Being Present During COVID-19

“I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)

 

As I was walking, I paused and remained still and looked in awe at this tree.   It is majestic and made me think about this verse (John 15:5).   The tree is strong, grounded, and feeds and nourishes the branches. This is so symbolic during this unprecedented time in our history. COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, and has spread at a rate that we have never seen.   In these times, so much is beyond our control.   The grounding comes from the Spiritual Guide in this amazing universe.   Good will shine through, and we will be nourished.

At this time we must not lean on our own understanding and give into fear, we must rest our minds and live in the present moment.  Ask yourself what you can see, smell, touch, hear – this may help to ground you in the present moment. Lets slow down our thoughts, and ground ourselves to “what is” not “what if”.

You may be asking yourself how do I do this with what is happening? I want to stay informed how do I achieve balance?

Balance can be achieved by focusing on what you can control vs what you cannot control.

• Do your part
• Protect yourself by taking appropriate measures as suggested by the media
• Limit how much you engage in media posts on COVID-19 (this can be overwhelming if it becomes the majority of your day)
• Develop a schedule for your day to day so you can focus on what you can control
• Make sure you include mental, physical, and spiritual wellness this may look different for each person
  • Examples include yoga, meditation, online cooking classes, team work using MSTEAMS, walks outside where you can engage appropriate social distancing
• Ask yourself each day what brought you joy out of the day (even if it is one small example)
• Start a gratitude journal at the beginning and end of the day (this will help to set your mind for the day and then close the day off with positivity)
• Remember habits take time so reinforce the small steps

In this time while it may seem bleak as we witness the spread, I choose to focus on what I can control and these are the things I know:

• I am loved and strong.
• I am safe, fortunate and grounded in the now
• This event is bringing us all together in the world
• Love for one another is radiating stronger during this time
• I can still give to others from a distance and help those in need
• I can pray and send good energy to those that are struggling and be emotional support where I can.
• I have moments of joy every day, they are right in front of me – family/friends/love

Sending good vibes and energy to all those who have read this today. How do you stay grounded in these times? Remember by sharing it may help others.

I Choose Forgiveness

Forgiveness….

A huge word, but do we truly know How to?

Forgive.

Sometimes there are moments that hold you back.   Moments of extreme pain, hurt, your wounds run deep.   When you think about that moment in time, your breath is taken away and your eyes begin to tear.   Or perhaps you feel the pain so bad that you want to hurt someone or get them back?

I know the pain, I have been there.     But it wasn’t until a few years ago where a change in me occurred. I realized the unforgiven were holding me back.     The pain was so heavy and I felt like a huge weight sat deep within.  

I stepped forward.   One of the biggest moments for me first was forgiving myself.   I forgave myself for being naive, for trusting, and allowing the pain. After that first step forward, I realized that I needed to forgive them too.

A moment in time, a choice that was made changed our lives forever.   It was my choice, and affected so many.   The pain, the guilt radiated.   I had to forgive myself and realize it all happened for HIS good and so much good came out of that moment. Love, strength, one turned to many.

The pain holds us back from being all that we can be.

The pain keeps us locked in shackles.

Only you have the key.

I chose to let it go and give it to Him.   I forgave the physical hurt, I forgave the pain.  

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

I forgave and let it go.   By letting it go we set ourselves free. One step at a time.

What is holding you back today?   Who hurt you?   Is it time to forgive and let it go?  

Are you blaming yourself? If you are, take a moment and look in the mirror, you are beautiful made, forgive yourself and wrap your arms around you and hug deep.     That is what God wants for you.

Feel the relief of letting go.

Where we have been does not define who we are.   The moments are simple reminders of the past that help us move forward or adjust.  You just need the courage to move forward. We cannot control what happens, but we can control how we choose to respond.

What is your response today? It’s time to let go my friend and move forward?   Take that one step forward.

Take a 2 minutes to watch this video http://blueprintforlife.com/blog/signs-of-forgiveness/

Dear Lord God,

Help teach us to love and let go. There are times where we are rocked to the core, help us to let go and give it to you.   Help us to love in the pain, help us to seek to understand before judging.   Lord there are many times where I feel like I cannot take it anymore, help reveal to us your never-ending peace and understanding.   Help us to seek your word in the times where our breath is taken away. Help us to trust in You father.       Help us to move forward. I pray for this in Jesus Name.

~Ness

A Leap of Faith and a Wee Bit of Courage

 Have there been moments in your life where fear grips you.   The stream of questions that flow through your mind, “What if” “I can’t”.   But what if you can?  

Fear can disable us from living fully. We accumulate, we plan, we hoard and stay stuck based on our fears.   We keep our feelings to ourselves for fear on how we will be judged.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples save him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out with fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord if it is you,” Peter replied, “Tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why do you doubt?” (Matthew 14:25-31)

 

What is stopping you from moving forward today?   It is your beliefs, is it the pursuit of happiness through materialistic means, is it wanting external validation to feel good about YOU, or is it pain that is deep inside that just won’t let you go?

Grab the courage to move forward, let it go and give it to God.   There is so much good that can come from sharing, loving and climbing that mountain.   Get on those hiking boots, and start the climb, once you reach the top there will be no looking back.  

Take a leap of faith, and a wee bit of courage my friend.