Let us be kind when it comes to how we speak. We can learn to speak directly, to make our thoughts and needs known, yet do so with grace and dignity.
Gentle speech is sourced in confidence and self-knowledge. We can express ourselves clearly, aware that each word we speak has the power to help or heal the situation. We choose wisely for we wish to be known—but to cause no harm. ©2023, Janice L. Lundy Many years ago I did a kind thing for myself. I stopped trying to create balance in my life. Instead I made a kinder choice: create inner harmony. Balance, by its very nature, is impossible to achieve. Nothing is ever balanced (I'm thinking of the see-saw [teeter-totter) of my childhood here ...). It's either up or down. Too much or too little. Trying to achieve balance for me was a self-defeating choice because no one can ever get anything "just right." I experienced trying to get my life in balance as pressure, resulting in failure (of course!)—a misguided attempt at perfection. But harmony, oh, that had a lovely, gentle ring to it. It reminded me of musical notes coming together in a pleasing way. More like rhythm. A delightful blending of elements that just flowed. Now this I could get behind. I decided to pitch balance and opt for harmony instead. Instead of striving for and struggling with balance, how can we shift our efforts to focus instead on creating inner harmony? Here's an idea, a simple starting point. You can begin to create greater harmony in your life by paying close attention to what your body is trying to tell you in any given situation, honoring that revelation, then making choices that foster your well-being. You can do this by literally listening to your body through the vehicle of your senses. Pay mindful attention to what you are seeing and hearing. Note your body's response. Ask yourself, 'Is this experience creating feelings of peace and well-being in me, or is it causing me stress, worry, pressure or fear?' When we listen mindfully, we can make healthy, new choices for ourselves—choices rooted in loving-kindness. And new choices are easy to make and implement when they are sourced in self-kindness. ©2024, Janice L. Lundy |
Gentle and timely reminders for the spiritual journey, because sometimes we forget or need a kind nudge back to Center.
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Dr. Janice Lynne Lundy (PsyD, DMin, MPC)
is The Gerald May Professor of Spiritual Direction & Counseling at the Graduate Theological Foundation. She is an interspiritual director/mentor, educator and counselor who has been pointing people back toward the Sacred for nearly thirty years. Connect |