Painful life passages

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“Sometimes the most healing gift we can give someone is to just be a witness to the pain and chaos of their life experiences. Certainly we are incapable of explaining why the big mysteries come upon us as they do. There are times when offering explanations even adds to the confusion.

Sometimes the wisest position to take is to let a friend pour out her sorrow and rage, her anger and fear – listen and not flinch. Just listen and let the shock waves run over you until, gradually, they calm down and fall asleep from exhaustion.

Painful life passages are exhausting, especially when mixed with mystery. You don’t know when they will end. But they always come to an end. 

You can only do your best to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. But imagine if you were not there…how traumatic would that be for that person? Or for a friend’s Inner Child that is absorbing the fear of a life transition? We are all standing in the Witness position of someone or something. It is a powerful place to stand. “

from: Caroline Myss  

Nature’s Call

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Another season comes to a close… Did you do some of the things on your summer to-do list? Don’t fret – there’s still time. Be sure to unplug and get some time outdoors. Here’s why:

 

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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”    ~ Albert Einstein 

Without doubt, spending time in nature calms a busy mind and creates feelings of inner peace. In a world caught up by social pressures, standards of behavior, and the demands of daily routines, nature gives us a chance to appreciate a grander sense of meaning. In nature we are reminded that the world is alive, fascinating and significant.

 “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”  ~ John Burroughs

When in nature, we are unraveling the landscapes, obstacles, and surroundings, and by observing the ever-changing environments in nature, we renew attention, mindfulness, and sensory awareness.

Beauty

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you… while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” ~ John Muir

Spending time in nature has been linked to improved attention spans (short and long-term), boosts in serotonin (the feel good neurotransmitter) and shows increased activity in the parts of the brain responsible for empathy, emotional stability, and love (whereas urban environments do the same for fear and anxiety).  [paragraph from “Appalachian Trails”]

Find the time to unplug from your devices and plug into nature.