 Hello lovely friend, I'm reveling in the beauty of a long-awaited summer. I'm also vowing to live EXTRA gently with myself this summer. For the last few summers (maybe more than a few), I've set the intention to savor the days in a variety of ways. Pure enjoyment! But then "life" happens. Often it's been the call of caretaking that took precedent. Someone needed assistance for recovery from surgery, a mishap or health issue. That's alright. "It is what it is," my mantra for these times. And, of course, I want to be available to those I love. Your Deepest NeedWhich brings me to the topic of this newsletter, "Your Deepest Need." As I think about what I'd ideally like my summer to look like, I'm getting in touch with my own deepest needs. I'd like to invite you to do the same. I'm hoping this little essay (adapted from my forthcoming book, Living Gently with Myself) can help. (Read on...)  "My journey of living gently didn’t begin until it was forced upon me. This is the way it is with many of us. We are tough nuts to crack! Like Energizer Bunnies, we’ve been going and going for so long we have forgotten that life can be more than a full-throttle, stress-filled effort. On some level, we know there is more to life than making sure the bills get paid, meeting deadlines, and doing all we can to keep up with life. We know we can (and should!) be calmer, happier, tuned into the more sublime states of being, but we’re not sure how to find the balance between work and pleasure, duty and relaxation, stress and ease. Despite all our trying to get life just right, it is life itself that offers us the unique invitation to stop, self-assess, and take a long, loving look at how we are living. Life provides us with an opportunity to reorient; to turn us back toward what matters—living well and happily with ourselves and others. For me, this invitation has often come in the form of a health challenge. I imagine this might be true for you too. Whenever this has happened in my life, a clarifying question rises up, inviting me to stop once more, to look and listen deeply, to search my heart for an answer to this: What do I really need right now—on a soul level—to be happy and at ease in my life? I believe that deep within us there is a boundless source of wisdom that we can tap into and it always provides the answers we need. I’ve witnessed this same response in others over and over again when I’ve posed the question of participants at a retreat, for example. I know that when I ask it I’ve touched a nerve. The room becomes acutely quiet, eyes will close, heads will bow. In some, tears will flow. In the whirl of everyday life, we have deep soul needs that are not being met. Indeed, the voice of our soul has been quieted, and, for some, even silenced by the cacophony of the world. The needs that need to be met vary from person to person. Rest, silence, or time alone. A body without pain. A mind without fear and anxiety. An end to responsibility or care-giving. Work that is life-affirming rather than draining. Relationships that are nurturing and authentic. A spiritual community where they feel loved and accepted for who they really are. Interestingly, when I’ve asked this question (of women of all ages), many of them go on to speak about being tired. It seems they are just plain fatigued; worn out from the “too muchness” of life. And this fatigue prevents them from getting in touch with what they really need on a deeper level. It also keeps them disconnected from any sense of personal joy. This is a good place for you to begin our journey of living gently, to ponder the question: What do you really need right now—on a soul level—to be happy and at ease in your life? Rest assured, whatever answer emerges is just right for you for now. Trust what comes. Even if it seems like the answer is a “surface answer” like, “I’m tired, I need a long nap,” that’s alright. That’s where you begin. We begin where we are. There’s no better place to be." (Adapted from Living Gently with Myself: A 30-Day Guidebook) When you ask the question..."What do you really need right now—on a soul level-- to be happy and at ease in your life?" what do you hear? Share your answer in the comment section below. I'd love to hear! And love to know how I can support you in the process. 
|
 |  |
To enter the March Drawing (held March 31):
Send me an email before 3/31.
Tell me in which area of your life you have unreasonable expectations for yourself. How could you approach this differently in March and beyond?
A random name will be drawn from the entries. Good luck to all!
Send me an email before 3/31.
Tell me in which area of your life you have unreasonable expectations for yourself. How could you approach this differently in March and beyond?
A random name will be drawn from the entries. Good luck to all!
Connect and Share!
Want to share your thoughts with others who are doing the "Living Gently" journey too? You can leave comments here on this page. This is a private page for subscribers only. You can also leave comments on the "Year of Living Gently" blog pages. (Public pages) You may also contact me privately. I always enjoy hearing from you.
As always, I wish you the very best. I hold you in thought, heart and prayer as you remain faithful to honoring your sacred self and your unique life.
May March find feeling empowered, yet, being ever so kind to yourself.
Love,
Jan
May March find feeling empowered, yet, being ever so kind to yourself.
Love,
Jan
Hello Dear Ones,
I hope and pray that January treated you kindly and, more importantly, that YOU started to treat yourself more gently.
It's February, traditionally thought of as the month of love. I'd like to invite us to reframe February 2018 as "The Month of Loving Yourself." This is the perfect time for you to remember that loving yourself well is the pre-requisite for loving others well.
I've sure struggled with self-love over the years. The very first time came when I knew I had to take better care of myself, but if I did that--before I took care of everybody and everything else—wouldn't that be selfish? Ah, there's the rub! Over time, I came to discover that when I took good care of myself, I had the energy to care for others too. I wrote a short blog post about this the other day. Have you struggled with this, feeling selfish when you do what's best for you?
Today, the word "selfish" is banned from my vocabulary. I prefer the word "self-aware" instead, especially when it comes to taking time to do what my body-mind-spirit needs to be well and happy. Perhaps you'd like to ban the "S" word from your vocabulary too, to free yourself to care as kindly and lovingly for yourself as you do others! Be kindly self-aware, instead!
I hope and pray that January treated you kindly and, more importantly, that YOU started to treat yourself more gently.
It's February, traditionally thought of as the month of love. I'd like to invite us to reframe February 2018 as "The Month of Loving Yourself." This is the perfect time for you to remember that loving yourself well is the pre-requisite for loving others well.
I've sure struggled with self-love over the years. The very first time came when I knew I had to take better care of myself, but if I did that--before I took care of everybody and everything else—wouldn't that be selfish? Ah, there's the rub! Over time, I came to discover that when I took good care of myself, I had the energy to care for others too. I wrote a short blog post about this the other day. Have you struggled with this, feeling selfish when you do what's best for you?
Today, the word "selfish" is banned from my vocabulary. I prefer the word "self-aware" instead, especially when it comes to taking time to do what my body-mind-spirit needs to be well and happy. Perhaps you'd like to ban the "S" word from your vocabulary too, to free yourself to care as kindly and lovingly for yourself as you do others! Be kindly self-aware, instead!
Here are some readings, resources, & practices you can do this month to help make February YOUR month of Love.
Put yourself on the calendar!
Have you considered scheduling in "me time" and actually writing it down in your planner? Or, better yet, how about using this strategy to help you give yourself the TLC you need?
Download this article I wrote, "30 Days to Loving Yourself More." It contains a February calendar with a square for each day citing something you can do to reinforce your growing practice of loving yourself. Enjoy, and have fun loving yourself more, all through the month!
http://www.awakenedliving.com/LivingGently/Calendar.pdf
Download this article I wrote, "30 Days to Loving Yourself More." It contains a February calendar with a square for each day citing something you can do to reinforce your growing practice of loving yourself. Enjoy, and have fun loving yourself more, all through the month!
http://www.awakenedliving.com/LivingGently/Calendar.pdf
Continue to read through your free books!
• In Coming Home to Ourselves, read Chap. 3: "Nurture Your Body." Invite yourself to find loving ways to love your body this month. How can you feed it better, move it for longevity, pamper it with kindness, and create self-nourishing rituals?
• In Your Truest Self, read Chapter 5, "I Cultivate Compassion for Myself." This will be discussed in our webinar on Feb. 25.
• In Your Truest Self, read Chapter 5, "I Cultivate Compassion for Myself." This will be discussed in our webinar on Feb. 25.
Helpful Videos in the Month of February
For your month of self-love, you might want to view these videos on my Vimeo channel.
"What is Self-Compassion?"
"Take Self-Compassion Breaks"
"Breaking Habits with Self-Compassion"
"What is Self-Compassion?"
"Take Self-Compassion Breaks"
"Breaking Habits with Self-Compassion"
Being Enough - A Guided Meditation
At the conclusion of Chap. 6 in my book Your Truest Self, "I Cultivate Compassion for Myself," is a Peaceful Pause for "Being Enough." I have recorded this and turned it into a meditative exercise. I hope you do it, enjoy it, and begin to feel your "enoughness."
Listen here:
Listen here:
Join the February Webinar:
On Sunday, February 25 at 7:00-8:00 p.m. (ET), I will be hosting the 2nd webinar on "Living Gently." We will use Zoom again. I'll send you an e-mail with a link to enter the webinar. As we get closer to the date, I will send you more information on this. The topic will be "Self-Compassion: The Myths and the Magic", based on Chap. 5 in Your Truest Self.
If you cannot participate in the webinar live, no worries, though I hope you will try to join us! A recording of the program will be sent to you.
If you cannot participate in the webinar live, no worries, though I hope you will try to join us! A recording of the program will be sent to you.
Results of the January Drawing
I'll be sending you an e-mail in a few days announcing the winner of the January drawing and sharing a short video showcasing the February prize for the next drawing. It's very special and will "cloak" you in LOVE!
As always, I hold you in the highest regard and send you whooshes of big fat, juicy self-love!
Jan
"May all beings be at ease."
Janice Lynne Lundy, DMin
www.JanLundy.com
Co-Founder & Co-Director,
Spiritual Guidance Training Institute www.SpiritualGuidanceTraining.com
As always, I hold you in the highest regard and send you whooshes of big fat, juicy self-love!
Jan
"May all beings be at ease."
Janice Lynne Lundy, DMin
www.JanLundy.com
Co-Founder & Co-Director,
Spiritual Guidance Training Institute www.SpiritualGuidanceTraining.com
Have comments or questions?
Click the "Comments" button below and we can connect!
January 2018 Newsletter
Hello and Welcome!
I am profoundly happy and deeply grateful that you have decided to join me throughout 2018 for a "Year of Living Gently" as I celebrate my 20th Anniversary. And, creating your own year of living kindly and gently with yourself. This is exciting, indeed!
This newsletter invites you to a gentle beginning of what can be a truly transformative year. As you know, I have been working with the principles and practices of gentle living for over two decades—and I'm still working at it—kindly, of course! It takes time for us to remove any weeds from our inner garden—those encumbrances that keep us from feeling fully free, happy, healthy and whole. It takes time for newly planted seeds to grow. It takes even more time for what is planted to fully bloom and radiate its beauty to the world.
So let us be gentle with ourselves as we proceed; compassionate when we fall back into unkind patterns; patient with ourselves as we align ourselves with inner healing, as well as the divine timing of all of this.
I am profoundly happy and deeply grateful that you have decided to join me throughout 2018 for a "Year of Living Gently" as I celebrate my 20th Anniversary. And, creating your own year of living kindly and gently with yourself. This is exciting, indeed!
This newsletter invites you to a gentle beginning of what can be a truly transformative year. As you know, I have been working with the principles and practices of gentle living for over two decades—and I'm still working at it—kindly, of course! It takes time for us to remove any weeds from our inner garden—those encumbrances that keep us from feeling fully free, happy, healthy and whole. It takes time for newly planted seeds to grow. It takes even more time for what is planted to fully bloom and radiate its beauty to the world.
So let us be gentle with ourselves as we proceed; compassionate when we fall back into unkind patterns; patient with ourselves as we align ourselves with inner healing, as well as the divine timing of all of this.
What does "Living Gently" mean?
This is how I view it. "Living Gently", first of all, is a courageous path. It is countercultural and misunderstood in general. It is not a path of giving up, but of letting go and "letting things be"; of deep acceptance. It is not a path of weakness. It is path of self-knowledge, setting kind goals for oneself (including self-acceptance) irrespective of societal dictates or expectations. It is not a meek path, for it invites us to see what is happening clearly (with self-compassion), and make significant changes that may be good for us but unpopular with others. Living gently is a path of empowerment by being deeply aware, caring and attentive to what brings us closer to whole health and spiritual well-being.
You will have a unique approach to living more gently with yourself ...
Each of us comes to this path with a unique history, needs, and circumstances. I came to it because I had lost my health and there was nowhere to go but up. I had hit rock bottom. I found myself creating a personal protocol for getting well. I did what seemed intuitively right and with divine guidance found my way back to health and well-being.
As you may know, this is what I wrote Coming Home to Ourselves about. It outlined a path for living more gently with yourself by taking "Baby Steps" to "Nurture Your Body", "Feed Your Mind," and "Enrich Your Spirit." It allows the reader to create a personal plan (considering their time and circumstances) to harmonize body, mind, and spirit for optimal results.
Some of you may have come to the Year of Living Gently for similar reasons. Or, your own! You may feel stressed and overwhelmed by life. You might find yourself trapped in a relationship or job that is depleting your energy. You may have received a surprising health diagnosis and have been told you must slow down to live differently. You may be feeling exhausted, lost, or out of touch with your spirit. You may have suffered a loss, feel confused or empty, not knowing how to heal. You might know on a very deep level that your life is out of balance and you're not sure how to get it back. You may want to heal childhood wounds, making peace with your past. You may be struggling with aging.
On the other hand, some of you might actually be in a pretty good place, but want to feel more rooted in peace, love, and joy on a daily basis; able to ride the rollercoaster of life and navigate everyday challenges better. I believe that no matter where you are on your life path, the principles and practices of living gently will greatly benefit you and all aspects of your life: health, relationships, work, spirituality, and more.
As you may know, this is what I wrote Coming Home to Ourselves about. It outlined a path for living more gently with yourself by taking "Baby Steps" to "Nurture Your Body", "Feed Your Mind," and "Enrich Your Spirit." It allows the reader to create a personal plan (considering their time and circumstances) to harmonize body, mind, and spirit for optimal results.
Some of you may have come to the Year of Living Gently for similar reasons. Or, your own! You may feel stressed and overwhelmed by life. You might find yourself trapped in a relationship or job that is depleting your energy. You may have received a surprising health diagnosis and have been told you must slow down to live differently. You may be feeling exhausted, lost, or out of touch with your spirit. You may have suffered a loss, feel confused or empty, not knowing how to heal. You might know on a very deep level that your life is out of balance and you're not sure how to get it back. You may want to heal childhood wounds, making peace with your past. You may be struggling with aging.
On the other hand, some of you might actually be in a pretty good place, but want to feel more rooted in peace, love, and joy on a daily basis; able to ride the rollercoaster of life and navigate everyday challenges better. I believe that no matter where you are on your life path, the principles and practices of living gently will greatly benefit you and all aspects of your life: health, relationships, work, spirituality, and more.
"Start where you are."
This is good advice. Acknowledge where you find yourself and begin there. That's your first step on the path of living gently.
Say what's real. Say what hurts and isn't working. Name your frustration, your fear, your concern. State what you really want for yourself. That's the stepping off place. Once you can openly and honestly say to yourself, "This isn't working. This is what I need help with and want to change. And this is what I want for myself," forces will begin to align to help you do just that. I fully believe this with every ounce of my being. I have experienced it myself thousands of times.
When we begin to release the tight hold we have on our lives, when we open to the divine and bring as a partner into our healing journey, all manner of things begin to happen. Perhaps even coming to this "Year of Living Gently" will be one of those for you. A sacred nudge might have brought you here because it IS time: your time to do what you need to do to live differently in a way that supports your true nature, inclinations, and purpose. I am glad you are here!
Say what's real. Say what hurts and isn't working. Name your frustration, your fear, your concern. State what you really want for yourself. That's the stepping off place. Once you can openly and honestly say to yourself, "This isn't working. This is what I need help with and want to change. And this is what I want for myself," forces will begin to align to help you do just that. I fully believe this with every ounce of my being. I have experienced it myself thousands of times.
When we begin to release the tight hold we have on our lives, when we open to the divine and bring as a partner into our healing journey, all manner of things begin to happen. Perhaps even coming to this "Year of Living Gently" will be one of those for you. A sacred nudge might have brought you here because it IS time: your time to do what you need to do to live differently in a way that supports your true nature, inclinations, and purpose. I am glad you are here!
Your January Invitation:
This month, I invite you to explore Coming Home to Ourselves and the process I outline within its pages to take a look at what you need most in your life right now, and how to harmonize body, mind and spirit. It's a good book with which to launch 2018!
And if by chance you've already read it, I advise you to return to it. It has become a self-care classic. You are likely in a different place now than when you first read it. It may offer useful, new insights.
You received the link to this book when you pre-ordered Living Gently with Myself. But here it is again for ease of downloading.
http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/ComingHome.pdf
I suggest you print the book from the pdf so you can actually write in it and use the journaling pages. (The paperback book is out of print, but used copies are available through Amazon.)
Let Coming Home guide you to your essence this January. I trust that it can. It has helped, literally, thousands of women (5,000 copies sold) to get their lives on track and connect with deeper parts of themselves that needed nurturing and care. It can guide you too!
And if by chance you've already read it, I advise you to return to it. It has become a self-care classic. You are likely in a different place now than when you first read it. It may offer useful, new insights.
You received the link to this book when you pre-ordered Living Gently with Myself. But here it is again for ease of downloading.
http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/ComingHome.pdf
I suggest you print the book from the pdf so you can actually write in it and use the journaling pages. (The paperback book is out of print, but used copies are available through Amazon.)
Let Coming Home guide you to your essence this January. I trust that it can. It has helped, literally, thousands of women (5,000 copies sold) to get their lives on track and connect with deeper parts of themselves that needed nurturing and care. It can guide you too!
Helpful Videos for the Month of January
|
I have gathered up 6 helpful videos I recorded based on the principles discussed in Coming Home. You will find them here and through the link on the right side of this page marked "Videos." They go along with the first chapters of the book.
I hope you find them helpful! |
|
January 13 Webinar
On Sunday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. (ET), I will be holding a webinar (the first of many!) about "Living Gently." The platform I will use for this so we can see one another and interact well is Zoom. You will need to create a free Zoom account to participate. It's easy to do! Once your account has been created, I'll send you an e-mail with a link to enter the webinar. As we get closer to the date, I will send you more information on this. The topic will be "Extraordinary, Loving, Mindful Self-Care", based on Coming Home to Ourselves.
If you cannot participate in the webinar live, no worries, though I hope you will try to join us! A recording of the program will be sent to you.
If you cannot participate in the webinar live, no worries, though I hope you will try to join us! A recording of the program will be sent to you.
A Special Offer!
|
Would you like to do Coming Home to Ourselves as an actual course? Well, there is one available!
I offered this program very successfully online several years ago and have now packaged it up as a self-guided, self-paced course. It contains 5 Lessons, based on the chapters in the book, complete with audios, reflection questions, "homework," and more. It offers a detailed and comprehensive approach to implementing the wisdom of Coming Home into your daily life in a most gentle way! |
Coming Home to Ourselves:
The Course 
This course will be made available to the public soon.
For "Year of Living Gently" members only, I am asking a Free Will Offering for the course. Make a Donation of your choosing and download now. Thank you and enjoy! |
January Gift Giveaway
Win a collectible copy of the paperback version of Coming Home to Ourselves. AND a free, 40-min. "Living Gently" personal coaching session with me.
How to enter the drawing to be held Jan. 31:
Send me an email before 1/31 telling me about your highest hope in terms of living gently with yourself in 2018. A random name will be drawn from the entries. Good luck to all!
How to enter the drawing to be held Jan. 31:
Send me an email before 1/31 telling me about your highest hope in terms of living gently with yourself in 2018. A random name will be drawn from the entries. Good luck to all!
Thank you, lovely soul, for joining me this month's issue and being present to yourself in increasingly kind ways. Onward and inward we go! It's going to be an amazing year!
And remember to reach out for assistance if you need it. I am here!
With metta (loving-kindness),
Jan
"May all beings be at ease."
Janice Lynne Lundy, DMin
www.JanLundy.com
Co-Founder & Co-Director,
Spiritual Guidance Training Institute www.SpiritualGuidanceTraining.com
And remember to reach out for assistance if you need it. I am here!
With metta (loving-kindness),
Jan
"May all beings be at ease."
Janice Lynne Lundy, DMin
www.JanLundy.com
Co-Founder & Co-Director,
Spiritual Guidance Training Institute www.SpiritualGuidanceTraining.com
Have comments or questions?
Click the "Comments" button below and we can connect!
The Year of Living Gently
Take a breath, and drop into a kinder, gentler place within yourself.