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September 2016 Newsletter
"Come Back to Center"
(Guided Meditation + Fall Offerings)
Lovely friend,
I was speaking with my friend Tina in Australia the other day. She was sharing her delight in the first signs of Spring. Here in the Great North I am taking my own delight in the first signs of Autumn: Canadian Geese flying overhead, the tips of maple leaves turning yellow, and cooler evenings for restful
sleep.
Come Fall, being a teacher, my inner calendar points me "back to school", eager to begin new programs. After the busyness of summer, my heart points me "back to center" too. It's not unusual for our spiritual practices to go out the window in the summer or when extra busyness arrives. This summer many of my regular practices fell by the wayside because I was on the road a lot! Four dear loved ones had health issues and my assistance was required. My early morning meditation often
had to be replaced by other meaningful practices done throughout the day—conscious breathing, savoring beauty, and walking. Self-compassion in the midst of care-giving remains my primary spiritual practice.
Do you feel like you're ready to come back to center too? If so, I'd like to invite YOU
to reorient yourself—turn your attention inward—by joining me in one of the wonderful growth opportunities I'm offering this Fall. (See below)
I love that we are connected! |
The other day, a lovely friend spoke to me about how she experiences our ongoing connection. "Seeing your name in my Inbox each day (Beads of Wisdom) lifts my spirits," she said. "I feel like you are always in my life. The weekly video helps me remember to ask "The Kindest Thing" question. I am taking better care of myself now.
I appreciate your regularity."
Her thoughts touched my heart. I am blessed to be your Anam Cara, your spiritual friend. You are mine, as well. Your faithfulness inspires me, especially when times get difficult. We are living in challenging times
and it is good to know that we are holding each other in thought, heart and prayer. Definitely, we are connected!
Autumn, the season of gratitude and abundance, feels just wonderful because YOU are in my world. And if you need a dose of gratitude to lift YOUR spirits today, please listen to this month's Guided Meditation (link below). May your heart be happy and at ease.
All Love to
you,
Jan
Janice Lynne Lundy Educator, Author and Interfaith Spiritual Director |
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"Self-Compassionate Aging" Oct. 5 - Nov. 9 |
Aging is something many of us struggle with in our Western, youth-based culture. We have bought into myths and despairing mindsets about what it means to age, thereby causing ourselves stress and impairing what can be a deeply rich, meaningful time of life.
In
this 5-week program, we will explore our feelings about how each of us is uniquely aging. We will compassionately explore our attitudes about aging—both personal and societal; unpack our struggles and accept the unique invitations that aging brings.
Foundational to this Sadhana will be the practice of self-compassion (in its many forms). This will be our Sadhana, our spiritual practice. As we age, there is much the
body/mind/spirit goes through that can be handled more kindly, gracefully, with mindfulness, compassionate breathing, and loving care.
(Just the basics are posted right now about this Sadhana. When I return
from my studies in Indiana, I will post the complete information, including how to register. Check back with me on 9/21. But for now, mark your calendar!) |
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"Knowing how to listen to and accept my heart's wisdom is a valuable commodity. My heart-mind holds the perfect
blend of human knowledge and divine wisdom." (from My Deepest
Me)
How we can stay connected for spiritual care and gentle growth: |
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"At any time during your busy day, stop what you're doing and take a break to center yourself, to remember who you are, a "human being," not a "human doing."
Without going anywhere, you can restore and rejuvenate yourself with a relaxing "Soul Infusion": a brief period of “dropping in,” a short respite from the pace of life, and a coming home to your sacred self. Stop, listen, re-connect. Say to yourself, ‘Breathe, I am a human BE-ing.'" (from Beads of Wisdom 3.0) |
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