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If you desire to live in a more, peaceful and harmonious way with yourself, your neighbors and with Mother Earth, where do you begin? You begin where you are, within yourself, and cultivate the qualities you wish to see in the world today. Your inner work will change how you view others and the planet at large. The "work of self" is the work of the world.
Let us remember that as a collective of intentional beings, we are dedicating ourselves to a most noble cause—living our core values. And as we do, the world will begin to reflect the changes that are happening within each of us. ©2025, Janice L. Lundy What gift can you give yourself today? Among the best gifts you can give is to be fully aware of your thoughts and feelings. When you are awake and aware, you can choose how to respond to what is happening around you with grace, instead of reacting to others with sloppy words, impatience or temper. To react or respond: this is the key to inner freedom.
We all have the power to choose our words and actions. What an intoxicating gift! Let us stop, look, and listen before we do anything, ensuring peace of mind and harmonious relations with others. ©2025, Janice L. Lundy Vast amounts of negative media, television, video games and unsavory language weaken the mind's resilience. They tire and desensitize us.
Make a lovingly kind choice for yourself today by reducing the noise level in your life. Turn off the television and radio. Allow yourself more quiet time. Grant yourself “peaceful pauses” throughout the day: periods of stopping to access your peaceful center. There is comfort and security to be found there. Periods of stillness and solitude rebuild inner strength and can revitalize you. Our center is our Source, and our Source is peace. The next time you find yourself in a challenging situation with another person, ask yourself these questions: "Will what I am about to say (or do) help or hurt?" "Will my choice enhance the situation or hinder it?"
Then take a breath, listen deeply, and access your wise heart. Allow it to speak and take the lead over your ego's needs or agenda. Let go into kindness and see what transpires. ©2025, Janice L. Lundy 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, or fear?' When we listen mindfully, we can make healthy, new choices for ourselves—choices rooted in loving-kindness. ©2025, Janice L. Lundy Love, love, and love some more. Don't give up on people. Don't close your heart when they don't act the way you think they should. Simply love them—and trust that Divine Love will find its way into every human heart.
©2025, Janice L. Lundy The Christian mystic, Meister Eckhart, wrote, "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough."
Indeed, an attitude of gratitude may be the most powerful “virtue of the spirit.” Why? Because walking in the world with gratitude in your heart enables you to see life through lenses of appreciation. When you are able to perceive your day as full of blessings, lightheartedness will wash over you--and over others--helping them feel better too! In an ailing world, we can all use a bit more of that. ©2025, Janice L. Lundy If you are feeling off-center, what can you do right now to change this?
Could you stop what you're doing and take five gentle breaths? Can you push away from the computer, set down your phone, and step out in nature to focus on its beauty? Simple acts of self-care like these are easily forgotten when your day picks up pace. Keep your intention for self-awareness strong so you can give yourself what you need to remain calm and clear throughout your day. ©2023, Janice L. Lundy With a constant bombardment of noise and images characterizing our days, the simple things, the delicacy of a flower or the song of a bird, can go unnoticed. Step away from the cacophony of life and reconnect with the joy of simple things. It only takes awareness to do so.
Wherever you are, pause, and heighten your senses. Pay attention on purpose. What do you hear? Notice how different you feel when you experience life with heightened sensory awareness. You will likely feel more calm, happy, and appreciative of the world around you Isn't it amazing how the simple things in life can provide such soul satisfaction? ©2025, 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 |