Lifting Our Spirits
In navigating the last few months, I imagine each of you has developed a “lift your spirits” program that has informed your days. I wonder what yours contains. Here are a few items in mine:
Laughter: Pluto, the cute talking advice-giving dog, who is found at Pluto Living on Instagram and YouTube, always makes me laugh. “Whoosh.”
Gratitude: A daily quote from gratefulness.org gives a positive spin to my mornings. Reading a blessing-a-day from 99 Blessings: An Invitation to Life by David Steindl-Rast adds to my sense of awareness and gratitude.
Prayer: I pray for those who are suffering, for those who are helping all of us stay as healthy and safe as possible.
Beauty: Candles, flowers, nature.
Joy: I like the concept of “joyspotting…a practice of paying attention to the little joyful things in your surroundings.” It is inspired by Ingrid Fetell Lee, author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness. Some people are posting their findings on Instagram, hashtag #joyspotting.
Creativity: Writing, collage, knitting, gardening, an occasional piano attempt.
Challenge: Jigsaw Puzzles! We finished our 1000 piece Avian Friends puzzle and are so attached to it that we haven’t yet taken it apart to pass along to a waiting friend. Soon! We then went on to tackle and complete a 500 piece whimsical puzzle called Hello from Around the World.
Meditation and Movement: Yoga, Tai Chi, walk, walk, walk.
Food: I’m currently dipping into two vegan cookbooks–The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon and Happy Food: Fast, Fresh, Simple Vegan by Bettina Campolucci Bordi who writes, “…I believe that food is meant to make you happy!” Yes!!
The Hanky Panky Cocktail: I discovered this new-to-me, love-the-name cocktail on the website of David Lebovitz (davidlebovitz.com) whose latest book is French Drinking.
Love: Thank you John, Cosi, Gigetta, family, friends, life.
I hope your self-care “lift” program is serving you well. May you stay healthy and may rays of hope and light soon appear on the horizon for us all.
Lynn, did you see that I made World Peace cookies? I tweaked the recipe on accident and they taste less grainy, which I like. Gosh, they are yummy!
How fun, Erika! Now I have out the Dorie Greenspan Dorie’s Cookies book with that cookie on the cover. Looks like I may be baking them again soon! Thanks for the inspiration.♥️
Beautiful, Lynn, I’m also discovering Ingrid Fetel Lee – great resource and in line with our Vedic studies. All best to you and John; big happy smile to you both!
Hi Jody.So interesting that her work is informing your studies. And thanks for putting her name in your comment; after seeing that, I realized I had transposed her middle and last name so have corrected that! And smiles right back at you and Rich.😊
I love this! So many of things you do , I love to do too. I just started a new puzzle this weekend! It is amazing how happy it can make you finding a piece that fit!
How fun to hear from you, Jane, and to hear that you, too, like puzzles! I love marveling at the images and colors and getting so “up close and personal” with them. And you’re right–so satisfying to find the pieces that fit. Sending love to you and your wonderful family 💜. Stay well.