You
By mere chance your light came into my life at a time of darkness. A simple comment revealed that you had the heart of an angel. Numerous jousts of comedic and heartfelt remarks painted a masterpiece of a soul with a heart filled deeply with kindness, compassion and love. A love deeply centered within your world for family, friends and the world around you. A caring soul that will go beyond what most will to encourage and support others in their darkest times.
Yet, these traits were not your only gifts. You have an insight into things most people commonly overlook in their daily lives. Hidden talents abound within you that you tend to keep to yourself yet when you blossom out to the world you show those around what beautiful gifts you have for the written word and a singing voice that makes a melody dance across a light spring breeze.
For most, you are the embodiment of what is and should be a person’s most treasured friend. This is you.
I Am Encouraged
With trouble to the left and right of you, seemingly every where you look … I am encouraged by a friendly smile, a gentle touch, a considerate and thoughtful act.
I am encouraged by those that take the time to show that they care.
There are days when it seems as if NO one cares. People are so busy with their own lives that they rarely have time to be concerned with yours at all. And I’m not talking about the nose-in-your-business kind of being concerned. I could do without those thrill seekers and gossip mongers looking for something to spread all over town, or those that “come to see” at a trying time or at a time when they know you’re struggling … or the world’s worst time to put that into practice is when you’ve lost someone you love more than life itself, and someone comes “just to see.” I had a coworker that admitted she was one of those types of people. ~I shudder at the thought!~
Of course, there are going to be long lost people that you haven’t heard from in a while, yet they resurface in your life when they KNOW you’re going through a hard time. Why do they resurface at times like this? They aren’t there to encourage you. They are only there to bring you down, or even to kick you when you’re down.
In this world that we’re living in today, though, I can take heart that not everyone is this way. Oh thank you GOD that there are still genuine people in this world that just want to love, support, and be there!
The world needs more of that!
That … THAT encourages me more than anything … when someone will push all things aside just to let you know that they care … they love you … value you … and you are so important in their life!
All it takes is a heart-felt gesture. And it changes everything!
When given the opportunity to be an encouragement by spreading cheer and positive energy every where you go … do you choose this path?
Or how about this?
Do you give your best to those around you in your work day – your co-workers, the secretary, the receptionist at the front desk, the boss … or even those you encounter behind the counter or at restaurants serving you when you’re having a meal. Do they get more of your kindness and consideration than members of your own family? Wow, did I just step on some toes? Are you different around others, yet you turn into Mister or Miss Crabby Pants around your family? Realize that there are those right in your own house, under your same roof that could use encouragement. They could use loving kindness, words of affirmation, thoughtful consideration … and respect even. Plain and simple, the ones in your own home need your love.
If someone had to write an article on you, what would they say? Would they say that you were an encouragement in their life? Would they say that you show compassion? Would they say that your family comes first?
I am encouraged by those that wish to do better, who wish to make a lasting change, and who share the best of themselves with people — but reserve a special part of their heart, their love, their thoughtfulness, and their soul for their spouse. That should not go without being said. No one gets that part of you but your spouse!
So think on it … How CAN you be an encouragement to someone today? How can you make a difference so that someone will say, “I am encouraged by …[insert your name here].”
Jim Brickman’s Soothe: Soothe Yourself with Meditation
Chapter six of “Soothe: How to find calm amid everyday chaos” deals with meditation. As I read through the contents of the book, my eyes stopped at this chapter as this topic has a special interest for me. I have been meditating since I was a freshman in high school which puts me at around the 40 year mark for practicing meditation. (Enter our Soothe Contest below)
What I found intriguing in this chapter is that Brickman discusses several ways for a person to get started with meditation. He lists six different types of meditation that anyone, beginner to expert, can use with ease. I loved reading these as it was quite different from what I first read about meditation.
My first exposure on how to mediation was what I think is the standard preconception about meditating. You sit with your legs crossed, straighten your back, have your arms bent with the palms of your hands facing upwards, breathe deeply and chant “om.” Guess what. That didn’t work for me. I can’t be comfortable sitting contorted like a pretzel, trying to breathe from my abdomen while chanting “om.” I didn’t let that discourage me. I just found what worked for me.
Many things I have read about meditation say that you have to clear your mind. For me that is extremely difficult as my mind is working non-stop all the time. I have found my own method that works for me. I recline in a comfortable position. I have a bean bag pillow to support my head and neck. I put headphones on and listen to some soft music. I always start with a short prayer. To try getting my mind away from the flurry of activity thinking about this or that, I run a few affirmations through my mind. Then I just let my mind go and concentrate on the music. When I realize that my mind is wandering to a place I don’t want to go, I bring it back to the music. Sometimes, I will think of a place that is special to me which brings out happy feelings and imagine myself there. At times I will get so into the music that it feels like I am floating upon the notes as the play. My latest favorite music for meditation is the companion CD to the book, “Soothe: Music to quiet your mind and soothe your world.” Other artists that I listen to while meditation are Ryan Farish, Kevin Wood, 2002 and Secret Garden.
For those of you that may be considering meditation for the first time I would like to give you this advice; find what works for you. Everyone is different. What works for me is not going to work for everyone. Try each of the types of meditation mentioned in “Soothe: How to find calm amid everyday chaos.” Make some changes to them if need be to find what works for you. The benefits Brickman lists in the book are valid and I have found them to be true in all my years of meditation.
Start yourself on a new path in life with Soothe.
For more information on Jim Brickman and how to Soothe your life visit jimbrickman.com/SootheOverview.
#SootheYourWorld
