May

The month of May is a favorite for many of us because it celebrates and stimulates us to colors, growth, and mild temperatures.  All of which makes me want to walk the parks, listen to beautiful music, play with my puppies, and do what gives me pleasure.  All of this in an effort to remind us what is important in our lives – to nourish, nurture and support ourselves into our highest and best.

The April issue of the Science of Mind magazine has an article by Dr. James Rouse in which he mentions a line, “Live by design.”  How wonderful!  How many of us know don’t know what that is? Do we live our lives by design or by default? 

Sarah Ban Brethnach reminds us that, “We may need to reacquaint ourselves with the material and deeply comforting dimensions of Divinity, in order to learn how to mother ourselves.  And the best way to start is to create, as an act of worship, a comfortable home that protects, nurtures, and sustains all who come there – including you!”

We need to nurture ourselves in order to enrich ourselves and others, to have reasonable expectations, to give more than we receive, to feel comfortable in receiving, to receive with great feeling and gratitude, to indulge and take pride in ourselves and others, and knowing that the good we receive is deserved and owned.  The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others.

“Learn to praise yourself for the qualities you want to develop,” Ernest Holmes tells us.  “Be as kind and encouraging to yourself as you would be to anyone else working to improve.  Your whole life - thought, body and emotions – will soon respond to the praise you give it and you will develop the good qualities desired!  Remember, you are always planting something.”

In order to take better care of yourself, here are some points to think about:

1.    Believe in yourself.  Make a list of your best qualities and focus on them.  Read it often to remind yourself how wonderful you really are.

2.   Do something new.  Doing new things reminds you that making changes are in your hands.  You are in control. 

3.   Laugh and play a lot.  Laughter jump-starts the immune system, so never feel guilty about having a good time or having fun.  Put off the chores if necessary, they will always get done – eventually.

4.   Treat yourself.  Doing something special for yourself sends a powerful message, “I am so worth it.”  Pedicures and foot massages are wonderful.

5.   Renew relationships.  Call a long-forgotten friend.  Remembering your past is like renewing your soul.  Take advantage of it.

“The essential element in nurturing our creativity lies in nurturing ourselves,” teaches Julia Cameron.  Through self-nurturance we nurture our inner connection to the Great Creator.  Through this connection our creativity will unfold.  Paths will appear for us.  We need to trust the Great Creator and move our in faith.” 

All of this assists us to “live by design.”  And all of this helps us to create a higher quality of living.  Take the time to think about your life and where you are headed.  Create a life that is worthy of living.