Times are Changing

 Fall Reminders 

• In August we are finishing up the theme Love and the Law
• September we will turn our focus to the purpose and meaning of leading a life with meaning 
• Oct 26th Costume Parade and Teen Bake Sale     

Wear your costume to Center and join a costumes parade! Adults are welcome to dress up as well to join the fun! Please, no scary or violent costumes and no pretend weapons. Our littlest friends are still new here and are not to be left our of our hearts. 

 

The Sacred Rhythm of Now 

I am constantly reminded in the fall about the renewal process. There is a cycle, we are all part of it. The only constant is that things will change. This year couldn't be any different. In fact, I find myself longing for the turn of the wheel. Do you ever feel that way? "Can't wait for xyz to finally be finished so we can get on to abc!"But lately, I'm trying to notice when I slip into that mode of living for the next thing. Always looking ahead, waiting for change, chasing the next chapter. (AH, I cant wait until you're potty trained or when you don't need my help with all this homework).And in doing that, I sometimes miss what's right here. 

Fall has a way of pulling me back. The crunch of the leaves underfoot, the crisp air, the slow down- it's natures invitation to return to presence.  In Science of Mind, we recognize that life is always unfolding perfectly, in harmony with divine intelligence. Each season reflects a sacred rhythm, a reminder that Spirit is always expressing itself though every part of life- nothing is out of place. Everything is part of a divine cycle of becoming.  As a parent, that call to mindfulness feels even more urgent. Our kids are always growing, changing- just like the seasons. One minute they're slamming doors and the next asking for car keys. And I don't want to miss the now because I'm too busy wishing for the next. 

So this season, I am reminding myself to pause. To notice they way the light shifts in the afternoon. To actually hear the stories my child is telling me, even if they ramble. To breathe deeply before I respond. To remember that mindfulness is not just a practice but an invitation to be my best self. It's how I attune to the Infinite in my daily life.

 To be here, fully. Even in the mess, even in the mundane. Because this-just like the leaves turning , is a part of the cycle too.  And the more I return to presence, the more I remember: I am already aligned with One Mind, the One Life, the One Love. 

As always, I can't wait to see your children on Sunday during the second service. Feel free to reach out if you need anything in between. 

Have a peaceful day,

Jennifer Caldwell

Meditation

Find a quiet space, or simply pause where you are. You don't need silence, you just need a moment. 

Begin by breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose....and let it go slowly through you mouth. Again, inhale deeply, and fully exhale. 

Let your shoulders soften. Let your jaw unclench. Let you hands relax in your lap or at your sides.

Let yourself arrive. Right here, right now. There is nowhere else you need to be in this moment. Nothing else you need to do. Just this breath. Just this presence.

Now, gently bring your awareness to your body. Notice the ground beneath you supporting you. Feel your feet rooted, connected. Feel your chest rise and fall with each breath. This is your anchor, your breath, your body, your now.

As a parent, your days are often filled with noise, movement, and giving. So many moments pulled in different directions, so many tasks, so many voices, so much love.  But even in the whirlwind, you have the power to return to yourself, to presence, to peace.

Now, bring to mind you child(ren). See their face just as they are, No need to fix, no need to plan. Just see them. Love them. Be with them in your heart. ( Tell them: I am here for you. For you. For me. For this moment.)

Now turn inward once more. Say outloud: I return to presence. I trust the rhythm of this season. I meet myself with compassion, I meet my child with love, I am founded, I am guided, I am enough. 

Breathe that in. Let it settle. Let it be.

When you're ready, slowly begin to return. Wiggles your finger sand toes. Stretch gently if you ened. An take one more deep, nourishing breath. Carry this stillness with you- not as something perfect, but as something perfect. a breath away. Always.