Daily Blog Archives - Page 2 of 16

Resilience was our theme. Together we identified resilience (faith, keep on keeping on, flexibility, pivoting, connected, perseverance, and much more). Rhythm (drum healing), meditation, and art–calmness, and wellness engulfed me. A virtual retreat? It was REAL. Our “dazzle” was connected. We were protected and peaceful.

We “Dazzled”

Did you know that a group of zebras can be called a dazzle? Zebras can also be called a herd or zeal. “Some zoologists think zebras use their stripes as camouflage when they’re together in a big group to confuse predators – by making it harder to pick out individual zebras.” (BBC, 2019)

Drum Healing

We had 50 seconds to grab anything that could be used to make music (me-a bowl, some others—their medicine bottles—ha! Spoons, sticks, pens…LOTS of things make music! Hooray!).

Our heads and bodies began to sway back and forth. A huge smile erupted on my face seeing my “dazzle” move. It was beyond precious to me. I could FEEL the rhythm of our souls creating a sense of community and unity. To say I was “moved” is an understatement. Complete joy filled every part of me.

“Music is intrinsic to who we are as human beings. It is a carrier of emotion, and it is emotion that motivates us most profoundly. Rhythm is music’s most fundamental and accessible aspect and is a powerful tool for connecting individuals and communities of all kinds to their sense of unity and shared values and purpose.”—John Fitzgerald, Rhythm with a Purpose Facilitator, Creator, and Coach https://rhythmwithapurpose.com/

Mindfulness

Typically, I spend about 40 minutes in my morning Bible studies, “refresh”, and prayer/meditation. Thirty minutes of mindfulness shouldn’t be an issue; but with 32 other people? It was divine. Feet were flat on the floor, shoulders down, and eyes closed listening. We were guided to feel and pay attention-to be “present”. Life’s circumstances drifted away. The gift of NOW was opened.

“Mindfulness is a way of paying attention. We’re an incredibly adaptable species. We react and automatically respond. Mindfulness allows us some space to learn to pay attention differently. Perhaps things we don’t pay attention to. We’re going to explore that.” (Cultivating Intentions– Ruth Q. Wolever, Ph.D., NBC-HWC Chief Science Officer, eMindful) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af8J6y6JRB0&list=PLPAgUIq-85n8l0SxixUyWH9A4LdGqA2Bg&index=5

Art with Heart

One shape is a favorite among architects, the triangle. Think of the Eiffel Tower, the Great Pyramids, and so many more! With drafting set in hand (thank you LACNETS for sending us our supplies) the dazzle was led by the teacher, Angie (https://reachheart.com/. With a compass and ruler, we each created our own Sierpiński triangle.

As a dazzle, we focused on “tools” to help us in 3 ways: how we feel (emotional health), how we act and “do” (physical health), and how we think (mental health). Together we found that many strategies can overlap! What are tools you use to help your WHOLE being? “We are more than our disease.”

Reflection Time

3 ½ hours went as fast as a cheetah zebra. It was time to reflect. With tears, I listened to fellow “zebras”. It was my first virtual retreat-it won’t be my last. “We are more than our disease” (our mantra). Any frazzle became frizzled with our Dazzle! Virtual retreat? It was REAL. The herd was heroic.

Let’s rally for resilience!

Last week, due to “LIFE”, I didn’t know if I could participate in the retreat. I “virtually,” thought it impossible. This retreat, and faithful friends and family, helped create a winning weekend. You are doing things FULL TIME (jobs, parenting, life). Friends, YOU are more than a disease, your job, a “role”. YOU’RE THE WHOLE. Who’s in your dazzle? Are you frazzled? Do you even have time to “be in the present.” Do you feel the rhythm? Are you connected? United with others? Do you know how LOVED YOU ARE? The creator of the dazzle, the frazzled, those feeling frayed and all that’s made…HE LOVES YOU. HE CARES. So do I!