Sometimes we need a “RESET” for body mind and SOUL…
Kathleen • August 25, 2020
“Happiness is a butterfly which when pursued is just out of grasp. But if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Nathaniel Hawthorne, American Novelist was quoted as saying this.
So many life lessons can erupt from his viewpoint. Are there moments you feel like you have landed to an understanding only to have your grasp on the matter confused or changed? Are you then able to quiet your soul and perhaps experience the next ray of light, understanding or “landing”?
Looking for a desired outcome so oftentimes takes over the necessity of experiencing the grace of the moment. A familiar tune from the beloved Beatles classic song ” Let it be …” has been a recent point of conversation for my husband Brian and I. We have intentionally invited the theme to resonate and sing through our minds as we soulfully look inward and truly try to let all be. While anticipating the good and waiting for it to come, are you able to purpose on in letting it be. Fun fact, the Beatles chose to first record this song with no dubbing intended. They were seeking to let the truth of their message ring out in the most natural way possible, by only doing one take in an effort to ” Let it be …” . Do we at times try to dub over situations before they even evolve? Let us reach past the brokenness and perceptions around us and let all of the “stuff” just be.
Turning inwardly to nurture our souls in this manner equips us to reach forward and impact others throughout Covid, virtual meetings/school/gatherings, and way BEYOND…!
One take away continues to refashion itself in our homes and lives currently and I wonder if this is the case for you as well… How do we LET the COVID SITUATION just BE?? Are we able to breathe differently and look for the benefits??
Here’s to hoping you have found refreshed ways to spread your wings while you fly differently, flutter intentionally and focus on others really well…Grow through whatever it is you are going through…are you willing? Find gratitude for even the smallest of moments, experiences, or things in your life.
Habitually reflecting on the components of validating current emotions, formulating those thoughts, and then finding a way of articulating them into forward movement helps us to recalibrate, prioritize, and focus on the true meaning and experiences of life…How are YOU?
Are you holding strong in your heart and mind?
As what we are in the midst of threatens to bind
Wise soul
Be whole
First be self-aware
Then for others care
Soulfully try to recalibrate
Welcome JOY to dominate
Important matters and souls MATTER
Prioritize well and GOOD will scatter
Freedom for your inner soul
Will help to fill another hole
Dig deep to love and encourage
You will surely find more courage
Self and others and on and on
Find your grace and pass it on
A situation may feel palpable
Remind yourself you’re capable
GROW THROUGH what you GO THRU…
Dig deep to be the BEST version of YOU
So…the question lingers…Are you soulfully aware and ready to nurture another and another and another soul? Pay it forward…!
As you consider this idea, feel free to add your thoughts, takeaways and ideas!
© 2020, Kathleen Bauer, Ed D
Self-Care Ideas for the Soul
- Imagine you’re your own best friend. If you were…what would you HONESTLY tell yourself right now? Look in the mirror and try it!…Perhaps say … “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL”…by the way YOU ARE!! Believe it!
- Use your commute to notice five beautiful things on your way to work. New blooms on a tree, the smell of fresh cut grass, a lingering moon during the day, a soaring hawk…??
- Help someone. Carry a bag, open a door, or offer to pick up items for a neighbor.
- Check in with your emotions. Sit quietly and just list, without judgment, what you’re feeling.
- Perhaps, write out your thoughts, deal with what is needed. Write for fifteen minutes on anything bothering you. Then let it go (give it to God) as you rip the paper and recycle.
- Choose who you spend your time with today. Hang out with people who emit enthusiasm and positivity.
- Get positive feedback. Ask three good friends to tell you what they love about you. And then choose to be real…take the risk and ask them how you might need to grow forward.
- Make a small connection. Have a few sentences of caring conversation with someone in customer service such as a sales assistant, barista…even WITH a face covering!
- Splurge a little. Buy a small luxury that makes you happy…as a way of valuing yourself.
- Enjoy some moments to regroup… Spend an hour alone doing something that nourishes you…reading, singing, cooking, organizing, cleaning, or perhaps just sitting!
- Exercise a signature strength. Think about what you’re good at, and find an opportunity for it today.
- Be open to ask for help—big or small, but reach out. On the other hand…be WILLING to be of help to someone else…you will be AMAZED at the good it nourishes in your own heart and soul!
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While some are already reveling in the respite of a summer break, very shortly, summer will truly be upon us and in full swing. Before we get all the immersed into summer adventures…I am compelled to reflect upon a “springing into summer” adventure we enjoyed in the MOUNTAINs! Earlier in spring, Brian and I were scheduled to be in Boulder, Colorado…Both of us had an array of items to complete while there and as we worked on our professional lives much of the time, we did take moments to experience the glorious beauty of the surrounding mountains. We participated in one of our favorite activities which is receiving FRESH AIR THERAPY! So, for personal development as we endeavored several “trails” and sought to thrive, we found ourselves at times acclimating well with measured breaths and strong endurance. There were other instances when the altitude seemed to be getting the best of us, and we were feeling so incredibly “old” and “out of shape” …YIKES! This up and down pattern served us up a few life reminders… GRIT matters. KEEP putting one foot in front of the other even when you cannot see the outcome or where the path is leading now. The WORK and exercises we do as a part of our life habits continues to be meaningful. It offered stamina on each trail we attempted and conquered. In LIFE , we oftentimes feel we are not “there” but when we persevere on, we are indeed headed forward. Keep GOING! The VIEW at every stage had more to explore than we could have imagined. There were twists, turns, times to sidestep, and valued seconds of stopping to enjoy and breathe it all in. Along with this came the inevitably unexpected, another hill to climb with more rock paths to maneuver through, and then we would turn another corner and keep going on and up toward the destination. From the Flat Iron paths to the trails through the red rocks. For the Royal Arch victory and the Mount Sanitas Trail after a steep Mapleton Avenue walk…we were stretched, found peace, wished for better core support, (smile), yet discovered more than we could take in while finding fulfillment and purpose in the complex yet simple journey. Similarly, situations around us might not be clear or understandable in life, but these mountainous experiences reminded us we must keep doing our trek. Today…we are where we are. How we have done life up to this point counts and carries lessons we may or may not be aware of. However, we must effort to remain present in each moment. So…what changes will you be willing to adjust for your life? What are you doing well? How can or will you choose to navigate each “trail” “hill” “trek” or “hike” of life and to do it well? Much to ponder… Perhaps you’ve been thrust into mountains of emotions to traverse, hills of pain to climb, or rocky relationships to navigate. Maybe the economy, your job situation or the health of yourself or loved ones feels tumultuous. Possibly you have endured a betrayal and rejection of those counted as friends…life happens doesn’t it? Moments of emotion will surface…Are you equipped to move through the climb? Gear up! May we find and embrace a sense of satisfaction despite the pain and do so with sprinkles of happiness. With courage, confidence and perseverance, we can lean in and stay healthy on this journey we call LIFE! Whatever path you choose Allow it to ignite and infuse Walk on with peace Find sweet release Success in the climb Viewing the sublime Keep calm and stay assured Even when the path is blurred Love without hurry Embrace no scurry Refrain from the fitful When seeking restful Always a season for each Soon again a time of reach For now, bask in tranquility With joy in your fresh ability To be strong Move along As you desire to retain And want to maintain Allow space for the unexpected Believing you are still protected Life mountains might indeed look to be in the way May we navigate well and on our BEST path stay This we CAN do As life we go thru! © 2025 Kathleen Bauer, Ed D Alongside her hiking partner B
We often hear phrases such as things are not always as they appear, or just wait, be patient, the truth will come out, and maybe even…trust the PROCESS…trust THE process…TRUST the process…Hmmmmmm much easier stated than lived out. So seemingly unpredictable. And then let’s consider the WEATHER. At times we are hard pressed to find a consistent pattern…Some winter days feel like spring, spring days like summer and so on…Spring is typically the time for planting and new growth…and while we long for spring and refreshment we end up hearing tornado sirens and high winds blowing and then…trees are cracked, branches and leaves are strewn, some buildings and even precious homes damaged. And then again…we are called to remember….things are just not always as they appear or how we wish they would appear. Recently, I found another 4 leaf clover. Those who know me well understand this propensity has been lifelong. Ever since I can remember, I would be drawn to a clover patch and many times there would be a 4 leaf clover, just waiting to be picked…People often say, “FAITH HOPE LOVE & LUCK when they think of a 4 leaf clover. While there are various stances on 4 leaf clovers, how common or not, why they exist, the frequency for which one might find one…the fact is, I’ve been prone to discover them throughout the years. So…while I’m not sure why, it is a fact and my tendency is to find 4 leaf clovers. Loaded with fun, great conversation, a dedication to the one I’m speaking to or out with when the discovery is made, these clovers have brought many smiles, energizing surprises, good thoughts and sparked numerous interactions and conversations through the years. Regarding the 3rd one of this season, and there have been several since then, it was sweet, tiny, fully 4 leaves, yet shriveled very quickly. Along with this find, came the life reminder that so many things, situations, happenings in life can be temporary and are at times real but truly not as they appear. If one looked at the little clover just 30 minutes after the find, it did not look the same. And…especially this time I should have snapped the photo immediately! There have been several since, another tattered one, an uneven one, a speckled one, even a butterfly shaped 4 leaf clover and one found on a particularly tough evening. This reminder of things not always being what they appear has been so timely. The path feels long and at moments impossible right? A nudge to recall might need to be reframed and turned into a pull back or a redirect. Assessing a situation from a different view and choosing to refrain from getting stuck on what “should be” and letting what is unfold…might be the best path choice. Growing on from there may include a challenge but oftentimes this is needful to do. And to do so while simultaneously strengthening our emotional stamina can be powerful. At times I believe we are inclined to long for “linear” and for everything to be set directly into place and stay on track with a specific frame we hold onto as hope. When we realize our journeys become shaped and better informed by our sadnesses and celebrations as well as our surprises and the mundane, we are better equipped to learn and lead by example and share forward helping our world to become better and stronger, one heart at a time. And whether it feels comfortable or not, and regardless of how linear the process may seem as we are trudging through, we simply cannot see what is not there. As we soar through spring, rites of passages via graduations or milestone events which inevitably occur, let us enjoy each moment for what it is, embrace life with goodness and grace and remember, just because something looks one way now, it can and will most likely change. Are you willing to rearrange? Grow? Settle in? Reach for different? Regrouping and resetting may be on deck so let us lean forward accepting FAITH HOPE LOVE along with a sprinkle of LUCK or CHANCE…and make all our spaces better with our time, treasure, heart soul and being! Things are not always as they appear Diligently try not to live within fear Will you choose grace And gently embrace? Faith to fill Hope to still Love to lead your circumstance Embracing good luck and chance Allow a spontaneous surprise To enlighten your mind’s eyes Engage with your all Pursuing the life call To be and show What you know Each and every day In so many a way The path might be long But keep moving along When put to the test Live to impart your best And remember…in all you do You can and will get through! © 2025 Kathleen Bauer, Ed D Alongside her husband B
CHRISTMAS in JULY?!?! What? Recently, after being at the STL Soccer game and watching the effort by our CITY team, Brian and I were headed home and listening to the KMOX broadcast of the Cardinal game. We barely made it in the house to turn on the TV and watch the Cardinals WIN! It was their second VICTORY of the DAY! At some point during the 9th inning while we were doing this, I noticed a phrase at the bottom of our screen…It read, “ CHRISTMAS in JULY”! Immediately…this phrase jettisons me back to yesteryear; watching the Venture, K-Mart and Famous-Barr (your Christmas ANGEL store…!) ads as child. It never felt all the way right when the sales would begin describing Christmas and Winter Holidays when we were anticipating fireworks displays, heading to the pool, playing kickball in the yard, and collecting fireflies. Ahhhhhh CHRISTMAS in JULY! To me, these words, CHRISTMAS in JULY, stir up music in my heart, mind and soul. While we do not feel ready for the Holiday Season to embark on us at this very minute, Brian and I LOVE the thought of CELEBRATION, FAMILY, FUN, & LOVE! Do you? What brings music to your ears? How does your heart experience an extra surge of happy beats? Is it a beautiful display of fireworks like many have taken in lately? Is it the laughter of children in the neighborhood playing? Perhaps it is an array of special people in your life or maybe even some important memories of days gone by. Throughout July, maybe we take some time to reflect on what has been and what is yet to come by the time we will be making it through another calendar year. Has any event or happening resonated deeply with you? Among our summer favorites, we have integrated some small house and yard projects, sought to carve new paths within our daily work, intentionally focused upon being “there” for some, and have centered in on embracing the unpredicted events and opportunities we have been offered. So, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, as you head to local sporting events, enjoy a favorite cool summer treat with those you love or simply enjoy the longer daylight hours of summer with taking just one more walk through the neighborhood, try to find moments to savor and embrace all of the beautiful; past, present and yet to come. Do you find yourself already anticipating another holiday to come? Try not to resist or overlook the potential adventures awaiting in the here and nearly NOW! And, just sayin’…the ULTIMATE Christmas in July for US this year? Well, it is fast approaching as we anticipate the arrival of some of our dear extended family dropping in for a visit very soon…the elements of surprise and joy and new memories to make loom sure. To us, this is simply the BEST & that’s a WINNER! Through the years Amidst life’s fears Whether it is in December or July Or any other month, time flies by From then & onto now A heart surge & WOW Perspective matters Amidst life shatters Whoever you are with & whatever you do Delight in each & every moment…be TRUE Memories & photos galore Of those we so much adore At the Grand Hotel Our hearts did swell From Ted Drewes to CITY & Cardinal Nation Our people are with us in fresh anticipation For the unexpected to be yet lead the way As newfound memories are formed today Stirring arrays of enlightened emotion Amidst loved ones and the commotion Seek for reasons to celebrate Letting JOY & PEACE infiltrate Always find memories of days gone away By looking ahead to walk into another day More than research or reflection Relationships deserve protection As with a sundae topped with whipped cream & a cherry Lean into and embrace every moment and do not tarry Cherish the treasures of life and good all year long Clean out spiff up and with possibility move along With agility finding our best attitude Coloring every bit of life in gratitude Lean into the BEAUTY-FULL Embrace the WONDER-FULL As always we invite you to the party of reminiscing, celebrating or sharing…your thoughts are welcome…so join the conversation. © 2024 Kathleen Bauer, Ed D Alongside her husband B
