When I saw this cartoon, as I believe many of you will experience, I felt a tinge of humor immediately followed by the reality and the desperate fear of what we are allowing to happen all around us, not because we don't want to do something. We often are frozen in place, feeling the enormity of the issues and not knowing what to do or how to even protect ourselves from the forms of negativity and power gone crazy all around us. That being said, I would like to share some thoughts that I have been pondering for my personal self care in these challenging days. I am a musician and a spiritual coach, a healer called to inspire souls out of the depths into possibility. The question, of course, is how to stay in a positive place myself so that I can be a source of grounding and inspiration for others. I believe that one way is through sound vibration, specifically music. Think about music that lifts you when you are down, quiets your breathing when you feel afraid, helps you to relax, perhaps even to sleep. Some say that the classics are the best for these stressful days. I enjoy a number of genres: some classical, some favorite hymns that hold me in divine love or cosmic embrace. Sometimes I like to chant a mantra over and over, even move my body and/or dance to the vibrations and beat of the music. Sometimes, I create my own. I invite you to find music that soothes and uplifts and keep it playing softly in the background during the day. You don't even need to pay specific attention to it. Your unconscious will take it in, even when you are not conscious of it. Allow your Soul this soothing "tonic" to heal all that you find difficult. This may take a few days - just keep doing it until you notice that you are experiencing a new sense of calm and centeredness and grounding! Be the Blessing that you seek. for others.

Rev. Dr. Carol P Vaccariello
Pastor: HeartSpace Spiritual Community (89Hartford UCC)
Elder: Creation Spirituality Communities
Contact: 330-242-3811  snowswan12@gmail.com
Author:The Lion of God: Archangel Ari’El…Personal Encounters
Inspirational Speaker/Storyteller, Spiritual Coach and Life Pilgrim
Erie Benedictine Oblate