work-life balance
Transform Your Chores Into Moments Of Zen
I recently had to find my “inner zen” when I had to file my taxes in person. Even though I was really, really not in the mood and not looking forward to it at all, I decided to make the most of this dreaded chore by practicing a time-tested spiritual technique of just being present in the moment. This attitude made my day so much easier and more fulfilling.
As I waited in line at the tax office, I couldn’t help but overhear a less than happy man ranting in one of the booths. I felt bad because, well, we are all human and this is about paying taxes, for goodness sake! We can hardly blame others for reacting this way. I mean, who really enjoys doing their taxes?
But I think it’s better to stay calm and carry on, because in the end everything will be fine. Having a “panic attack” or “hissy fit” like the guy in that booth won’t change the situation, except to make it worse. I know from experience that keeping an inner calm always wins the day.
If you have to deal with a chore or task that you are not looking forward to, try to embrace it and immerse yourself in the experience rather than making it worse by creating a lot of resistance around it. There is a lot of ancient wisdom in “being present in the now.” It is no accident that this concept is rooted in various spiritual traditions and teachings throughout history, as it points to a universal truth that is essential for spiritual living and personal well-being.
My Healing Journey From Trauma To Spiritual Calling
Many years ago, a seemingly random accident changed the course of my life forever. As I traveled the country speaking to various corporate audiences in different cities, one fateful event brought about a profound change.
On that pivotal night, a woman arrived late for my presentation. While everyone was watching an introductory video, I asked her if she had filled out a raffle ballot. When I learned that she hadn’t, I offered to get it for her from the entrance to the hall.
Reaching the hallway doors meant walking between an audio speaker and the first table of guests. As I walked toward the exit doors, signaling to some in the audience that I would return shortly, I had no idea of the terrible events that were about to unfold.
Commercial audio speakers usually have a three-legged base, similar to a camera tripod, to keep the legs out of sight. But at this venue, the speakers had a different, wider type of base, with chrome spokes extending horizontally just above the floor, which the well-meaning organizers had hidden under black fabric. On my way to the doors, I tripped over one of those hidden metal bars!
The impact was severe – I dislocated my shoulder, breaking the bone into four pieces, shattered my knee, and my foot, caught in the fabric, twisted upside down over the bar. The resulting whiplash jammed my head to the left and slightly upward, immobilizing my entire left side.
The Truth About Being “Too Busy”
It is good to be busy. But some people are always too busy. Too busy to do the things that really matter. Too busy to go where we really want to go. Too busy to make a difference. Too busy to love. Too busy.
I admit that I am one of those people who, when asked how I am doing, often gives the standard one-word answer: “Busy.” Some people who like their jobs and choose to work a lot are called workaholics. I have been called a workaholic by friends and family. My response is always that I am grateful to still be able to do what I love.
Yes, some of us like to be busy. We like to be doing something all the time. For me, being busy gives me a sense of self-worth and security. When a task is completed, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Being busy is also a way to thrive. Some people do their best work when they are very busy and under pressure. We are indeed blessed when we have a job that we truly love to do. But that does not mean we never need a day off without feeling guilty?
The pandemic has been a challenge for us busy people. How do you stay busy when you cannot leave the house? One thing it did for me was give me “permission” to take an online art class without feeling guilty. Also, friends and family have given me more puzzles than one could ever have in a lifetime. In the past, I would have felt guilty about doing these things for pleasure instead of work.
Navigate Your Career Change With Inner Guidance
When a new year dawns we tend to take stock of our lives and consider making some changes, such as in our field of work or our current position. Some people even consider starting a business.
It is common to consider a career change at the start of a new year. A new year makes us aware of the passage of time and is therefore often seen as a time for self-reflection and goal-setting.
But as simple as it may seem at first, changing careers can be a daunting process, especially if you hope to achieve the best possible outcome. It requires careful planning, research and preparation, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling endeavor.
Changing careers is inherently uncertain. It involves leaving the familiar for the unknown, and this can be challenging and scary. However, our personal and spiritual growth tends to thrive in uncertainty. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. Rather than seeing uncertainty as a barrier, consider it an opportunity for personal expansion, self-discovery, and soul evolution.
If you are considering a career change, one of the wisest things you can do is to ask spirit for guidance and support and to follow your inner guidance. Spirit will guide you through the ambiguity and help you make the right decisions along the way. Navigating a career change can be daunting, but tapping into your spiritual inner guidance system will provide more of the clarity and direction you need.
Get Ready For A New Year Of Boundless Joy!
As we stand on the precipice of a new year of endless possibilities and limitless potential, I invite you to join me on a journey of self-actualization, spiritual enlightenment, and unwavering hope and optimism in 2024.
This year, let us embrace the transformative power of positive thinking, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless divine wisdom that lies within each of us. Let us throw off the shackles of self-doubt and negativity and embrace the extraordinary potential that lies within our souls.
Most importantly, let us strive this year to stay in our joy as much and as often as possible. For true joy and inner peace come into our hearts only when we invite them into our consciousness. Happiness does not just come, we must choose to seek it.
As we embark on a new year full of promise, let us also remember that we are part of a network of interconnected beings, each with a unique purpose and a vital role to play in the grand tapestry of life. Let us foster compassion, empathy and understanding and create a world where love and kindness prevail. Let us be kind, compassionate and generous, spreading love and light wherever we go.
Good Old-Fashioned Human Connection
Recently I met up with a good friend whom I had not seen in a long time. Our friendship began nine years ago when I lived in another province of Spain, adjacent to the one where I now live.
Of course, since I moved, we see less of each other. Once in a while I drive over to see her, and a round trip takes me about two and a half hours.
She is a vibrant, kind woman who, along with her extended family, helped me through a particularly difficult time a few years ago. They always made me feel very welcome when I lived there and tried very hard to persuade me not to move away!
She can be great company, but lately she has not been as present as she was when we first met. You might have guessed why. Yes, indeed, social media on her phone has become a major new focus for her. It has become a significant distraction during our visits in recent months.
Knowing how kind, generous and caring she truly is, I do not take it personally. I realize that, like many people around the world, her social media messaging and texting became an important substitute for the lack of personal interaction and social connection during the isolated, lonely times caused by the recent pandemic. For many, it has since become a habit and a new way of life, and for some, an addiction.
A few days ago, thankfully, she had an epiphany for which one can only pray. Instead of her constantly scrolling through her phone, we spent some quality time together for a change, strolling around town, eating lunch, and talking non-stop like we had not seen each other in years!
Finding Your Joy In A Fast-Paced World
Finding happiness, joy and inner peace can be challenging in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. The constant influx of new information and misinformation, societal pressures, and the rapid evolution of technology can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.
But amidst the chaos, there is actually a proven way to cultivate a more joyful state of being that transcends these external circumstances. It is no secret that cultivating some form of spiritual practice can greatly transform your life.
One powerful way to invite more joy into your life is through a gratitude practice. Take a little time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life and acknowledge the many blessings you enjoy. This essential spiritual practice will shift your focus from what may be lacking in your life to the true abundance available to you, fostering a much more positive mindset and attracting more prosperity and well-being into your life.
The great country-western singer Willie Nelson once said, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. He is not the only public figure to attribute at least part of his success and fulfillment to an attitude of gratitude. For example, Cathy Hutchison writes that many wealthy people have a gratitude practice, including Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins, Cindy Crawford, and Chris Pratt.