PrimeTime~Beauty

Archive for the ‘Inner Beauty’ Category

Hello Gentle Souls,

When my father passed away almost 14 years ago, I remember that a friend sent me a copy of the poem entitled The Dash, by Linda Ellis.  I loved its message so much that I sent it to some of my family members.  And you know, 14 years ago before email was used as it is today, that was a big effort…making copies, writing a short note to each person, addressing and stamping envelopes, and actually going to the post office!  But anyway, after awhile the poem was stored away somewhere…out of sight and mind.  I quite by accident came across the poem again a few days ago while on the Internet, and found it to be just as poignant and beautiful as ever.  Beginning with a man delivering the eulogy of a friend, the poem refers to the beginning and end dates inscribed on his friend’s grave stone.  What is significant though, is the dash between those dates; the dash representing the years spent here on earth. “For it matters not how much we own; the cars…the house…the cash.  What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.” The poem further sends encouragement to slow down, appreciate others more, be less angry, and love more deeply.  Earlier, I said that I came across The Dash again by accident.  But instead, I wonder if it wasn’t providential. Perhaps someone reading this post will benefit from being guided and refreshed in the knowledge of what truly matters. I know it was good for me to be reminded again.

Copyright laws prohibit me from posting the entire poem here, but you can view a beautiful video of the poem by linking to this official site. (Be sure to have your speakers turned up.) http://www.thedashmovie.com/linda/

To your Spiritual Beauty ~

Hello to my fellow Gentle Souls ~

In much of the Christian world, today is the Third Sunday of Lent, meaning we’re midway through the Season of Lent (already?) It’s a time of prayer, fasting, charity and self-denial. “Self-denial” you ask? You may know of it via the time-honored question “What are you giving up for Lent?” For some of us, the discipline of self-denial starts out with great enthusiasm, but then begins to give way…right….about……Now! It’s kind of like New Years’ Resolutions, when on January 1 we’re totally resolved and committed to give up candy or smoking or fattening foods, etc. But only a few weeks later, we’re back to our old habits, and we end up feeling like we’ve failed.

In recent years, along with the practice of self-denial, we’ve been challenged by our clergy to add positive yet difficult actions to the mix; forgiving someone who has hurt us; being extra patient with a difficult child; spending more time with the family. I think you get the picture. I’ve come to appreciate this combination of surrendering to something that’s difficult, with the resistance of something enjoyable. And if I slip up on one front, I can make up for it on the other, each discipline serving a unique purpose.

As far as trying to do the positive, I use a sort of checklist to help keep me on track with my Lenten journey. It’s from one of my favorite spiritual authors, Leo Buscaglia, and I thought you might like to see it. I’ve been using it to evaluate myself every night….right after I’ve talked myself out of that sweet snack (most of the time!)

To Our Spiritual Health!

Love Quiz

Adapted from Dr. Buscaglia’s book Born for Love
(1992, SLACK Incorporated)

Asking yourself questions and answering them honestly is a good path to self-knowledge. In keeping with this idea, I’d like to propose a few end-of-the-day questions for each of us…

Is anyone a little happier because I came along today?

Did I leave any concrete evidence of my kindness, any sign of my love?

Did I try to think of someone I know in a more positive light?

Did I help someone to feel joy, to laugh, or at least, to smile?

Have I attempted to remove a little of the rust that is corroding my relationships?

Have I gone through the day without fretting over what I don’t have and celebrating the things I do have?

Have I forgiven others for being less than perfect?

Have I forgiven myself?

Have I learned something new about life, living or love?

I like this short article on Spirituality and Health from FamilyDoctor.org

What is spirituality?
Spirituality is the way you find meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in your life. Many people find spirituality through religion. Some find it through music, art or a connection with nature. Others find it in their values and principles.

How is spirituality related to health?
No one really knows for sure how spirituality is related to health. However, it seems the body, mind and spirit are connected. The health of any one of these elements seems to affect the health of the others.

Some research shows that things such as positive beliefs, comfort and strength gained from religion, meditation and prayer can contribute to healing and a sense of well-being. Improving your spiritual health may not cure an illness, but it may help you feel better, prevent some health problems and help you cope with illness, stress or death.

How can I improve my spiritual health?
If you want to improve your spiritual health, you may want to try the following ideas. However, remember that everyone is different, so what works for others may not work for you. Do what is comfortable for you.

* Identify the things in your life that give you a sense of inner peace, comfort, strength, love & connection.
* Set aside time every day to do the things that help you spiritually. These may include doing community service or volunteer work, praying, meditating, singing devotional songs, reading inspirational books, taking nature walks, having quiet time for thinking, doing yoga, playing a sport or attending religious services.

Why does my doctor need to know about my spiritual beliefs?
If you are being treated for an illness, it’s important for your doctor to know how your spirituality might be affecting your feelings and thoughts about your medical situation. If you think your spiritual beliefs are affecting your health care decisions or your ability to follow your doctor’s recommendations, tell your doctor.

If you have spiritual beliefs, worries or concerns that are causing you stress, talk with your doctor. Your doctor would like to help. If your doctor can’t help you with these issues, he or she may be able to suggest someone who can.

To your good health!