Serenity

My mind is full of much these days. Yesterday a sweat dripping yoga class brought clarity. As I enter the yoga room for a brief moment, finding a place to set my mat can be overwhelming. Cricket has the task of finding a clear spot for us to put our mat, but that can be a confusing task for her as well. We have our favorite place that allows for a little room for her, but on a busy day it is already taken. A kind man asked me if I would like him to help me find a spot. We settled in on our mats and I felt like I was home. Afterwards, my sweet husband, took me to meet my friend and running guide Shannon while he and Cricket :) began to clean the office. We ran six miles in crazy weather. My legs are feeling it today but again my mind was left with clarity. I was reminded the value of exercise on our head and heart. We returned to the office to continue cleaning. This is something Steve and I do together. There is something really nurturing to me as a business owner to work in all the aspects of the business and that includes cleaning the bathroom and filling the candy bowl. I feel like I am giving back and helping my colleagues who work so hard and our clients have a place of serenity to come. It is also a special time with Steve who has helped me every step of the way in my journey.

I'm preparing my grief group for the morning. Topic is: Serenity. Dr. Wolfelt states, Mourning requires that, at times, you shift from your head (trying to 'get it') to your heart (to trying to 'feel it'). This shift allows you to make movement through grief rather than spin in intellectual circles. Movement in our grief and difficult times, brings hope that you will not dwell in the depths of your grief forever. Even when the movement you make is brief or small, you will feel the hope that progression is possible. We can be transformed by our loss and challenges.

The following quote came to mind last week in one of my groups as they transitioned from tears to laughter.

I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.

Dr. Alan Wolfelt continues, There are many things we can surrender to. Your emotional pain. Your broken heart. Your confused mind. Your questioning spirit. When you surrender, you invite hope into your life because you are not working so hard to keep things at bay. When you try to keep your underlying feelings distant from your inner self, you are unable to touch the hope that resides in your heart.

... grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference.

May you have a day or at least moments of peace and serenity today. It is a quiet day here with Steve and Cricket. It is chilly and overcast and reflecting on whether I dress for church in grey or something bright and cheerful.

Later: I opted for a grey dress - my bargain at the Ann Taylor Outlet with Natalie a few months ago. I can't decide how I feel about this dress. The cane is out for visiting teaching. One of the ladies we visit has some cats so Cricket will stay home.