Crowdsourcing My Self-Care

[lunabee34]

I need some calm and peace and comfort and strength and love and light in my life.

To that end, I would appreciate it if you would tell me about your religious, spiritual, mystical, and/or secular practices, rituals, or behaviors that give you the aforementioned.

Note: I would be delighted with lateral discussion; as a teacher, it is always my goal LOL. However, I will not tolerate any negative comments about peoples' beliefs and practices in this post (which I know is an unnecessary disclaimer as you all are the loveliest people who would never dream of being that kind of jackass).

Comments

[goss]

Rambling thoughts:

- Sometimes I find it helpful to stop and picture myself a year from now, looking back at my present situation. It takes me outside of myself and gives me a broader perspective, and also a bit of comfort and confidence that I will indeed get through it, even though at the time it seems impossible in the moment.

- I was watching this short Youtube video this morning while eating breakfast, and nodding along to many of these: 9 Habits To Stay Happy

- In terms of religious stuff, I find it easier to deal with people when I view us all as connected and One in some form, sometimes picturing us all with the same inner light/soul (But also recognising that we may be on different levels in this journey, that some have a longer way to go that others).

- I gain strength from the belief that our potential is as infinite as the Soul itself. That we are powerful Beings, walking gods. That our peace and happiness is tied to what makes us content in life, and that we have the power to define that.

- Karma, that the challenges and negative situations that we face in this lifetime have been placed in our path to teach us, to hone us to be better people.

- Sending good energy out into the world is never wasted effort. It balances the darkness, and as we are all connected, it does come back around. ;)

[lunabee34]

I find these so helpful. Thank you for sharing.

I agree with you about kindness never being wasted. It sounds a bit selfish to say be kind to others because that kindness rebounds to you, but it's true. I have found throughout my life that being kind and generous with others typically results in that same kindness being extended to me even if it's not an immediate effect.

I also am drawn to the idea you've expressed here of thinking of everyone as connected with the power to define their lives. I get so hung up on the things I don't have control over, and there are so many. But while it's true that I cannot control my health or my FIL or whatever external thing it is, I can control the way I respond and the way I behave. That is always within my power.

[goss]

And thank *you* for reaching out with this post. I've just been going through and enjoying reading everyone's responses and this is such a wonderful collection - so many gems! Community is amazing isn't it? <333

[lunabee34]

Yes, it truly is.

I remember with shame in the late 90s teasing Josh for spending so much time talking to his "fake friends" online (he was super into AOL chatrooms). I don't know what I would do without y'all. Y'all are my people even if I know I'll have the chance to be in the same room with some of you.

*hugs*

[executrix]

There's a saying that you can't escape karma. If you steal, you might not ever be caught or imprisoned, but it's 100% sure that you have become a thief. If you have been kind, then there might not be any practical rewards, but it's 100% sure that you were a kind person.

That said,
CALLY: My people have a saying: 'The man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.'
AVON: Life expectancy among your people must be remarkably short.

[lunabee34]

Yeah, because of my upbringing I am very much a proponent of doing the thing because it's right and not doing the thing because it's wrong rather than being motivated by divine punishment or reward. If I'm only avoiding being a jackass because I'm afraid of some smiting, that doesn't seem very healthy to me.