Message of The Day

You are experiencing the despair felt after a defeat. See how your mind creates doubt and pessimism - look directly at your defeatist thinking. You defeat yourself with your own doubt and skepticism. It is time that you look at changing your own attitudes - let go of your pride and release this narrow view point - your own "ego" is inhibiting you. An old wound has been opened and you are experience fear associated with that memory - thoughts that history might repeat itself or that you could be hurt again. Your vision has been distorted by the past. Allow yourself to be sensitive to this deception in a personal situation - be receptive to the things that are causing you all these emotional problems. When you are involved in an unfair decision that is hard to correct - be patient with your emotions.

Too much or too little mental freedom - uncertainty. Too many or too few choices. Mind looks at itself ineffectively and will tend to be too passive and lax or will be over enthusiastic and cause havoc. Criticism of self and others can be harsh and inaccurate. A sharp tongue. A sense of mental loss rather than gain. Anger, confusion, argument, covering things up, impulsive, impatient, hasty, nervous, stubborn, complacent. Inappropriate worry, sadness, depression, disappointment, guilt or shame. The general is concentrating on his plan of retreat.

Questions to Answer: Do you expect to get "stung" in this situation? What are you afraid of? What is causing division in the solidarity of your group? Why don't you feel good about what you are doing? What do you need in order to feel good? What would be the ethical thing to do? What is so important to you that you have to prove everyone else wrong?

Feed Thy Soul

Adapted from Mindful Moments for Stressful Days, by Tzivia Gover (Storey Books, 2002).

If of thy mortal good thou art bereft
And of thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
–Saadi

Most of us make a list every week of what we need to fill our pantry. How about making a weekly grocery list for your soul as well?

This simple, delightful how-to gives fresh energy and focus to our body-mind-spirit connection. It’s so easy, and so much fun! Making a Grocery List for your soul is a great first step toward honoring the needs of your inner self. Prepare to be more nourished and satisfied with your life: here are the easy directions.

First, give some real time and thought to the activities or things you need in order to continue nourishing a conscious lifestyle.

Now make a “shopping list” of the things you love, the things your heart and soul need. A morning set aside to garden? An hour alone? A long, hot bath? A half-hour to read poetry? A massage? Fresh flowers in your bedroom? A visit to your spiritual home, be it a church, synagogue, or spot in nature that inspires awe in you? A simple meal and heart-to-heart with a close friend? A trip to a museum or art gallery? A long walk in the woods?

Make a commitment to your inner self to take time every week for at least one of these things. It is important to feed the Spirit no less than the body: help yours feel full.