I get by with a little help from my friends.
John Lennon
Happy International Day of Friendship! The first International
Day of Friendship was proclaimed and celebrated by the UN in
2011. This special day reminds us of the importance of
connecting with people through friendship along with building
bridges among cultures, countries and ideologies, and
promoting a more peaceful world (from the UN website).
I'm always on the lookout for reminders that there is still good in
this world. The human condition is challenging, to say the least.
We live in a tough world, made all the more difficult by a global
pandemic and racial and social injustices. Between the isolation
of the quarantine, lack of trust, discrimination, and cultural
discord, prioritizing peace may seem to have less presence in
today's world. I think that's part of the illusion of separation that
seems to be the dominate force these days.
Over the past few months, many of us are discovering that
going it alone is against our nature (even us introverts). We
thrive on the interdependence that comes from standing
together for a common purpose. Even though it's sometimes
hard to see, I believe we have more in common than we may
realize. And, I trust that any idea (like International Day of
Friendship) that minimizes the spread of hatred and disdain that
keeps us feeling separate from one another is the kind of world
we want. I'd like to think that's something we all have in
common. Promoting and defending a shared spirit of human
solidarity takes many forms — the simplest of which is
friendship. The word “friend” is a derivative of the verb “freon,”
which means, “To love.”
As we physically re-engage with family, friends, neighbors, and
co-workers, how can we go about tending to friendship (when
friendship is a verb)? Even if you've maintained connections all
the while, why not invest the time and energy today toward
letting your friends know they matter to you.
Today, and every day, offers the opportunity to reach out to our
friends, to remind them that they are loved and cared for.
Celebrating friendships through something as simple as a brief
note, a text, a phone call, a card or a coffee/tea hang out (with
appropriate social distancing) are all ways to foster friendship.
Day of Friendship was proclaimed and celebrated by the UN in
2011. This special day reminds us of the importance of
connecting with people through friendship along with building
bridges among cultures, countries and ideologies, and
promoting a more peaceful world (from the UN website).
I'm always on the lookout for reminders that there is still good in
this world. The human condition is challenging, to say the least.
We live in a tough world, made all the more difficult by a global
pandemic and racial and social injustices. Between the isolation
of the quarantine, lack of trust, discrimination, and cultural
discord, prioritizing peace may seem to have less presence in
today's world. I think that's part of the illusion of separation that
seems to be the dominate force these days.
Over the past few months, many of us are discovering that
going it alone is against our nature (even us introverts). We
thrive on the interdependence that comes from standing
together for a common purpose. Even though it's sometimes
hard to see, I believe we have more in common than we may
realize. And, I trust that any idea (like International Day of
Friendship) that minimizes the spread of hatred and disdain that
keeps us feeling separate from one another is the kind of world
we want. I'd like to think that's something we all have in
common. Promoting and defending a shared spirit of human
solidarity takes many forms — the simplest of which is
friendship. The word “friend” is a derivative of the verb “freon,”
which means, “To love.”
As we physically re-engage with family, friends, neighbors, and
co-workers, how can we go about tending to friendship (when
friendship is a verb)? Even if you've maintained connections all
the while, why not invest the time and energy today toward
letting your friends know they matter to you.
Today, and every day, offers the opportunity to reach out to our
friends, to remind them that they are loved and cared for.
Celebrating friendships through something as simple as a brief
note, a text, a phone call, a card or a coffee/tea hang out (with
appropriate social distancing) are all ways to foster friendship.
We are experiencing a unique and
historic time that is calling for us to
stand steady and calm, stay grounded
in our strength and spirit, and hold up
Light and hope, courage and
friendship for others. Friendship is
synonymous with the bonding that
creates a space in which even in our
differences we can find common ground through kindness and
togetherness.
At a time in history when we may be feeling more disconnected
than ever—and missing our friends and family deeply—there is
hope to help you get through anything (yes, even this). While
we may not be immune to fear and feeling separate,
incorporating practices that help shift our vibration (mood,
attitude, thoughts, and feelings) is a powerfully loving and
healing gesture toward ourselves and each other. Cultivating
balance in our lives, remembering our Wholeness, and
transforming energies of pain and suffering into energies of
optimal health for mind, body, spirit allows us to offer support,
healing, and friendship to a world that needs us more now than
ever.
I believe we're here to help humanity. We're on earth at this time
to be points of light, calm, and connectedness. We have been
given an urgent wake up call to live our purpose, to help
humanity prosper, and to extend love. I believe we're being
called to go beyond self-care (although that is the necessary
first step to creating the foundation for how we "be in the world")
by holding a sense of inner spaciousness and calmness from
which we can fulfill our purpose, the reason we were born
during this time of upheaval, turmoil, and change. This is a time
of discovery--what you're good at, what you love to do, and what
makes you feel your calling (Hint: This is more than a career).
It's also a time of finding calmness in the chaos and aligning
with your purpose. We all have a purpose. What's yours?
My purpose is to serve others in the best way I possibly can. I
do that in few ways – through coaching, teaching, co-creating
mandalas, gardening and other interactions like this blog. When
I’m serving others, I’m deeply aware of my gratitude for them. I
also serve others by using humor and serving from a place of
love. When I'm not living from my calm center, I notice these
qualities aren’t present and it's hard to be in alignment with my
purpose. In other words, if I’m not attuned to my calm center,
aware of my gratitude, listening deeply, or coming from love
when I’m coaching or teaching, then my vibration isn't in
alignment with my purpose. At those times I can choose how I
respond. I can stay stuck in that place or I can begin again.
And when I notice that, I have an opportunity to get back on
track. The more I'm aware of this and use practices that clear
my energy and shift my vibration, being a friend to myself and
the world becomes a habit.
As spiritual "first responders" (thank you, Rue Hass) we need to
think clearly and creatively about the present so that we have
the capacity to co-create an emerging future that gets us out of
our habitual patterns, outdated beliefs, and limitations that we
have been trained to follow.
Here are three simple steps we can take:
1. Remember (or possibly begin) self-care basics. Drink lots of
water! Healthy eating, rest and regular exercise can give you
the resilience to evolve and adapt. Take good care of yourself
first, and you have more to give to others, if this is important to
you.
2. Nourish and strengthen your immune system. Your immune
system tells you what is you and what isn't you. It's an extension
of your identity. Strengthen your immune system by
incorporating Donna Eden's Daily Energy Routine.
3. Create and hold a space for calm. When we notice the
discomfort that comes with disruptions in our energy system, we
can heal it by creating a space for it instead of battling it,
resisting it, or trying to get rid of it. Energy meridian work (like
EFT/Tapping) fosters calmness and creates openness for
imagining new possibilities. Clearing the energy system turns
worry and upset toward calmness and peace and expands our
capacity for extending friendship and cooperation globally.
Don't underestimate the simple act of remaining calm. Being
calm, held in light, is a needed service. The world
needs islands of calm.
The Co-Creative Mandala below—“Interdependence" reminds
us that "we're all in this together". We are energy fields,
connected to everything and everyone. This is a time when we
really need to come together and accept our differences and
stand together in friendship and make changes individually,
collectively, and globally. As we think and act holistically to
solve problems--each of us offers different and complimentary
visions. Guided by ideas and ideals we become problem
solvers. We are the ones we've been waiting for.
historic time that is calling for us to
stand steady and calm, stay grounded
in our strength and spirit, and hold up
Light and hope, courage and
friendship for others. Friendship is
synonymous with the bonding that
creates a space in which even in our
differences we can find common ground through kindness and
togetherness.
At a time in history when we may be feeling more disconnected
than ever—and missing our friends and family deeply—there is
hope to help you get through anything (yes, even this). While
we may not be immune to fear and feeling separate,
incorporating practices that help shift our vibration (mood,
attitude, thoughts, and feelings) is a powerfully loving and
healing gesture toward ourselves and each other. Cultivating
balance in our lives, remembering our Wholeness, and
transforming energies of pain and suffering into energies of
optimal health for mind, body, spirit allows us to offer support,
healing, and friendship to a world that needs us more now than
ever.
I believe we're here to help humanity. We're on earth at this time
to be points of light, calm, and connectedness. We have been
given an urgent wake up call to live our purpose, to help
humanity prosper, and to extend love. I believe we're being
called to go beyond self-care (although that is the necessary
first step to creating the foundation for how we "be in the world")
by holding a sense of inner spaciousness and calmness from
which we can fulfill our purpose, the reason we were born
during this time of upheaval, turmoil, and change. This is a time
of discovery--what you're good at, what you love to do, and what
makes you feel your calling (Hint: This is more than a career).
It's also a time of finding calmness in the chaos and aligning
with your purpose. We all have a purpose. What's yours?
My purpose is to serve others in the best way I possibly can. I
do that in few ways – through coaching, teaching, co-creating
mandalas, gardening and other interactions like this blog. When
I’m serving others, I’m deeply aware of my gratitude for them. I
also serve others by using humor and serving from a place of
love. When I'm not living from my calm center, I notice these
qualities aren’t present and it's hard to be in alignment with my
purpose. In other words, if I’m not attuned to my calm center,
aware of my gratitude, listening deeply, or coming from love
when I’m coaching or teaching, then my vibration isn't in
alignment with my purpose. At those times I can choose how I
respond. I can stay stuck in that place or I can begin again.
And when I notice that, I have an opportunity to get back on
track. The more I'm aware of this and use practices that clear
my energy and shift my vibration, being a friend to myself and
the world becomes a habit.
As spiritual "first responders" (thank you, Rue Hass) we need to
think clearly and creatively about the present so that we have
the capacity to co-create an emerging future that gets us out of
our habitual patterns, outdated beliefs, and limitations that we
have been trained to follow.
Here are three simple steps we can take:
1. Remember (or possibly begin) self-care basics. Drink lots of
water! Healthy eating, rest and regular exercise can give you
the resilience to evolve and adapt. Take good care of yourself
first, and you have more to give to others, if this is important to
you.
2. Nourish and strengthen your immune system. Your immune
system tells you what is you and what isn't you. It's an extension
of your identity. Strengthen your immune system by
incorporating Donna Eden's Daily Energy Routine.
3. Create and hold a space for calm. When we notice the
discomfort that comes with disruptions in our energy system, we
can heal it by creating a space for it instead of battling it,
resisting it, or trying to get rid of it. Energy meridian work (like
EFT/Tapping) fosters calmness and creates openness for
imagining new possibilities. Clearing the energy system turns
worry and upset toward calmness and peace and expands our
capacity for extending friendship and cooperation globally.
Don't underestimate the simple act of remaining calm. Being
calm, held in light, is a needed service. The world
needs islands of calm.
The Co-Creative Mandala below—“Interdependence" reminds
us that "we're all in this together". We are energy fields,
connected to everything and everyone. This is a time when we
really need to come together and accept our differences and
stand together in friendship and make changes individually,
collectively, and globally. As we think and act holistically to
solve problems--each of us offers different and complimentary
visions. Guided by ideas and ideals we become problem
solvers. We are the ones we've been waiting for.
Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born.
Anais Nin
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born.
Anais Nin
Interdependence Exercise:
In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate
"Interdependence" and connect with the power of all aspects of
yourself. The following exercise is adapted from the Jin Shin
Jyutsu finger holding exercise. Instead of focusing on the
emotions, we will focus on five aspects of ourselves--the body,
mind, emotions, subtle body, and soul. Together, these parts are
our Wholeness.
Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive deeply
into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless your
sacred space.
Make this exercise your own. Invest your time and attention.
Don’t rush.
As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes
“Interdependence”. What does "Interdependence" mean to you?
Close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath; just be
with your breath. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out. Take
another deep breath in. Breathe out. Notice the sensations as
you exhale—without judgement. Feel the body breathing. Bring
your body into stillness.
Open your eyes and bring your attention to the mandala; allow
the mandala energy to fill your heart; be with whatever is there.
Invest a few minutes toward allowing the “Interdependence”
energy to flow to and through your body. Imagine that energy
bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the
heavens.
Imagine the “Interdependence” energy flowing through you
and down deep into the earth. Imagine it radiating from your
heart and extending out in front of you and behind you. Imagine
the “Interdependence” energy is a radiant ball that encircles
you.
Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.
What about the mandala captures your attention?
Notice and Wonder--Something in me is feeling...
I wonder what it wants me to know?
Relax into your body and its quietness. Be with the energy, be
present, listen.
Call to mind each aspect of yourself: you body, your mind, your
emotions, your subtle body, and your soul. Notice how each part
is interdependent in shaping your life.Give each of these parts
your love and appreciation for what each contributes to your
wholeness and life.
ACTIVATE THE ENERGY MERIDIANS
Focusing on the mandala--wrap your right hand around the
thumb or a finger of the left hand. Relax your hands and hold as
you
◆ bring calm awareness to your body— lightly hold your thumb
◆ bring calm awareness to your mind— lightly hold your index
finger
◆ bring calm awareness to your emotions— lightly hold your
middle finger
◆ bring calm awareness to your subtle body (sphere around
you, aura, energy field that is you)— lightly hold your ring finger
◆ bring calm awareness to your soul— lightly hold your pinky
finger
◆ Hold your hands together, finger tips together, as if you are
cradling a ball.
Again, thank and acknowledge each of them for being part of a
larger whole that is you.
You can do this exercise anywhere and at any time that your
hands are free. Just wrap your right hand around the thumb or a
finger of the left hand. Relax your hands and hold. For best
results, sit comfortably and close your eyes.
By holding each thumb and finger in turn every day for a few
minutes, you can calm the mind, soothe the nervous system,
and regenerate your whole being.
When your energy feels blocked or stymied, taking an action
can help unblock the flow, particularly when you take action on
behalf of someone else. An act of kindness, thoughtfulness, and
helpfulness for another can have marvelously wonderful effects
on your energy field.
Our personal energy is part of the larger, interdependent energy
fields found in our communities, the land, and the planet as a
whole. Recognizing that we are part of a larger whole and
acting to benefit the world around us is a vital way to keep our
energy flowing, healthy, and connected.
Peace and Joy to your seeking heart,
In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate
"Interdependence" and connect with the power of all aspects of
yourself. The following exercise is adapted from the Jin Shin
Jyutsu finger holding exercise. Instead of focusing on the
emotions, we will focus on five aspects of ourselves--the body,
mind, emotions, subtle body, and soul. Together, these parts are
our Wholeness.
Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive deeply
into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless your
sacred space.
Make this exercise your own. Invest your time and attention.
Don’t rush.
As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes
“Interdependence”. What does "Interdependence" mean to you?
Close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath; just be
with your breath. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out. Take
another deep breath in. Breathe out. Notice the sensations as
you exhale—without judgement. Feel the body breathing. Bring
your body into stillness.
Open your eyes and bring your attention to the mandala; allow
the mandala energy to fill your heart; be with whatever is there.
Invest a few minutes toward allowing the “Interdependence”
energy to flow to and through your body. Imagine that energy
bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the
heavens.
Imagine the “Interdependence” energy flowing through you
and down deep into the earth. Imagine it radiating from your
heart and extending out in front of you and behind you. Imagine
the “Interdependence” energy is a radiant ball that encircles
you.
Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.
What about the mandala captures your attention?
Notice and Wonder--Something in me is feeling...
I wonder what it wants me to know?
Relax into your body and its quietness. Be with the energy, be
present, listen.
Call to mind each aspect of yourself: you body, your mind, your
emotions, your subtle body, and your soul. Notice how each part
is interdependent in shaping your life.Give each of these parts
your love and appreciation for what each contributes to your
wholeness and life.
ACTIVATE THE ENERGY MERIDIANS
Focusing on the mandala--wrap your right hand around the
thumb or a finger of the left hand. Relax your hands and hold as
you
◆ bring calm awareness to your body— lightly hold your thumb
◆ bring calm awareness to your mind— lightly hold your index
finger
◆ bring calm awareness to your emotions— lightly hold your
middle finger
◆ bring calm awareness to your subtle body (sphere around
you, aura, energy field that is you)— lightly hold your ring finger
◆ bring calm awareness to your soul— lightly hold your pinky
finger
◆ Hold your hands together, finger tips together, as if you are
cradling a ball.
Again, thank and acknowledge each of them for being part of a
larger whole that is you.
You can do this exercise anywhere and at any time that your
hands are free. Just wrap your right hand around the thumb or a
finger of the left hand. Relax your hands and hold. For best
results, sit comfortably and close your eyes.
By holding each thumb and finger in turn every day for a few
minutes, you can calm the mind, soothe the nervous system,
and regenerate your whole being.
When your energy feels blocked or stymied, taking an action
can help unblock the flow, particularly when you take action on
behalf of someone else. An act of kindness, thoughtfulness, and
helpfulness for another can have marvelously wonderful effects
on your energy field.
Our personal energy is part of the larger, interdependent energy
fields found in our communities, the land, and the planet as a
whole. Recognizing that we are part of a larger whole and
acting to benefit the world around us is a vital way to keep our
energy flowing, healthy, and connected.
Peace and Joy to your seeking heart,
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