“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell you r way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments and life itself is grace.”

~ Frederick Buechner, Listening to Your Life

There is much being written today about body, mind and spirit – and how important it is to see ourselves and each other as whole individuals. To begin any kind of change in thinking or in lifestyle, adopting new concepts and ways of living, requires us to start where we are – taking stock of the places of possibility or discontent. Begin to look at the inner and outer elements that make up “where you are” right now in your life and “take your pulse”, allowing awareness and acceptance to be your guide as you embrace the past, present and future aspects of where you are today.

Let the following simple overview serve as a quick glance, an instant reminder of the balancing points for a life of wholeness and connection. Feel free to alter the words or to add or subtract points of focus, until this overview fits you.

Strong Body: A healthy lifestyle including:

• Nourishment
• Exercise and strength training
• Yoga

Peaceful Mind: An expansive perspective including:

• Acceptance
• Openness
• Elegant thinking

Loving Heart: A way of being including:

• Living from your heart
• Gratitude
• Compassion and forgiveness

Serene Spirit: Life as a spiritual journey including:

• Daily meditation
• Time in solitude and nature
• Step through the doorway to eternal peace

“Just become quiet, still, and solitary, and the world will offer itself to you to be unmasked; it has no choice. It will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”

~Franz Kafka