Simple Solution

When the world is too much with us, or personal crises erupt, or were just plain having a bad day, these three simple but potent ideas can bring us soul-nurture and inner peace.

1. Change what you can. When the word seems chaotic and you feel yourself falling into despair and helplessness, remember something you do control: your personal environment. The more frightening the news, the more nurturing you can make your home: the bed can be made, the dishes washed, the garbage taken out, the clothes hung up immediately, and so on. You can light a beeswax candle in the evening as a reminder that if you can find peace at home, it stand to reason you can send it out like a beacon of light into the world.

2. List what sustains you. Write out all the things that keep you positive and focused on what matters most. Some examples might be the essential role of Spirit in your life; your gratitude for life itself; your unconditional love for the people who are important to you; your comfort in knowing that your loved ones are alive; thanks for the companionship of good friends; the belief that the difficulties of life are challenges that can be understood and, once understood, go away; and finally, trust in the basic goodness of humankind. You can put this list on your refrigerator as a daily reminder, or carry it with you in your purse or backpack.

3. Gather spirit words. You can collect small smooth rocks and write positive words on each one, such as love, laugh, compassion, delight, and so on. If you keep the rocks in a small bag, you can draw one out every morning to put in your pocket where your hand will find it often. It can become a daily spirit word with which you can bless yourself and pass the blessing on to other souls without their even being aware.