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!
Find faith, whatever it takes. May resilience rally your resolve-gifting you relief and reassurance.
A special “Thank you” to Lisa, Heather, and all organizers and presenters of this amazing retreat! You are gifts to all of us! For more wonderful resources, visit LACNETS! http://www.lacnets.org
Have faith 💚
Source: BBC. (2019, June 6). A gaggle, a confusion, and a conspiracy – bizarre animal collective group names. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48539466#comments: http://www.bbc.co/uk
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First- love the new logo! You’ve inspired me and I’ve asked my son to start working with me on one. Second- you are SO brave! You dazzle, my friend- the way you connect with others, accept their love and encourage them right back is beautiful! Zoom calls intimidate me. I don’t know if I’d take part in a virtual retreat, but you did the thing- soaked up every benefit it offered, and I’m certain everyone there benefitted from you! I’m so proud of you. You’re the genuine real deal, my friend!
Mama, thank you so much! I appreciate you cheering, praying, and supporting me always! I was intimidated too~this group has been unbelievably graceful, professional, kind,…you name it! My fear was gone. On another note~I worked 5 hours on a Resilience post. I’m giggling 🤭. But it’s been frustrating too. 3 1/2 hours to organize my thoughts, links, how do I want this to “look”. I only publish once a week. Each time I would add a “button” block, or color background, my piece would get stuck on “auto saving”. Finally yesterday afternoon, after a “Happiness Engineer” showed me how to copy and paste the entire format (so I don’t lose work) I decided to wait until this morning. Well, Mama, it did it again when I tried to edit and either remove an image or add! As I type you, a Happiness Engineer is assisting me on my PC to see why the Gremlins are appearing! Lol! Talk about connection. I’m so thankful to God for helping me with resilience, for loving me and helping me love others~despite obstacles! I’m so proud of you too~for I know you’re the real deal doing the same! Yay! We’ve got this! Sending you love and hugs. Have fun with the logo! I love them! 💕🥰🙏🏻❤️🫶🏻🫶🏻
God is so faithful to work with us on whatever He gives us to work on. Lol! If it’s resilience you want, He’s providing lots of opportunity for you to practice, isn’t He? I didn’t always understand the sentiment “be careful what you pray for”. I expected the answers to my prayers to be immediate. But I’ve learned- when I pray for character, it comes from anointed opportunities to practice, practice, practice! And the more I’m committed to making the change, the more I embrace the challenge, the more I grow. You, my friend are becoming radically resilient- forged by fire! So brave! The wonderful thing is, once Jesus and you (or anyone) make one of His attributes your own, nobody can take it away!
How beautiful, my friend. Perfect practice! The praise means even more! 💕🙏🏻
Mama, the situation is resolved! It took patience (and resilience). The anointed oppotunities you mentioned ring so true! Thank you again! I’m so proud we have this resiliency through Jesus! Together! Love and blessings!
Hooray! Good news! Good job, God. Good job, Happiness Team. Good job, Karla!
💕🥰💖🙌🏻🙌🏻🫶🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Karla, you would dazzle the most dazzling person in the world! Your faith, your spirit, your determination, your love and kindness and concern for others, your sense of humor when life hasn’t been the least bit funny. My dad would have said you have “sticktoittiveness”.
Sounds like your Virtual Retreat was just what the doctor ordered. There was a little bit of everything. Whoever organized it did a great job. I hope the experience keeps you energized for some time to come.
Hugs and scratchies to sweet Miss Finley. Hugs to you too! Ginger
Sent from my iPad
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Finn wants to speak first–“Thank you, Ginger, for the scratchies and hugs–I’m being lazy and love them very much.” Oh, FInn. I’m so happy my dazzle hasn’t fizzled–but my dazzle has been frazzled at times,…but then, this dazzle, which you’re a part of the honorary herd you know, came along and lifted me. Just as you have been doing since I became a member of this community. I can imagine your Dad–just like you. My parents have that same thing! I learned from the best! The organizers are amazing. Each Wednesday afternoon we ZOOM together. Their website is the MOST helpful resource I’ve encountered since my diagnosis (and moreso, the people). Not that I don’t appreciate my doctors and nurses (an expert at the National Cancer Institute will see me in 4-6 months), but it’s the daily “grind” that needs support–you, they, …it’s been given. I can’t help but thank God daily for this gift! Much love and hugs to you, Ginger. Your “sticktoitiveness” has been a blessing to me!
Ooh Ginger, can I have some of that “sticktoittiveness”, it sounds like a blessing dear lady, something that only love can teach 🤣 ❤️ 🙏 ❣️🥰 😎 👍 🤗
Mark, you may have all the “sticktoittiveness” you want. I will even include a ginormous amount of chocolate! Ginger
Sent from my iPad
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Yes, Ginger! We know how Mark loves his chocolate! LOL
Oh yes please dear lady, a little chocolate would indeed be the icing on top 🤣❤️🙏
🤭🤭💓
Beautifully healthful concept and soooo happy it came to happen! Praise God! : ) Love to all who worked hard to implement retreat activities and all who participated, Sue 🙏❤
Thank you, Sue! Oh, Sue…check out my link to John Fitzgerald (drum healing facilitator). You and he would be like bread and butter! Isn’t music just the bomb? I loved making music with my friends–so many great memories just came to me of you, music, kids…aww. Much love my friend! ❤️💕🙏
Inspiring activities and post, Karla! Drum healing is a beautiful experience. 🥰 I am so happy to read that you are enriching your life with these wonderful activities. Bravo you! I learned about the term “zebra” when it comes to those with a rare medical condition with a lady I used to help. ❤️
This is beautiful, Karla. I’m so happy you wrote it! ❤️🦓
Aww, MAK. Thank you so much! You’re a VITAL part of my journey and you inspire me! I’m so happy I did it! Zebra Strong! Or “Dazzle” strong! ❤️ much love from Big Enough and me 💕🐾 🦓
Big love from PLENTY Big Enough (Aka Bear) and STANDARD sized (Teddy) and me. 🐾🐾
I laughed out loud! And then, “awwww-ed”,…oh my heart! 🐾💕🐾💕
❤️
Music is the smile that highlights your words. Love this. Love the logo. Go dazzle the world, you have it in you.
Thank you, Pam. “Music is the smile that highlights your words.” —That’s a perfect melody, my friend. I love it! Thank you for your support, kindness, compliments…it’s overwhelming! You’re part of my dazzle!
You have asked the best questions Karla, “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?” It’s so easy to slip into more “do-ing” instead of “be-ing”. Thankyou for this reminder to recalibrate!
Thank you, my friend. I try asking the right questions. I love feeling unity, I love feeling the connection. I love just “be-ing”! The “do-ing” gets so tiring. You know how it is when we are forced to “do”. Life is just that way. And when we can just “be”…oh the peace! You are so kind; I appreciate you very much! I love your word, recalibrate! Yes! I as thinking after reading study of “slow burn”. I don’t want to use up my miracles and bursts of “being” all in one moment…I want this feeling to be like a slow burn that keeps me going consistently! A burning rhythm? Lol
You dazzle beautifully Karla, giving out that belief within you to share with your herd. A great group that put together something so incredible, it shares that love within itself to all around. Creates those moments and kindness to give courage, hope and much love dear lady. Then you come along 🤣, and dazzle them all 😂. But done beautifully and shared here kind lady, thank you. And big hugs to you and Fin 😀❤️🙏
Mark, I was JUST thinking of you…I need to get to your place! When I feel my dazzle is a frazzle I know you’ll have the words! You are part of my herd with the word! You would have loved the retreat! Can you see Finn and me waving at you across the great pond? We are sending love and hugs!!! 🐾🙋♀️🙋♀️🤗💛🦓🙏
Yayyyy! And received with much gratitude kind lady, from you and Finn. I can imagine, and feel, that the retreat was a resounding success Karla, your energy from it is singing beautifully. Haha, and I love the icons, they sum it all up beautifully 🤣❤️🙏
how wonderful, Karla: a Resilience Retreat; I would love it; I’m all into mindfulness: Buddhist as well — though don’t tell my pastor that 🙂
Thank you, my friend! John, I wonder if there’s a group for you in your area, across our great pond, that meets? It took me a year to “find” this group, although I had used many resources and somehow missed “support” group. I felt this overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit…I think many felt it. I’m sure everyone could share how it touched them individually. It was such a blessing! I pray you are doing well—you are resilient, you know!
I’m so grateful you were able to participate in such a beautiful retreat! Thank you for sharing it with us. Praying for you!
“Complete joy filled every part of me. “ ❤️
Kelley, thank you, my friend. I’m so glad I was able to participate. The timing was great. For many reasons, I’m “requesting” resilience more and more of God. He tells me to use the truth I know and the new strength he provides daily. I know no other way now, my friend. I’m telling everyone thank you for praying. Your prayers mean so much. I don’t take this blessing lightly. For without them, I’m not for sure where I’d be today. Sending you prayers and love too, my sweet friend. 💛🙏
My goodness, what wonderful retreat! Thank you for sharing the event. The triangle is my take-away.
Thank you, Jennie! How awesome! I appreciate you sharing your take-away. I love doodling; I never knew how much I loved it until a few years ago. I found myself really into that project—not perfection on making sure each triangle was a true equilateral, but it became such a visual to place our “tools”. I love visuals, colors…it all became so real. I appreciate you so much, Jennie! Many blessings and hugs, RF 💕🤗
You are welcome, Karla. Best to you! 🙂
💛🥰 and to you!
This sounds awesome and so perfect for you! So glad you got to go and keep dazzling girl!! <3 <3 Love and big, warm hugs!!! <3 <3!
Thank you, Joy! Love and big hugs to you! 🎶💕
Karla – What a revelation this one is ……for months in my prayers for you and Ingrid, i pray for you strength, courage, restoration and resilience (don’t know where that last one came from, but there it is for months) The Lord certainly has been working through all of us of late and I just wanted to share this with you to remind ourselves……we are connected to Him and each other in a most profound way. Love and Blessings, dear one + Mary
Mary, that is so wonderful to hear! I love how God places words and thoughts to find out that those are products of prayer! What a blessing! I’m so glad he is working in you too, Mary. I give him all the credit and glory. I’m so glad, through him and prayers (and here) we have this connection. Love and blessings to you!
My dearest Karla, you dazzle with beauty and resilience! I am so happy that your retreat was filled with encouragement! Yay, for the Happiness Engineer. You are always in my prayers and I love you 🙏🏻♥️🎶🙏🏻
I was up at 4 a.m due to a bad thunderstorm (all is well) and wrote you a long reply. It went into cyberspace and I can’t remember what I said 🤣
I love you, Pam! You always encourage me–and I always feel your love and prayers-from you both! I giggled reading the cyberspace reply–that happens to me! The storms are no giggling matter. We had heavy rain and storms yesterday. And one severe one over a week ago. If they’re here in MO chances are I can expect them to visit you unless they dissipate! I’m so glad to hear all is well! 💛💕🙏💛🌻🦓
Dazzle on, dear friend!
Thank you so much, dear friend! I appreciate you, Mitch!
Karla; Sounds like an absolutely amazing time packed with lots of necessary reflection, creation, and connection. So glad you were able to connect with this “dazzle.” They will help carry you forward.
Russell
Thank you, Russell. It was such an amazing time! “They will help carry you forward”~ I love your words~that is exactly what they’re doing! I hope you are all well, my friend. Thank you for your support. 🙏🏻
Your story is of course dazzling, Karla. I’m so pleased to see your mind and soul carried on the wave of shared music and faith, my friend.
Thank you so much, my friend! Your support and encouragement mean so much, Mark!
This retreat sounds so wonderful, I really could do with this. Have faith ❤️ You always lift me up my friend ❤️❤️❤️
I had a feeling this might be something you’d enjoy, my friend! It makes my heart happy to hear that it lifts you! I hope you feel my hugs and prayers!! ❤️❤️
I am so grateful for your replenishment, Karla! And I love how deeply you immerse yourself in whatever process/circumstance you find yourself to be. You are a true witness of living an authentic life and the fullness of living. Bravo, girl! Bravo!! Huge hugs😘
This is such a humbling and thoughtful response, sister. It touches my heart ❤️ authenticity is so important to me~vulnerability it’s partner, which is sometimes hard! I do hope and pray to keep living abundantly! I’ve watched you live this way and you’re an inspiration to me (you should know that!)Your prayers are making a difference, too! Thank you for cheering me on~your support is so strong and appreciated! Much love!💕🙏🏻 to you and yours!
I rejoice you were blessed little sister. Being present is a wonderful practice. I often think about how God identifies himself to Moses- I AM. God is eternally in the present.
I AM. It’s so beautiful, brother! Thank you so much. I love being completely enveloped in HIS Spirit! Many blessings and prayers!
Karla I have no idea how I missed this post!! I’m dazzled! This retreat sounds like it was wonderful – makes me wish I could attend one like it! <3
Thank you, Val! It was such a great experience. Yes, you would love it!💕❤️ thank you, my friend! Much love!