Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend soaking up some Vitamin D! For some, the warm weather this week has been an encouragement. For others, it’s been a bit of a challenge. Embracing change is essential as we continue navigating through unfamiliar territory. Please do remember to stay hydrated and continue to practice social distancing in all your efforts for self-care.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an influential lecturer, philosopher, and essayist in the mid-19th century. His poetry inspired many, and he was a leader in the American romantic movement. Emerson supported individualism, a stance that espouses the moral worth of the individual and his or her right to self-realization and freedom. Emerson’s thoughts on fear seem to me to be particularly relevant to our current challenges with anxiety and provide encouragement for self-reflection and inner healing.

The Decision – Everybody Loves Mark

Individuation is a process of human development and transformation, the intent of which is to integrate values into our psyche that enable us to care for ourselves as we acknowledge and care for others. The concept is significant for us now, as we create ways to step outside the volumes of information presented to us and seek to remain grounded and balanced.

Last week a colleague forwarded the following sentiment:

“I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not the same boat.” Author Unknown

I believe addressing the storm within determines how we perceive our unique boat in the collective tempest. As we allow our fears to keep us from the peace that’s within reach, we fuel negative thought patterns and block the ability to find creative solutions. However, when we are praying and seeking clarity and an understanding of ways to assuage the inner fears and concerns, we’re positioned to remain focused on the positive aspects and embrace innovation.

This lovely example in Scripture concisely reveals the truth:

“Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.”  Mark 4:36-38a (NKJV)

There are some boats, and they’re in a storm. The people are filled with fear, wondering what to do. All the boats are different but in the same storm. As their concerns begin to overtake them, someone wonders where the Teacher is during all of this hullabaloo. And, they find Him. He’s asleep. No worries. No inner turmoil. No desperation. He’s merely allowing the storm to rage without, not within! What a fantastic model He exemplified that day.

I hope you’re able to explore your fears this week in a new way, leaning on your strengths and not allowing the raging storm outside to keep you from your inner peace!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda