Author: packerlandteam

“Journaling”

Posted on | by packerlandteam
journaling 3

“Journaling”

The writing hand seems tied to the heart and finds it hard to lie.

Journaling

There is something so powerful and healing in putting our thoughts on paper. Our emotions are released and then we can more easily make healthier choices in our thoughts and actions. Journaling is one of the most helpful therapeutic techniques around, and it only costs a piece of paper and a pencil.

Keeping a journal can have many positive benefits. Journaling supports personal growth on levels mind, body, and spirit. By routinely recording your thoughts we will gain insight into our choices, behaviors, responses, and moods.

Journaling can be used for problem-solving or stress reduction. It’s been proven to improve mental and physical health. It can also lead to increased self-esteem and self-awareness.  There is no right or wrong way to journal…your way is the perfect way.

Mindfulness Practice

Posted on | by packerlandteam

Notice your environment: sunlight, rain, the wind, trees, sights and sounds. On your way to work, school, an appointment or your daily errands, be mindful of driving your car, walking, sitting on the subway, arriving at your destination, your state of mind and your thoughts. Are you in the present moment or thinking ahead to what you will be doing next? Notice your body, and let your breathing help you relax your shoulders, soften your face.

nature background with words

“Mistakes”

Posted on | by packerlandteam
being erased (3)

“Mistakes”

“Mistakes are our best teachers”

I do not know where the idea came from, but for years I believed I should know everything. I also believed everyone else did know everything. I have come to recognize how both of these perspectives are a lie.

The need to know everything, to be perfect, to never make mistakes has touched many of our lives. However, if we would take time to look backwards, we might discover our greatest gifts came out of our mistakes. This is certainly true if we have learned from our mistakes. For many of us there seems to be a formula that the bigger the mistake – the bigger the learning.

The good news is that God will, if we let Him, turn every mistake we make into something good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Romans 8:28

May we see and accept the gracious love of God when we make mistakes and may we let God help us to turn our mistakes into life giving lessons.

Inner Peace

Posted on | by packerlandteam
cartoon woman doing yoga

These are the kind of days where unwinding our nervous system to remove some of the overload is very important so give yourself a brain break.   Author M. Kahn shares this brief method for a quick pick me up.

Close your eyes, follow your breathing, notice if your breaths are shallow or deep into your core.  To move from shallow breathing, breathe in through your nose while you imagine smelling your favorite fragrance.  When we like a certain scent it automatically slows our breath so we can take in more of that scent.  As you are imagining your favorite scent and your breath is at its natural peak pause for just a moment before letting the breath out through your mouth.  Repeat this breathing pattern for 3- 5 minutes.

“By breathing in through your nostrils, you welcome in the delicious fragrance of your divinity, holding the breath for a moment to savor the magnificence of life and then letting it out as blessings of compassion, joy, and ease for one and all.” (M. Kahn)  Your brain break becomes a blessing for you and for all those around you.

“Seeking and Finding”

Posted on | by packerlandteam

“Seeking and Finding” 

What you seek…you will find.

We spend much time, energy and money in reaching certain goals.  This is not a bad thing, but I wonder how often we ask ourselves what are we really looking for – hoping to find or to accomplish.  We hear stories of people reaching their goals and then life seems to end for them.  If we were wise we would take the time to honestly and closely look for our underlying motives in our goal setting.  Such honest information will provide goals that will nurture us, meet our needs and not leave us empty.

Perhaps applying Matthew 5:33 would be a wise policy in all we do.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you…”