On any given day I may receive several emails from family, friends and colleagues which speak to their level of stress or worry given the times we are living in. My response is often something like, "Please take good care of yourself. These ARE challenging times." An act of self-care, of self-compassion, is an act of presence. 

Today, I'm culling a video from my archives that offers a bit of sage advice about how to kindly take care of ourselves in a moment of difficulty, a moment of suffering. Suffering is experienced anytime we are disconnected from our calm, clear, wise self. I hope this message with a practice helps restore your equanimity as you tenderly care for yourself in the midst of any challenge you might be facing. 

Watch the video on Vimeo here: 
https://vimeo.com/189211572

Life being what it is these days, these thoughts live in my heart. I hope you are continuing to make good and wise choices for yourself because, ultimately, they inform your capacity to be present to yourself, as well as to patiently and kindly hold presence for others.

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.

©2020, JLL, This Sacred Moment

​Time moves quickly. Life is short. When all is said and done and we look back upon our lives, what we'll remember most are the people with whom we spent our days and nights. We will recall the warm words and hugs of friends, children, and grandchildren; hearty conversation at the dinner table; the late nights we spent comforting one another through the ups and downs of life.
 
Today, consider what of yourself do you bring into relationship? How are you be-ing with others? The gift of your presence is the greatest present you can ever give to anyone.
​

©2020, Janice L. Lundy
​This Sacred Moment