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Tag: consideration

  • A Tribute to Pope Francis: A Man of Compassion and Honesty

    Pope Francis

    By Tracy Schruder

    As someone who isn’t Catholic, I’ve had the privilege of following Pope Francis’ journey through the media, and I’ve been deeply moved by his unwavering commitment to compassion, honesty, and understanding. Despite our differences in faith, I’ve come to admire his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs or views. His message of love, kindness, and acceptance has resonated with me, and I believe it’s a testament to his remarkable character.

    A Legacy of Love and Service

    Over the years, I’ve witnessed the passing of five popes, from Paul VI to Francis. Each has left their mark on the world, but Pope Francis’ dedication to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue has been particularly inspiring. His encyclical “Laudato Si’” has become a rallying cry for those working towards a more sustainable future, and his advocacy for the poor and vulnerable has reminded us all of the importance of compassion and empathy.

    A Champion for the Marginalized

    Pope Francis’ commitment to serving the marginalized and vulnerable has been a hallmark of his papacy. He’s spoken out on issues like income inequality, immigration, and climate change, challenging us all to think more critically about our role in creating a more just and equitable society. His actions have shown us that even small acts of kindness and compassion can have a profound impact on those around us.

    A Bridge-Builder Between Faiths

    One of Pope Francis’ greatest strengths has been his ability to build bridges between different faith communities. He’s reached out to leaders of other faiths, fostering greater understanding and respect. His visits to synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship have demonstrated his commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

    A Legacy That Will Endure

    As the world says goodbye to Pope Francis, we’re reminded of the power of his legacy. His message of love, compassion, and service will continue to inspire people of all faiths and backgrounds. As the Vatican prepares to appoint a new pope, we can only hope that his successor will continue to build on the foundations laid by Pope Francis, promoting a more just, equitable, and compassionate world for all.

    Thank you for reading 😊🙏

  • Creating A Thought Filter

    Creating A Thought Filter
    The Power of Pause
    By Tracy Schruder

    Have you ever spoken words in the heat of the moment, only to regret them later? Or maybe you’ve struggled to express yourself respectfully, in stressful situations. The good news is that there’s a simple yet profound technique to help you create a filter between your thoughts and words, it’s the breath.

    The breath is a gateway to Mindfulness. The breath is more than just a physical function; it’s a gateway to mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

    When you harness the power of the breath, you can learn to pause between your thoughts and words. In turn, this allows you to; reflect on your emotions and intentions, allowing you time to choose your words more carefully and respond with tact.

    If you want to communicate more effectively and with empathy, you could try a simple breathing technique called 4-7-8 breathing, also known as the relaxation breath. You start by inhaling through your nose for a count of 4 seconds, next,hold your breath for 7 seconds and finally exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds. This should help to calm your nervous system and in turn create space for reflection.

    Another simple breathing technique is box breathing. This technique involves inhaling for a count of 4 seconds then holding your breath for 4 seconds, next exhale for 4 seconds and then finally holding your breath again for 4 seconds. This creates a ‘box’ shape with your breath, helping you stay focused and present.

    Throughout your day, take brief pauses to breathe and reflect on your thoughts and emotions. This technique is called mindfulness pausing. During your time pausing, simply ask yourself, Is this thought,word or action aligned with my core values and best intentions? The answer will arise from your level of awareness and you will act accordingly.

    Another great alternative technique to use is physical grounding or anchoring. With this technique you feel all the physical sensations in your body. You then use these sensations as anchors to bring you back to the present moment. For example, focus on the sensation of your feet on the ground or the feel the air on your skin. Ask yourself do I feel sturdy right now or is the temperature cool or warm? Get right into it.

    Finally, this is my absolute favourite technique, journaling. Writing down your thoughts and reflecting on them, can help you process your emotions and gain more clarity about values and intentions. I like to make a gratitude list each day in my journal.

    You may be wondering how to put all these techniques into a practice? It’s been proven that by
    Incorporating these techniques into your daily life, they can make a profound impact on your relationships, communication style, and overall well-being. To get started you should consider starting small with short pauses throughout your day, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
    Make mindfulness and breathwork a regular part of your routine, ideally at the same time each day.
    Share your goals with a friend or family member and ask them to hold you accountable.

    In conclusion, creating a filter between your thoughts and words takes practice, patience, and self-awareness. By harnessing the power of the breath and incorporating mindfulness techniques into your daily life, you can develop greater emotional intelligence, communicate more effectively, and live a more authentic life. Remember, the breath is a powerful tool, use it to open doors to new possibilities and to close doors to old patterns that no longer serve you.