THE DAILY SPARK

VELVETEEN-REAL PEOPLE

What if I told you that what the world needs right now is you – flawed, fumbling, wounded, trying-to-figure-it-all-out you?Because that’s exactly what it needs, you know- more velveteen-real people who are a little worn and a little weary, but who bring a whole lot of warm and welcoming and wonderful to life.

Quote L.R. Knost

Award-winning author, feminist, and social justice activist, L.R. Knost, is the founder and director of the children’s rights advocacy and family consulting group, Little Hearts/Gentle Parenting Resources, and Editor-in-Chief of Holistic Parenting Magazine.

http://www.littleheartsbooks.com/about-the-authorillustrator/

REFLECTION:

  • How willing are you to show others “a little worn and little weary” you?
  • What would a more  VELVETEEN REAL you look like?
  • What if being “real”  is your best warm, welcoming and wonderful self? 
  • The world needs YOU right now… so be REAL!

WHAT THE DAY BRINGS…

Cease to inquire what the future has in store, and to take as a gift whatever the day brings forth.

Quote by Horace (B. 65 BC – D. 8 BC)

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/horace

REFLECTION:

  • What percentage of your time do you spend thinking about the future?  The past?
  • How can you “be here now?”
  • What gift is today bringing?  This moment bringing?
  • Enjoy today’s gift!

USE PROPORTIONATELY

Photo taken at THE FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON, DC

“We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

…

We have two ears and one mouth.  Use them proportionately.

Quote by Epictetus – a Stoic Philosopher ( c. 50 – c. 135 AD)

This quote, written two thousand years ago, is attributed to Epictetus, a Greek philosopher who spent his youth as a slave in Rome before gaining freedom after the death of Nero, under whom he served until around 60 AD

REFLECTION:

  • Do you use your ears and mouth in proper proportion?
  • Do speak more than you listen or do you listen more than you speak?
  • Most talk more than they listen (at least I’ll speak for myself )  How can you listen more?
  • How can you use your ears and mouth more proportionately?