All is Well

  

All is well for Sue as she meditates

        When I meditate, I use the phrase “all is well” as my mantra. It isn’t the mantra I was given when I received formal training in meditation in Berkeley years ago, but it’s a phrase that carries significant power in calming me and helping me focus. I often say these three words at other times during my day, not just when I’m meditating.

          When I am afraid and unsure about an outcome, I remember: all is well. When life swirls around me, and I feel out of control, I remember, all is well. When I worry about nothing and everything, I remember, all is well. When I am discouraged and inconsolable, I remember, all is well.

          Each time I’m successful in replacing a negative concern or attitude with one that is more positive, such as “all is well,” I’m taking a step off the emotional roller coaster that spins my life through ups and downs. Staying positive doesn’t solve the problem. It does, however, reinforce that a negative attitude does nothing to solve anything. Plus, faking it until I make it has worked for me in the past. Sometimes you have to think it before you live it.

          In addition, I am reminded that I can quit trying to fix everything and everyone. Saying “All is well” lets me let go. I am reminded to live my best life and let others have theirs. I trust and believe in a universe that provides for me. Now when something unpleasant happens, I look for the opportunity that is created in its wake. Getting laid off can provide for a better job. A divorce or breakup can open a space in your heart for a greater love. Trying financial times can bring a huge sense of gratitude for the simple things in life. At the very least, an opportunity to learn from the experience is created.

                              Let 'all is well' provide comfort in your life.

All is well in Bali
 

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The Lenten Sacrifice - guest post by Randall Friesen

Randall Friesen

          What will you give up for Lent this year? What will you deny yourself?

          It has become almost trendy to give up something for Lent. "What are you giving up for Lent this year?" we ask each other. Then we proudly proclaim our sacrifice. "I'm giving up chocolate." "I'm giving up being constantly late." "I'm giving up CNN."

          Jesus, though, told his disciples, "When you fast…don't do it publicly, as the hypocrites do…but put on festive clothing, so that no one will suspect you are hungry" (Matthew 6:16-18, Living Bible). His message made clear that fasting is a transaction in mind, not in public displays. As we deny in our bodies, our minds are filled with thoughts of God.

Increasing Spiritual Power

          Fasting, giving up something, teaches us not to worry about the material world. When we give up a luxury for Lent, we do more than show piety; we increase our spiritual power. We deepen our communion with God. In essence, we create within ourselves space to be filled with the presence of the One that created us.

          Denial can be the first step toward understanding what we want to affirm in our lives. Thus, affirmation is its natural

Is Black the New Black?

In all black with my friend,
Denise

          I get a lot of flack for wearing nothing but black. I usually add some color to my outfit but it’s pretty much 100%  of the time black pants, be they slacks or sweats. And, honestly, I prefer all black with no pop of color. I probably have 30 pairs of black pants and at least that many black tops, sweaters, and jackets. There's for sure a pair of black pants underneath that blue top in my blog pic.

          I just like black. I think it’s a versatile color that goes with anything. It can be dressy or casual. You can wear black to work, out for the evening, around the house and to the beach. I do own a couple pair of jeans but my favorites are the black ones. In my opinion there are only two colors that don’t go with black and that is navy blue and brown.

          Here are my reasons for loving black so much: