“Don’t become too pre-occupied with what is happening around you.
Pay more attention to what is going on within you.”
~ Mary-Frances Winters, Author

I don’t know about you but “staying at home”, for me, has provided an incredible opportunity for inner and self-reflection. I find this type of reflection can be challenging. It’s so much easier when there are other things I can use to distract me! LOL

In today’s environment it’s easy to focus on what’s going on around us through the media, friends, and the internet. Depending on the source you might find yourself immersed in fear and anxiety. When this happens it’s better to shut off the external influences! Remember there’s an invitation to take time for yourself – time to feel grateful, enjoy the beauty around you, immerse yourself in nature, and seek answers within. This requires quieting your racing thoughts and moving inward. I like to think of it as moving into my heart space or consciously meeting my soul!

I find that when I do this I feel more calm and settled. Yes, there are many things going on in the outer world that I cannot control but when I’m in this space of calm I remember how blessed and loved I am. This I can control! Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher, has said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Beautiful words of wisdom, yes? When I am immersed in fear and anxiety then I can choose to let it go and become more of what I might be – love, compassion, and kindness for example.

The energies of Easter, Passover, and Spring supports a time for new growth and possibilities for re-birth! Are you ready to take time to reflect? I know it’s easier, at times, to lean into the known. I know who I am now but who will I be if I change? It can feel a bit scary, right? It doesn’t have to feel too heavy or like an obligation.

Take a few minutes in a quiet place indoors or outdoors and after closing your eyes, taking a few cleansing breaths bring your awareness into your heart space. Then notice what’s been going really well in your life. Is there anything you want to change? What do you want to remain the same? Then notice what isn’t going as well. If there are some things that aren’t going as well then ask, “What am I willing to change?” Yes, you must be willing to change something for change to occur! You’re in charge!

While we’re in this time of the unknown let’s feel the gratitude and blessing we’ve been given to take time and reflect. We are co-creators of our lives and as Jonathan Lockwood Huie, Author and lover of life has said, “Our opportunity is to Soar our Spirit. To see Light and Joy in everything. To spread our wings and fly boldly. To give thanks for rainbows and butterflies – our symbols of renewal and rebirth. To offer daily Thanksgiving – for ourselves, our family, our friends, our community, for the whole world.”

Hope and wisdom are buried deep within each one of us. Let the spark ignite! I will be offering a free group meditation using Zoom on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 from 2p-3p AZ time. It will be recorded. I’m calling it Ignite the Spark of Hope – Stay Connected! If you are interested in participating or receiving the recording please register at victoriabarna.com.