The DAILY SPARK Blog

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?

Shedding the skin

Most things in life need a protective container in order to grow.  We can hurt ourselves, though, when we keep the fruit that is us covered too long.  We can go bad, can being to spoil within, if we stay encased in old plans once who we are inside has matured.  Perhaps when we move or change careers or relationships, we are trying to free ourselves of all that has covered us, even if it has helped us grow.  We may come to realize that it may be our way of loving that needs to be shed and not who or what we care for.

Source:  The BOOK OF AWAKENING  Having the Life You Want by Being Present To The Life You Have  by Mark Nepo

REFLECTION: 

  • Have you outgrown a protective container?
  • Are you trying to free yourself from this covering? 
  • How can you love a different way?