Pocket of Peace: Final Thoughts

Editor's Note: This month marks the last installment of Jan Lundy's "Pockets of Peace." We end this series with tremendous gratitude to Jan for sharing her wisdom and gentle spirit with us, and with a sense of excitement about what's coming next! Has Pockets of Peace touched you? Please let us know with a comment, or you can send a personal note to Jan.

Whenever I think about inner peace, believe it or not, I think of Roseanne Rosanna Dana. She was a wild-haired, quirky character from the television series “Saturday Night Live, ” unforgettably portrayed by Gilda Radner. Her trademark line was this: “It’s always something!”

And she’s right. It is always something. There will always be something or someone that takes us away from our peace. Unless, that is, we have firmly rooted ourselves in a specific mindset and incorporated practices that promote inner calm and equanimity.

Over the last two years, I have enjoyed sharing “Pockets of Peace” with you each month. I’m hopeful that these gentle practices of soothing your tense body, clearing your busy mind, and opening your heart have helped you access greater peace in your day-to-day life. I’d like to think that they actually worked for you and that you are a more serene woman now than before we “met.” Yet, like Rosanne Rosanna Dana said, I know for a fact that any sense of inner peace we have achieved will be tested and challenged, over and over again. Is there a way through all this? Is there a lasting peace to be found?

I think there is.

Pocket of Peace: July

Rootedness: An Antidote to Distress

Women are like trees, said Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés in her landmark book, Women Who Run With the Wolves. Her direct remark was this: “The tree is considered immortal, for its seeds will live on, its root system shelters and revivifies, it is home to an entire food chain of life. Like a woman, a tree also has its seasons and its stages of growth: it has its winter, it has its spring.”*

Have you ever felt like a tree? One moment a sturdy shelter, a thing of glory, then in the next, a victim of buffeting winds, tattered by the storms of life? Leaves (your efforts) wildly tossed. Branches (your emotions) split open from stress? Trunk (your heart) struck by lightning and ruptured to the core? I know I have.

And, yet, I have also felt the towering strength of a tree within me; the solidity that is ever-present if I have a mind to notice it and to call upon it. In fact, when I think of a tree, or imagine myself to actually be a tree, I immediately feel more peaceful and calm, at ease with what life offers to me. I sense we can all feel this way, taking nature’s lead by embracing a tree’s fortitude as our own.

Pocket of Peace: June

Your Computer: A Cause of Chaos or Calm?
As I write this month's column, I've just completed a 30-day, self-created, writing sabbatical. I've never given myself a gift this generous, nor one so eye-opening. While walking a sandy beach looking for shells or sitting beneath the branches of an ancient banyan tree, many areas of "me" have been boldly illuminated—one of which is just how habituated I am, habituated to doing things the same way each and every day.

When your schedule is flung wide open with "anything goes" flair, what do you do? One of the things I noticed was, despite the fact that I could frame my day anyway I wanted, I was still drawn to my computer. My intention was to steer clear of it as much as I could. Yet, it's very presence seemed to lure me in, like a moth to a flame. I'd glance at it as I passed through the room where it sat and I was certain I heard a sultry whisper: Come closer. There's something delightful waiting for you here. A note from a friend? An important bit of family news? An enticing new blog post?

Each day my good intentions to vacate cyberspace failed. I was still e-mailing, still blogging, though less than usual. It became very clear to me that I was engaged in a battle with a deeply seated habit of being on the computer—a lot! And it truly felt like that inside of me—a tug of war, a pull toward and a need to push away. I was computer-addicted.

Are you? Does being on the computer form the foundation of your day, for work or pleasure or both? Do you think about it often? Does it rev you up? If so, it may be keeping you from your innate peace.

Pocket of Peace - May

Ensuring Peace of Mind, Even While You Sleep!

In last month's "Pocket of Peace" column I presented a morning protocol that can ensure a serene start to our day. Our evening routine is equally important. The 30-minutes before sleep is vital to our health and well-being, and sets the tone for our sleep and dreaming patterns. If we desire a greater experience of peace all throughout the day, it is important to end the day with ease, as well. 

A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that "almost three out of four women between the ages of 30 and 60 do not get eight or more hours of sleep per night during the workweek. In fact, the average woman gets a little more than six and a half hours of sleep per night during the workweek. Working mothers are particularly prone to sleep disturbances. Almost three out of four American mothers working outside the home (74%) agree that "feeling tired all the time is a problem in their lives." (Source: http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com).

So what can we do to avoid sleep disturbances, get untroubled sleep, and have a greater daily experience of inner peace? May I suggest a 30-minute evening detox routine.

Pocket of Peace - April

Waking Up to Peace

Did you know that how you spend the first one-half hour of your day is crucial to your well-being? How you experience this initial 30-minutes will set the tone for your day, how relaxed or stressed you are, how positive or negative your thoughts and attitude will be. This is because upon waking from sleep, we are the most receptive and vulnerable—and easily influenced.

And if we truly are women of peace—and we wish to be purveyors of peace—we begin by creating space within us to house this peace, so it can carry us throughout the day, no matter what difficulties may arise.

Begin today by making the decision to change any early morning routine that does not launch you into the world with optimism and energy. For years, I’d drag myself out of bed at the last minute to get as much sleep as possible, but then race through my morning feeling way behind before I even got started! That led to a slow and steady escalation of stress throughout the day.

Pocket of Peace - March

The Calmative Power of Water 

To stand at the ocean's edge and give one's self over to the rhythm of the waves invites inner peace. Is it their patterning, their predictability, that lures us into a saner experience of life? Or perhaps the sound of gentle lapping simply brings ease? For me, even gazing out upon the horizon with its great vastness invites me into inner spaciousness. Tension leaves and breathing space is mine once again.

What is it precisely about water that has such a calming effect upon us? I have three theories, all of which could explain why we feel so at home in or near the liquidy stuff, though I'm sure there are more ...

A Pocket of Peace: February

Little Altars Everywhere

I am a woman who loves altars. Home altars. Temple or church altars. Any collection of sacred symbols or objects, lovingly arranged, that invite me to drop my angst and embrace greater peace.

In Spaces for Silence by Alen MacWeeney and Caro Ness, altars are referred to as "Gateways to the Divine." I appreciate this term because it describes perfectly what happens to us when our gaze lands upon an altar. A tunnel effect is created and we are energetically drawn forward. Soon we find ourselves carefully examining what is there: candle light, scent, symbols, and the images that grace the space.

The authors write, "When someone creates an altar, they are literally forging a relationship with the divine; they are giving the sacred a physical form and shape, sometimes using the most ordinary and commonplace of materials." This place can be permanent or portable; a place we go to or carry with us to create a sacred connection.

A Pocket of Peace: January

Tones of Tranquility

When our mind is wild with runaway thoughts, when our body is abuzz with unwanted energy, there is a simple and readily available antidote—music.

Humankind has known for thousands of years about the power of sound. Imagine ourselves as tribal folk and we can easily re-live how we may have been energized by the sound of a beating drum, or lulled to sleep by the soft voice of an elder chanting. Music has a unique hold upon us. Without our even being aware, it can affect us mentally, viscerally, emotionally, and spiritually. A “Pocket of Peace” can indeed be found within the rhythm and tones of music.

I've loved and appreciated music all of my life (having been raised in a music-loving household), and because I know the positive effect it can have upon me, I have my favorites that predictably soothe and inspire. I often write and relax to the music of Soundings of the Planet because the songs carry within them a technology the creators call "earth resonance frequency": a depth of tone that, within minutes of listening, allows the mind to slow, and a deep sense of calm to move through.

A Pocket of Peace: December

Focusing on the “Other”

Consider this. When we are feeling the most stressed, anxious, or fearful we may be focused solely on ourselves. Thoughts swirl and emotions arise luring us into self-preoccupation. Which leads to more worry about what might happen, how bad it could feel, or how awful everything may turn out. Our inner peace is nowhere to be found.

This is discursive thinking, an endless mind loop of self-indulgent, “What about me?” thoughts. “I, I, I …” prevails, and we just can’t seem to make the chatter stop.

Being able to catch ourselves in the midst of this is key to maintaining inner peace. We can learn to pause, observe, and name what is happening to us. In my own life, because I write and create columns, books, and programs, I get caught up in what I have come to call “Writing Mind.” This is my unique mind chatter pattern, one that can easily pull me into feelings of anxiousness or overwhelm because there is always so much to do! With intention and practice, I am learning to name this pattern when it begins, then turn my attention in another direction to make discursive thinking stop.

How about you? What might your mind-looping pattern be? Is it worry? Fear? Reworking old conversations? Rehearsing new ones? It really does not matter what the pattern is, the point is to recognize it, name it, and transform it.

Redirecting the Loop
We begin by redirecting our thoughts, focusing our attention on something else—actually someone else. We can get outside of ourselves by thinking about another person. Putting our attention on “the other” works wonders by creating new feelings of ease, gratitude, and love.

Sit quietly for this short meditation. Breathe deeply and easily and bring to mind someone you love. Imagine them in your mind’s eye, happily going about their day. What do you see them doing? What do you desire for them? What good thoughts, prayers, or acts of blessing can you send their way? Spend some time with this dear one, holding them in heart and thought.

Now, notice how much better you feel; more centered and calm you are just thinking about your dear one. By shifting your attention from “What about me?” to “What about them?” you have raised your energetic “vibration” from self-absorption to other-care; from preoccupation to compassion.

This is an act of re-aligning ourselves with the highest virtues of Spirit—love and compassion—by focusing on the well-being of another, instead of worrying about our own. It is a process that evens out our mental terrain—from wild to meandering to ambling. In no time, we have enhanced our own well-being!

Choose inner peace by choosing to focus on “other love.” Truly, inner peace may be just one loving thought away.

Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com  To learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com/, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.

Pockets of Peace

by Janice Lynne Lundy

A Pocket of Peace is an intentional pause. It is a sacred opportunity to stop, let go of any emotional or physical duress we may be experiencing, and remember the inner peace that abides within us. When life threatens to overwhelm, when stress, fear, or worry come to call, simply stop, take a breath, and practice this Pocket of Peace. Doing so will bring you home to your truest self - a woman who is naturally calm, clear, and wise.

Everyone needs an oasis in the desert of life.
Your personal oasis is waiting for you.
When you find it, drink deeply of its cooling waters.
Relax in the shade of its sheltering palms.
Be satisfied.
Be well.

A Pocket of Peace: November

Unplugging
We are blessed to live in a time when new technological advances are made daily, making life easier, making us more efficient and productive. And, yet, “plugging in” to technology may keep us disconnected from our inner peace.

At times, we may feel as if we are enslaved to our computer, cell phone, or pager. We are constantly on alert to what is happening in the world, on the web, in the news; on call from people who must speak to us—now! There is an urgency fostered by our technological helpmates. They keep us on top of things, yet also keep us tied to input, others, obligations and “shoulds.”

Have you considered how the technological tools YOU are using on a daily basis may cause nervousness or anxiousness within you? Do they keep you from feeling calm and peaceful inside?

I noticed this myself years ago. The negative tone, energy and urgency of television shows, especially the news, agitated me. Even brought down my mood, made me worried. I noticed this most intensely during the onset of the Iraqi conflict. In a moment of clarity, I was able to observe my addiction to the news and I decided to give it up altogether. I have not had a television in my home for four years now, I watch very little of it at other people’s houses, and I am much more peace-filled. I am still able to stay on top of current affairs via friends, limited magazine reading, or Google news.

Turn Off, Drop Out, Tune In

Today, take a few moments to sit quietly and reflect. Make a mental list of all the technological gadgets in your life, including, computer, land phone, cell phone, pager, television, and radio. Now picture yourself using each one and observe how it makes you feel. Notice any energetic dissonance, resentment, stress, anxiety or anger that arises.

If you are passionate about your inner peace, consider periods of unplugging from the technology that agitates you.

• Take one entire day each week away from the computer.
• Do not answer every phone call. Allow voice mail and caller ID to do their job.
• Try not to watch television or get on the computer 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Avoid accepting or returning phone calls late at night. Doing so allows your mind to wind down so you have restful sleep.
• Stop watching the television news. Limit, or rid yourself of the habit of listening to “talk radio.” Get your news and information from gentler sources.
• Drive without the radio on. Enjoy the silence for a change.
• Turn the television off one night a week, two nights a week, or more. Experiment by going an entire week without it and notice how you feel. Perhaps, like me, you will opt out for good.

We need not be chained to technology just to look good or keep up with everyone else. We can opt out of noise and clamor. By creating spaces for silence, we allow its tender refrains to soothe our over-stimulated selves. Unplug from chaos and tune into calm. The choice is truly ours.

Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.comTo learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com/, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.

©2009, Janice Lynne Lundy

A Pocket of Peace: October 2009

Portable Peace

It is easy to maintain a sense of inner peace when we are at home or in a sacred space of our own creation. We can filter what comes in to our environment. We can choose noise or not, interruptions or not. But when we step outside into the “real” world, with its unmitigated noise and human interactions, our peace can quickly slip away. Consider carrying some “portable peace” with you wherever you go, literally holding onto the peace you’ve acquired.

The notion of portable peace involves using “touchstones,” sacred objects we can carry with us wherever we go; tokens of tranquility, which when looked upon or touched, remind us to stay centered and calm.

In the past I have used touchstones such as these: a rosary bracelet, small meditation cards carried in my day planner, a stone from a sacred site tucked into my pocket. It does not matter what these objects are, only that we infuse them with prayerful (intentional) thoughts that will remind us that inner peace is only a glance or touch away.

My portable peace today is a mala (prayer) bracelet, specially crafted for me by a dear friend. I wear it every day. When I see it on my wrist, I am reminded of my commitment to walk a peaceful path in life. The large bead in the center reminds me of my personal icon of inner peace—His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When I feel stressed or rushed, I will often rest my other hand upon it, or remove it and hold it in my two hands, and offer a prayer of some sort. I can do this while waiting in the car or office, in line in a store; wherever I find myself. I carry my peace with me wherever I go. You can, too.

Identifying Your Token of Tranquility   Take a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect upon what you might carry with you or wear that will remind you of your (always accessible) inner peace. A pendant or bracelet? A picture or photograph? A prayer card or written mantra? A shell or stone? Scan your home and possessions to locate something that will work for you. Or, if you like, purchase a new touchstone to serve this special purpose.

Once selected, infuse it with your intention, your desire to be at peace wherever you are. You may want to bless it with a prayer of your choosing; dedicate it to a specific loved one, guide, teacher, saint, or deity. Or, you may simply want to hold it in your hand and say these words:

“I vow to re-orient myself toward peace, to be a purveyor of peace in the world, and may this object help me walk this sacred path.”


Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com To learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com/, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.


©2009, Janice Lynne Lundy

A Pocket of Peace: Summer 2009

Corraling Wild Mind

We have all been plagued on occasion with “busy mind.” Are you aware of how rambunctious thoughts (or “monkey mind,” as some may call it) can distance you from your inner peace?

Thoughts, by their very nature, will always rush in, to the tune of 60,000 thoughts per day. Some will cause overwhelm and stress. Others will linger and create any number of disempowering emotions: anger, despair, jealousy, frustration, and more. In time, out-of-control thoughts and emotions will take their toll upon us. It is up to us to take charge of our thoughts; to become pro-active and determine how much we are willing to be run by them.

I often think of my thoughts as a herd of wild horses. They can saunter and prance about a bit, enjoy a stroll, and graze peaceably in the pasture. Or, they can become riled up and agitated and, before I know it, they’re galloping along at full speed, racing out of control. In no time, I have lost the reins of my thoughts and “wild mind” has taken over. I might even begin to feel the beginnings of a mental stampede!

Focusing with a Mantra
Focusing is one of the very best ways to corral wild mind. By consciously bringing our thoughts to a center point, we can begin to take charge of them and slow their pace.

 To help us focus, we can use a mantra—a sacred word or phrase whose timbre and tone reminds us of our innate well-being. We can create our own mantra or select one that has significance for us. Depending on our spiritual bent, this can be a scripture passage, chant, or sacred syllable. Or we can simply make up one of our own.

Years ago, when I was struggling with anxiety, I heard a song by Kenny Loggins which contained a lyric that felt like a mantra to me: “I am safe. I am loved. I am free.” When feelings of anxiety would strike, I’d take a few deep breaths and begin repeating these comforting words. Today, my mantra is one I personally created and it works wonders for creating a Pocket of Peace within me. “Believe, breathe, and be well”.  

Select a word or phrase that speaks to your heart. Intend that it focus and calm you.

Begin by centering yourself, breathing in and breathing out, deeply and evenly. Say the mantra slowly, silently or aloud. Focus your attention on the words themselves and what they mean to you. At first, your thoughts may continue to race. It may feel as if you are saying the mantra too quickly. Notice this and slow the pace of the repetition.  

Continue to breathe, maintaining rhythm with the words, inhaling on one word, exhaling on the next, ever so slowly. Establish a pattern that works for you. Repeat the mantra as long as you need to come back to center.  

Remember focusing is a practice that takes practice! Don’t be surprised if after a few repetitions your mind has wandered off. Simply repeat the phrase, pair it with your breathing, and begin again. Focusing exercises are about retraining the mind. This takes time, concentration, and dedication.

Ultimately, using a mantra allows wild horse thoughts to slow down, to gently return with ease to graze upon the open and free pastures of your calm mind. Inner peace can be yours, one breath, one mantra, lovingly said at a time. 

Until next time …
May you be happy.
May you be well.
May you be safe.
May you be peaceful and at ease.

Love and Blessings,
Jan Lundy



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Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com To learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com/, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.
 
©2009, Janice Lynne Lundy

A Pocket of Peace: May 2009

Soothing the heart

Anxiousness, that swirling, pressure-filled, “I can’t catch my breath” of feeling plagues millions of us. It may be the most common state of mind and emotion that keeps us from experiencing inner peace. I know firsthand the debilitating effect anxiety can have upon one’s well-being for it has been my companion in varying degrees for many years. Today, I am happy to say that I am virtually anxiety free, and I was able to break loose from its paralyzing grip without medication by accessing a “Pocket of Peace” when I needed one. Anyone can.

One of the first indications that anxiety is on its way is shortness of breath, often characterized by a feeling of pressure in the chest. Our thoughts begin to pool around these feelings and a sense of concern creeps in. We begin to focus on how awful this will soon feel, how embarrassed we might be, along with our fear of the “attack” itself. This series of thoughts escalates the anxiety. More shortness of breath, more chest pressure, and, before we know it, we find ourselves immersed in full-blown anxiety. Our thoughts have literally led us deeper into the experience.

Inviting Helpers In

One of the ways we can circumvent this process is to stabilize our thoughts at the onset-—away from what might happen back to the here and now.

Bring your attention to the center of your chest and place your hand there, directly over your heart chakra. Take a few slow, centering breaths. Remember the sacred nature of your breath and allow it to calm you. (See September’s Pocket of Peace.)

Now, remove your hand and imagine that a Divine hand has taken its place. Placed upon your heart, this loving gesture from a trusted other is a gift of the Spirit to reassure you, remind you, that all is well.

Who would that Divine Other be for you? In your spiritual tradition, who represents unconditional loving-kindness? For me, it is Mother Mary who steps forward. I imagine her standing directly in front of me, extending her arm toward me, placing her flattened palm oh, so gently, upon me. If a Divine Other does not come to mind, imagine the most loving human being you’ve ever known (or learned about) and do the same.

Allow him or her to reach out and touch you. Feel the warmth of their hand, see the kindness in their smile, their deep desire for you to be peace-filled and calm. Allow your eyes to gently close. Breathe deeply, evenly, while surrendering to the sensations created by having their loving hand upon your heart. Allow their peace to move into you, through you, like a river of warmth and well-being. Let it flow and flow …

With this Divine Friend as your guide, rest assured that all is well. Sail on and enjoy your journey down a sacred river of peace.

Until next time …
May you be happy.
May you be well.
May you be safe.
May you be peaceful and at ease.

Love and Blessings,
Jan Lundy



--------- 
Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com To learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com/, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.

 

©Janice Lynne Lundy, 2009

Learn more about Jan Lundy and "Pockets of Peace."

 

September's Pocket of Peace
October's Pocket of Peace
November's Pocket of Peace
December's Pocket of Peace
January's Pocket of Peace
February's Pocket of Peace
March Pocket of Peace
April Pocket of Peace