Years ago I attended a weekend retreat. I do not remember her name but I have never forgotten a simple, yet powerful statement she made:

                        Gratitude opens the heart for further blessings.

When we are overwhelmed by life, the body pulls into its center. It is a survival mechanism that shunts blood to the most vital internal organs. The body often literally curls in toward the base of the rib cage and navel. The circumstances that overwhelm can be physical, mental, emotional, or all three. The physical is most obvious, of course. Mental and emotional demands can create the same body responses but it is a bit more difficult to recognize the source. Picture where your physical heart is. Now, curl slightly forward and roll your shoulders down as you tip your head toward your waist. You are creating a physical haven for the heart.

This can be helpful in the face of immediate trauma; shut down, turn inward,...

There are times when I wake at about 3:30 am. After a sip of water, I resettle myself and soon realize sleep will not return. Some weeks more times than not this is my experience. This time of year my windows are open so I fall asleep to cicadas, crickets or night bird songs. When I awaken now, the night is still. So still I can hear the white noise in my own head. Lately I have been able to dissolve into this soft inner sound and return to sleep. Not every time.

When it isn't happening, I simply have to surrender to the experience of resting without sleeping. I am grateful for the lack of frustration that arises now when the initial bouts of early arousal begin. Now, I meditate, pray for others or seek the inner wisdom I am needing for a decision.

The world is so unbelievably still during these hours. A gentle reminder that I also am created and designed for stillness. It is my fundamental nature, my True Self, the essence of my being. Once discovered, it became my oasis...

Sunset Park in Las Vegas is a great place to enjoy nature without leaving town. The county has created a desert park there which includes three circular trails that connect for walking, running, biking; leashed dogs are allowed. The thing I like best is that it is like entering a different world. It is a world of jack rabbits, cotton tails, road runners, lizards, and a wide variety of birds. A friend of mine walked on an unpaved trail once and spotted a coyote.

The sounds of traffic recede as you pick which loop to walk. There are times that it is so quiet I forget the city completely. People wave and say hi. Some would let me love on their dogs for a moment, which is helping to soothe my longing heart for my dogs who are no longer with me. We shared many of life's joys and challenges and I love them still. There were times I felt the sky was a painting displayed by the Creator just for me! The clouds were bright white against the blue sky and had that look of having been...