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LIVING BY DESIGN NEWSLETTER
by Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC
V1, #2
October 19, 2001
IN THIS ISSUE
What if?
Quote
Practically Speaking
Free Class!
WHAT IF ?
People tend to worry, some more than others. Recently I've been aware that many of us are
caught in patterns of worry about the future - will there be another terrorist attack, will anyone I
know get hurt, what is going to happen now that we have countered, and so on.
Even though it seems like this worry is real, I am aware that there is nothing we can do about it.
It is what it is, and what is going to happen will happen, whether we worry about it or not. So
what are we to do with all our concerns and fears?
Begin by acknowledging the fear. Acknowledge it to yourself or tell another person what is true,
"Hey, I had some bad dreams last night", or "I'm feeling scared about this whole thing." When you
do this, you are being kind to yourself, telling yourself YOUR truth, what is currently true in this
moment.
Sometimes the truth is we feel lost, out of control,
helpless, and scared. The world as we have known it up until now is no longer. The world is changing
and it will keep changing. It makes sense we would feel a bit disoriented, perhaps somewhat ungrounded.
Rather than bury those feelings, LOVINGLY allow them to be.
Notice the thoughts you are having when you feel contracted, when your belly is in knots or you
have the jitters. These are physical sensations of fear, and you are probably having thoughts that
are scary -- thoughts that the change taking place is bad. But you know what? We don't know what is
going to happen.
A teacher once encouraged me to win in my own fantasies. This is
very wise counsel that has served me well. Because, after all, something wonderful
could happen - - something bigger and better than anything any of us could imagine. I hear stories and
see news footage of everyday heroes. People from all over the world are expressing acts of kindness
and generosity that exceed anything we have ever witnessed. What if all this goodness was harnessed
to actually bring into reality a peaceful world community. What if?
We can let worries stop us, or we can train ourselves to use our worry for our advancement,
to remind ourselves what is really important, what really matters.
What if you took the time to appreciate and be grateful for all the gifts in your life? What if, instead
of worrying about the future, you allowed yourself to be present with who and what is around you, with
your Self? What if you allow this event to awaken your compassion as you reach out and embrace life and
your loved ones more fully and completely?
Take a moment to breathe into the worry, embrace that part with your loving attention, slow down
and wonder . . . what if this is the biggest gift I have ever been given, the gift of awareness,
awareness of the goodness and the blessings that already are?
What if?
In Peace,
Leslie
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QUOTE
"It is not necessary to worry or pressure
yourself. It all works out perfectly, contrary to anyone's thought processes or how they feel about it."
- John-Roger -
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PRACTICALLY SPEAKING
When we move to the place of peace in our hearts, we make a strong move toward peace in
the world. Use this event as an opportunity to be a peacemaker by choosing peace in your life.
- rethink your differences with others, take action to mend what has been damaged, be willing
to put the past behind you
- reinvest in your relationships, do something to improve them
- listen more, touch more, love more
- offer emotional support to someone in need, including you
- be kind to yourself and to others, in everyday, ordinary ways
- be verbally appreciative
- reach out and touch more--a hand, a hug, a squeeze
- savor, enjoy what and who you have in your life
- focus on the goodness, the blessings in your life, be grateful
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FREE
CLASS - SIGN UP NOW:
I am co-leading a virtual class (on the telephone)
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
9-11: FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS:
Come and share how this tragedy has affected your spiritual life and
beliefs. When tragedies or major life events happen, we are often left
struggling with the BIG existential questions, trying to find meaning in
it all. Often a strong need for reassurance, connection and community
emerge. Come share an hour with a community of kindred spirits grappling
with similar questions.
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COPYRIGHT/CONTACT INFO/REPRINT PERMISSION
c Copyright 2001 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
Visit this link for contact information:
leslie@living-bydesign.com
Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:
Copyright 2001 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design.All rights reserved.
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com
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