Feb. News: The Need to Escape plus Guided Meditation

Published: Fri, 02/17/17

 
Awakened Living 
with Jan Lundy
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 "Love is all we have, the only way each can help the other."
~ Euripides
Dear Lovely Soul,

Despite what's happening in the world, it's important for us to "be here now." On any given day, we might feel like we want to escape to a hermitage on a mountain top, to a cabana on the beach, or hole up in bed with the covers pulled over our head. Everyone feels this way now and then. 

But what I know is this. In difficult times, we are needed HERE. I recall reading Jack Kornfield convey this in one of his books, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. It went something like this: In days of old, the wise ones sat on mountain tops and we had to go find them. Today, the wise ones are you and me and we walk in the marketplace. 

I love this thought because it's so very true! You and I are the wise ones the world needs right now and it is our dharma, our path, our purpose, to be helpful; to be a kind presence in the world—just as it is. 

Yet, I know we all need encouragement—tools and practices—to help us stay calm and compassionate in the "messy middle." If you need to escape to a mountain top or beach to engage in good self-care, so be it! But then when you're done, come back to us and be a helpmate in the world. Hold the peace with me. 

This month's Guided Meditation offers support and a practice for you to be present in the world—just as YOU are. It's easy to do and it just might be your ticket to stepping into your "sweet spot" of peace and well-being, even amidst the chaos. 

As always, I send  you my love and care. You are special to me and I am glad we are connected!

Jan

Janice L. Lundy, DMin
​​​​​​​Educator, Author & Interfaith Spiritual Director
Listen to this month's Guided Meditation here (6 min.)
 
But IF you are in need of a getaway, 
I've got just the thing!
And it's coming up soon!
 
It's my "Heal and Restore" Weekend with special guest, harpist Anne Wakenhut, who will guide is into
relaxation with her Spirit-inspired music.
 
To "heal" means to return to wholeness. The pace of life being what it is, with a myriad of pressures that deplete us, we need to take time away and "in" to restore ourselves—body, mind, heart and soul. Explore and discover what it is YOU uniquely need to restore yourself on an ongoing basis.

When was the last time you took a retreat? Consider joining me for this wondrous weekend of deep care. I have only 5 private rooms left! (Or come with a friend and share the room and costs.)
 
Here is what we will do together in the early days of Spring, April 28-30, to let go of what wearies us, and tend to our precious selves. 
 
 "A person too busy to take care of one's own health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of one's own tools."
​​​​​​​~ Spanish proverb
 
What does it mean to pray?
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Is prayer the same as meditation? How do you know which prayer form is right for you?

If you live in Michigan and would like to join me for an insightful, interfaith exploration of prayer in its many forms, please do! On Sunday, Feb. 19 at Unity Center for Spiritual Growth in Ada (12:00 - 1:30 p.m), I'll be offering a workshop, "Prayer for Today's Seeker." We will investigate and discern how we can develop a personal prayer practice that honors our individual needs and connects us with the Divine as we uniquely understand it. Especially useful in challenging times! 

This is a donation based program. For a $25 donation, however, you will receive a free copy of my new book, "Thank You" Is My Prayer.

For more information: Call (616) 682-7812    http://www.unitycsg.org
 

Today, I wish to pray.
Divine One, guide me, be present,
and show me the way,
with silence or with words
how to connect with the gratitude in my heart,
with the beauty of this world,
with You, the Source of All Being.
                I am listening.
 
         From "Thank You" Is My Prayer