Day 3 Adjusting Our Sails

"She stood in the storm, and 

when the wind did not blow her away

she adjusted her sails."

--Elizabeth Edwards

Philosopher, Eric Hoffer once said, "Every new adjustment is a crisis in self esteem". The times we are living through, seems to be full of one adjustment after another. When we have a crisis of self esteem, we find ourselves asking questions like, "Can I do this?" "Do I have what it takes?" "What if...", and the self doubts and concerns about whether we are enough, goes on and on. Knowing that, we can turn our attention to putting our focus and energy on what we can do. So today let's look at that. 

This morning I woke up to find a lovely note from a good friend, offering to help me if I needed it. At the moment, I don't need any help, but just having someone reach out to offer, gave me a boost of energy that made me feel more motivated to do the same. One of my favorite people Rosetta Hurley said earlier in our home confinement, "Introverts, reach out to your extroverted friends. They're not doing well." At the time, it made me laugh, but she is absolutely right. We are each facing different kinds of challenges, and we are each limited in certain ways, so we have to find new ways to reach out.  

Volunteers at our local hospital cannot do what they normally do because of the need for us all to maintain greater distance from one another now.  We can however, do something. We'll find more ways to reach out as organizations figure out what their needs are. In the meantime, we can write letters to people who cannot receive visitors. We can create art. We can crochet or knit hats, scarves, and blankets to donate to hospitals and nursing homes. We can look for opportunities to meet needs. We can make regular calls to friends we know might be lonely, or arrange conference calls on Skype, Facetime, or Zoom to gather with friends and family.  This year, my first virtual birthday, I was overwhelmed with calls and messages from friends and family.  

We are greatly attuned to the powerful impact this COVID 19 epidemic is having on us, though the scope is beyond any one of us. Together we will weather this storm. For now, let's check in with one another and see how everyone is managing.

•  How has the 'storm' affected you so far? 

• What do you need more of? What do you need less of?

• How are you adjusting your sails?

Inspirational Focus of the Day:

                                   Creating Sacred Space

In our most troubling times, we need to continue using our best practices to keep ourselves healthy and whole. How we take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually helps us maintain a steady course even in the most turbulent waters. We're at the start of a long journey it seems, and so getting ourselves in balance where we are, is important. 

Finding Sanctuary Within

Inspire...to breathe in or to allow the breath to fill you.

Abwoon d'bwashmaya

O Divine Creative Breath. 

The first line of the prayer Jesus is said to have spoken, acknowledges

 what we all share..the Divine Breath, the inspiration of the most powerful

 energy that keeps us alive. 

Another friend shared this quote by Tosha Silver, and it seems so fitting for where we are today

"A sanctuary resides inside you no matter what is happening. This inner temple beckons you to enter. Take a deep breath, enter, and sit down on the throne of your own heart."

And find some ways today you can reach out to someone. Maybe a teacher friend could use some help. Perhaps a friend abroad would like to hear from you. Take good care of yourself today, and share a little love in the ways you can. Sending you each a lot of love, and hoping you'll let me know how you are too. Peace in your hearts and souls. One of my husband's favorite phrases is Allah kareem. God is generous. May you feel the bounty that comes with the love we share with one another. Peace my friends. 

Sharing a favorite poem: 

Sea Fever

I must go down 

to the seas again

To the lonely sea and the sky

And all I ask is a tall ship 

And a star to steer her by;

And the wheel's kick

And the wind's song

And the gray mist

On the sea's face,

And the gray dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, 

for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call 

that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day 

with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume,

 and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, 

to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way 

where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn

 from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream

 when the long trick's over.

--John Maesfield.