The DAILY SPARK Blog

Just Ordinary Acts

The ordinary acts we practice everyday at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.

Quote by Thomas Moore – Irish writer (1779 – 1852)

REFLECTION:

  • What is an ordinary act you practice daily?
  • Do you need to alter or add a simple act/practice to your life (a walk, warm bath, linger a little longer  with a cup of coffee or tea)?
  • What can you do that is soul nourishing today?

OBSERVANCE

We call a moment of silence an observance.  How appropriate.  It is a nod to something deep within ourselves that we touch only briefly and then shy away from, perhaps out of discomfort or pure unfamiliarity.  It is a bearing witness. In that bearing witness, we not only bear our burden better, but we demonstrate that we are larger than it is, that we have the capacity to hold it, to honor it, and to make a context for it and for ourselves, and so grow beyond it without ever forgetting. 

From: ARRIVING AT YOUR OWN DOOR 108 Lessons in Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn

REFLECTION: 

  • Is there a burden you are carrying that you could silently observe
  • How can you bear the burden better?
  • What can you do to honor it while demonstrating you are larger than it is?

SOLVING PROBLEMS

A well defined problem is a problem half solved.

Quote by John Dewey – American Philosopher (1859-1952)
 

REFLECTION: 

  • Identify a problem you are challenged by. 
  • How can you better define it and be on your way to solving it?