these two small cow pictures from her kitchen to hang in my kitchen above my coffee maker to remember her by. She loved cows and had many cow pictures in her house. That's how we came to call her Moo.

These little Moo Cow pictures are such a reflection of her. They make me smile and think of her each an every morning.

"Cow with 28 AA udders"

This picture my mother named 'cow with 28 AA udders" is the first one I look to in the morning as I make my coffee. I check to see if the picture is hanging crooked, indicating that MOO has been by to say hello. As I straighten the picture, I smile and say hello back to her, feeling her spirit embrace me. Then I tease her about her "classic handwriting" she was so proud of, and I see that sassy look in her eyes looking back at me.

Moo's Americana Cow

Moo was a mother with a great sense of humor who 'loved all her children equally'. Despite being a fulltime mother and raising 6 kids well, she was also community-minded, taking an active role in serving as a poll worker for elections as long as I can remember, and serving as town historian for Los Altos Hills, California for 30 years. 

These days as I talk to her over my brewing coffee, I talk to her about what's brewing in our America today. I know she's out there egging me on, encouraging me to stand up and speak up for our democracy. She is my role model for being civic minded, kind, and compassionate, and she continues to give me strength. She was a woman who had 'the gift of helps', who always reached out in practical ways to care for those less fortunate.

Moo, my angel of light, on my Refrigerator

As I reach into the refrigerator for cream for my coffee, I visit the picture of Moo--Nosey Rosy; Ready Betty; Dr. Mom; Mother of Shining Light--and smile back at her shiny smile. This is how I will always remember her in my heart. She was a bright shining light for all.

If we allow it, we are surrounded by the love of our mothers for all eternity. This is one of the most important things to carry with us throughout life, even after our mother is long gone.

When it's their time to pass, all mothers hope to leave their children with memories, laughter, love, and a legacy to help them do well in life. 

Find ways to honor your mother when she's alive and after she's gone. Create rituals that allow you to visit with your mother and to call upon her wisdom. 

For My Children

After I'm Gone

When I die

Set my spirit free

Burn my body

Spread my ashes 

on land and at sea.

Plant Lavender

over my ashes;

Visit me daily

when I'm in bloom.

Talk to me 

when you come to water;

Tell me about your day,

and share with me what matters.

Inhale Lavender's sweet scent

and think on me, 

Knowing my spirit 

is bigger and more beautiful

than what you could see.

No need to miss me 

as my spirit 

flows through your veins,

I'm there to uplift you, 

my sweet baby I named.

When you need me

I'll be there;

 I’ll touch your face,

I’ll dry your tears,

I’ll make you laugh,

I’ll help you see

I’m not gone

My spirit is still to be.

 

So carry on with me in your heart

And enjoy your life

Despite worries, difficulties and strife.

 

I’ll still be here behind the veil

to cheer you on and

Fill your heart 

with memories and smiles

For all eternity.

 

Surrounded by the Love of a Mother for all Eternity

 

Moo Cow pictures by coffee maker

Although my mother has been gone for 17 years, I've made it a habit to enjoy her company every morning with my coffee.

See those two pictures above my coffee maker? When my mother--who we called "Moo"--passed, I took these two small cow pictures from her kitchen to hang in my kitchen above my coffee maker to remember her by. She loved cows and had many cow pictures in her house. That's how we came to call her Moo.

These little Moo Cow pictures are such a reflection of her. They make me smile and think of her each an every morning.

"Cow with 28 AA udders"

This picture my mother named 'cow with 28 AA udders" is the first one I look to in the morning as I make my coffee. I check to see if the picture is hanging crooked, indicating that MOO has been by to say hello. As I straighten the picture, I smile and say hello back to her, feeling her spirit embrace me. Then I tease her about her "classic handwriting" she was so proud of, and I see that sassy look in her eyes looking back at me.

Moo's Americana Cow

Moo was a mother with a great sense of humor who 'loved all her children equally'. Despite being a fulltime mother and raising 6 kids well, she was also community-minded, taking an active role in serving as a poll worker for elections as long as I can remember, and serving as town historian for Los Altos Hills, California for 30 years. 

These days as I talk to her over my brewing coffee, I talk to her about what's brewing in our America today. I know she's out there egging me on, encouraging me to stand up and speak up for our democracy. She is my role model for being civic minded, kind, and compassionate, and she continues to give me strength. She was a woman who had 'the gift of helps', who always reached out in practical ways to care for those less fortunate.

Moo, my angel of light, on my Refrigerator

As I reach into the refrigerator for cream for my coffee, I visit the picture of Moo--Nosey Rosy; Ready Betty; Dr. Mom; Mother of Shining Light--and smile back at her shiny smile. This is how I will always remember her in my heart. She was a bright shining light for all.

If we allow it, we are surrounded by the love of our mothers for all eternity. This is one of the most important things to carry with us throughout life, even after our mother is long gone.

When it's their time to pass, all mothers hope to leave their children with memories, laughter, love, and a legacy to help them do well in life. 

Find ways to honor your mother when she's alive and after she's gone. Create rituals that allow you to visit with your mother and to call upon her wisdom. 

For My Children

After I'm Gone

When I die

Set my spirit free

Burn my body

Spread my ashes 

on land and at sea.

Plant Lavender

over my ashes;

Visit me daily

when I'm in bloom.

Talk to me 

when you come to water;

Tell me about your day,

and share with me what matters.

Inhale Lavender's sweet scent

and think on me, 

Knowing my spirit 

is bigger and more beautiful

than what you could see.

No need to miss me 

as my spirit 

flows through your veins,

I'm there to uplift you, 

my sweet baby I named.

When you need me

I'll be there;

 I’ll touch your face,

I’ll dry your tears,

I’ll make you laugh,

I’ll help you see

I’m not gone

My spirit is still to be.

 

So carry on with me in your heart

And enjoy your life

Despite worries, difficulties and strife.

 

I’ll still be here behind the veil

to cheer you on and

Fill your heart 

with memories and smiles

For all eternity.

 

Lightarted Living: The Key to Starting Over: Build a Nest in the Eye ...

Lightarted Living: The Key to Starting Over: Build a Nest in the Eye ...:   

The Key to Starting Over: Build a Nest in the Eye of the Storm

 

No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again. The Buddha

What's happening in your life right now?

• Do you feel like you've dodged a bullet when you see what other people are dealing with ~ yet you're still fearful about the future?
• Have you faced so many hardships and challenges you're left feeling hopeless and discouraged about ever finding your way back to a normal life?
• Are you tired of thinking about the current situation and just wish someone would do something about it?

How to Start Over

When things get really tough it can be difficult to see your way out. Here are 3 keys to starting over and getting unstuck after having your life disrupted by economic hardship, natural disaster, or personal crises.

Key #1: Take the First Step

Not much has changed in the thousands of years humans have been facing and recovering from the hardships of life. As Lao Tzu stated so long ago, 'a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step'.

We fuel our inner strength and sense of resiliency by taking action. But sometimes when faced with 'a journey of a thousand miles' we can be overwhelmed with the daunting task of where to begin.  What is the first step?

The good news is any first step will do. Your hope, resiliency, and personal strength will grow stronger with every step you take.  It doesn't matter what the first step is. As you experience yourself being pro-active and physically taking action, your ability to cope and hope will improve. So start with a single step--any step-- and then another.

Key #2: Take Small Steps

As an old Chinese Proverb says, 'The man who moved a mountain is the one who started taking away the small stones'. When you're in total overwhelm mode, start 'taking away the small stones'--one small step, then another.

Small daily decisions over a lifetime add up.

Key # 3: Build a Nest in the Eye of the Storm

As Anthropologist, Margaret Mead, traveled on her life adventure, change and uncertainty were a way of life. Her grandmother--a major influence in Margaret's life-- sent her on her journey with the sage advice to 'Always build a nest in the eye of the storm'.

This grandmotherly wisdom has had a strong influence in my own life. Whenever major life events cause upheaval in my life, my mind returns to this saying, and I think how important it is to apply to my own life.

One thing I know--when you're in the middle of a crisis, the hardest thing is to think of taking care of yourself. You can forget to nourish your body, push your body to the limits with lack of sleep, and remain in a constant state of emotional overload. If you can allow yourself to focus on building a nest in the eye of the storm, you can begin to create a cushion to rest and space for thinking.

But what does it mean to build a nest in the eye of the storm?  When life is swirling around you like a hurricane--you find a way to create a home-base of comfort-- or nest-- from which you can rebuild your daily existence.

Start with the basics to nourish your body and rest your nerves. Your body likes a regular rhythm that includes regular heart beats, breaths, sleep patterns, eating times, moving times, and rest time.

Start by getting your natural rhythms back in place. Eat regular, well-balanced meals that nourish you. Pace yourself--put a time limit on dealing with your difficulties--and take regular rest breaks. Go to bed early. If you're caring for others, take care of yourself first, so you have the strength and endurance to continue to help others.

We all do our best thinking and acting when we do it in a place of safety and security. The key is to find a way to create your nest---no matter what storm is brewing. It may not be easy, but it is essential.

Life is a cycle, always in motion; if good times have moved on, so will times of trouble!
Indian Proverb

The Key to Starting Over: Build a Nest in the Eye of the Storm

 

No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again. The Buddha

What's happening in your life right now?

• Do you feel like you've dodged a bullet when you see what other people are dealing with ~ yet you're still fearful about the future?
• Have you faced so many hardships and challenges you're left feeling hopeless and discouraged about ever finding your way back to a normal life?
• Are you tired of thinking about the current situation and just wish someone would do something about it?

How to Start Over

When things get really tough it can be difficult to see your way out. Here are 3 keys to starting over and getting unstuck after having your life disrupted by economic hardship, natural disaster, or personal crises.

Key #1: Take the First Step

Not much has changed in the thousands of years humans have been facing and recovering from the hardships of life. As Lao Tzu stated so long ago, 'a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step'.

We fuel our inner strength and sense of resiliency by taking action. But sometimes when faced with 'a journey of a thousand miles' we can be overwhelmed with the daunting task of where to begin.  What is the first step?

The good news is any first step will do. Your hope, resiliency, and personal strength will grow stronger with every step you take.  It doesn't matter what the first step is. As you experience yourself being pro-active and physically taking action, your ability to cope and hope will improve. So start with a single step--any step-- and then another.

Key #2: Take Small Steps

As an old Chinese Proverb says, 'The man who moved a mountain is the one who started taking away the small stones'. When you're in total overwhelm mode, start 'taking away the small stones'--one small step, then another.

Small daily decisions over a lifetime add up.

Key # 3: Build a Nest in the Eye of the Storm

As Anthropologist, Margaret Mead, traveled on her life adventure, change and uncertainty were a way of life. Her grandmother--a major influence in Margaret's life-- sent her on her journey with the sage advice to 'Always build a nest in the eye of the storm'.

This grandmotherly wisdom has had a strong influence in my own life. Whenever major life events cause upheaval in my life, my mind returns to this saying, and I think how important it is to apply to my own life.

One thing I know--when you're in the middle of a crisis, the hardest thing is to think of taking care of yourself. You can forget to nourish your body, push your body to the limits with lack of sleep, and remain in a constant state of emotional overload. If you can allow yourself to focus on building a nest in the eye of the storm, you can begin to create a cushion to rest and space for thinking.

But what does it mean to build a nest in the eye of the storm?  When life is swirling around you like a hurricane--you find a way to create a home-base of comfort-- or nest-- from which you can rebuild your daily existence.

Start with the basics to nourish your body and rest your nerves. Your body likes a regular rhythm that includes regular heart beats, breaths, sleep patterns, eating times, moving times, and rest time.

Start by getting your natural rhythms back in place. Eat regular, well-balanced meals that nourish you. Pace yourself--put a time limit on dealing with your difficulties--and take regular rest breaks. Go to bed early. If you're caring for others, take care of yourself first, so you have the strength and endurance to continue to help others.

We all do our best thinking and acting when we do it in a place of safety and security. The key is to find a way to create your nest---no matter what storm is brewing. It may not be easy, but it is essential.

Life is a cycle, always in motion; if good times have moved on, so will times of trouble!
Indian Proverb

Lightarted Living: Self-Calming Activities Provide Cure for Stress

Lightarted Living: Self-Calming Activities Provide Cure for Stress:   

Self-Calming Activities Provide Cure for Stress

 

What's on Your Mind This Morning?

What did you wake up thinking about this morning?  Were you calm or stressed as you thought about it?

Whichever way we start--calm or stressed-- it usually builds momentum and determines  the course of our day.  It's just the way our brains work--stress begets stress, and calm begets calm.

Self-Calming Activities Provide the Cure

Like you, I have to figure out how to get myself out of that overwhelmed feeling when a bout of life hits.  I have a low tolerance for discomfort. I hate feeling overwhelmed, and I'm very motivated to get out of it as fast as I can.

To return to being clear and focused sooner, I've learned to engage in self-calming activities when overwhelmed.  It's a simple, effective strategy for redirecting my focus, and I make good and reasoned choices when I'm calm.

Heart Rate over 100? Kiss Your Ability to Think Clearly Good-Bye!

John Gottman, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington, and co-founder and co-director of the Gottman Institute, studies couples to determine what makes for harmonious relationships and what gets in the way.  Use of self-calming techniques is part of the answer to what makes for more harmonious relationships.

As part of his research, Gottman takes physiological recordings, including heart rate and blood pressure readings to determine how stressed or relaxed couples are while talking to each other.

Gottman has shown when our heart rate goes above 100 in non-exercise situations, such as when engaged in an argument with a spouse, our brains go diffuse. In other words, our ability to problem-solve or think clearly flies out the window, and fear and irrationality move in.

In order to bring their heart rates down so they can think more clearly and problem solve more effectively, Gottman teaches couples to pause and practice self-calming techniques when their emotions cause their heart rate to raise above 100.

You Know Best What Calms You

What are self-calming activities for you? You know best what will calm and relax you.  It's anything you can engage in that redirects your attention away from the stress to a calmer state. This activity can take as little as 5-10 minutes, or it can be sleeping on it overnight. And it can be taking action on the thing that's stressing you.

Try one of the self-calming activities below, or use one of your own making, and see what happens. Life is too short to live it tied up in knots. Take steps to improve your life daily.


Self-Calming Activities

Take a Walk
Take a Break
Take a Nap
Take a Shower
Take a Bath
Take Action
Laugh with Friends
Play a Game
Read a Book
Journal
Brew some Tea
Nourish your Body
Make a List
Talk with a Friend
Get the Facts
Take a positive step without worrying about the outcome
Put it down
Do Something Else
Sleep on it
Give it Time
Let it Go
Ask for Help or Advice

Be Calm

Self-Calming Activities Provide Cure for Stress

 

What's on Your Mind This Morning?

What did you wake up thinking about this morning?  Were you calm or stressed as you thought about it?

Whichever way we start--calm or stressed-- it usually builds momentum and determines  the course of our day.  It's just the way our brains work--stress begets stress, and calm begets calm.

Self-Calming Activities Provide the Cure

Like you, I have to figure out how to get myself out of that overwhelmed feeling when a bout of life hits.  I have a low tolerance for discomfort. I hate feeling overwhelmed, and I'm very motivated to get out of it as fast as I can.

To return to being clear and focused sooner, I've learned to engage in self-calming activities when overwhelmed.  It's a simple, effective strategy for redirecting my focus, and I make good and reasoned choices when I'm calm.

Heart Rate over 100? Kiss Your Ability to Think Clearly Good-Bye!

John Gottman, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington, and co-founder and co-director of the Gottman Institute, studies couples to determine what makes for harmonious relationships and what gets in the way.  Use of self-calming techniques is part of the answer to what makes for more harmonious relationships.

As part of his research, Gottman takes physiological recordings, including heart rate and blood pressure readings to determine how stressed or relaxed couples are while talking to each other.

Gottman has shown when our heart rate goes above 100 in non-exercise situations, such as when engaged in an argument with a spouse, our brains go diffuse. In other words, our ability to problem-solve or think clearly flies out the window, and fear and irrationality move in.

In order to bring their heart rates down so they can think more clearly and problem solve more effectively, Gottman teaches couples to pause and practice self-calming techniques when their emotions cause their heart rate to raise above 100.

You Know Best What Calms You

What are self-calming activities for you? You know best what will calm and relax you.  It's anything you can engage in that redirects your attention away from the stress to a calmer state. This activity can take as little as 5-10 minutes, or it can be sleeping on it overnight. And it can be taking action on the thing that's stressing you.

Try one of the self-calming activities below, or use one of your own making, and see what happens. Life is too short to live it tied up in knots. Take steps to improve your life daily.


Self-Calming Activities

Take a Walk
Take a Break
Take a Nap
Take a Shower
Take a Bath
Take Action
Laugh with Friends
Play a Game
Read a Book
Journal
Brew some Tea
Nourish your Body
Make a List
Talk with a Friend
Get the Facts
Take a positive step without worrying about the outcome
Put it down
Do Something Else
Sleep on it
Give it Time
Let it Go
Ask for Help or Advice

Be Calm