Committed to helping you create a life of miraculous self-compassion and divine creativity, enabling you to connect your unique gifts with the world's great need.

Greetings Lifelong Learners,

It's been a wild two weeks – I had one of the best weeks ever weeks ago, rewrote the new book and felt like I'd finally "got it" and was just all around feeling great. Then this past week, realized the beginning of the book needed more work, all my art work sucked, I wanted to rest but had to rewrite, and by far the worst of all, Dad took a tumble and cut his head open, due to his tanked red blood cells. Luckily, it happened in the hospital and so stitches and a blood transfusion were readily available. I couldn't get back over to Seattle because some drunk guy had the ferries stopped – he had fireworks in his car and wouldn't get off the ferry, locked his doors, flipped off the police, and took a big swig from a half gallon of rum. Island life! Actually, life! What I saw, again, was the more I struggled or demanded things me different, the more I suffered. No struggle and so much suffering disappears.

Be Well,

P.S. Even though the Inner Organizer is based on the calendar -- and yes, the year is half over (can you believe it?!) but, it's SOOO much more than a calendar...it truly is an engagement calendar with your soul. Click here to scoop up your copy.

Self-Care Minder
Practically Perfect

Sometimes doing something practical is just what we need -- especially with sick dads and books that refuse to make sense. The bigger issues in life can take up all our our energy and then everything else gets really messy -- the layers of dried mud and gum wrappers in the car, the pile of scarves and camisoles on the closet floor I dumped there two weeks ago, the black circles on the bathroom wall from Lilly kicking her soccer ball while on the toilet.

Whenever I either am close to finishing a big project or stressed about something I can't do anything about, one of the ways I direct my energy that feels nourishing (rather than an avoidance of feeling or a shadow comfort) is to revel in the beauty in everyday things by focusing on the meditative aspects of organizing and cleaning. I like to pick one or two things about my daily life which are not working – the underwear drawer that won't easily close or the lack of a regular place to store the dog leash and poop bags or the swamp of old cleaning supplies under the sink. Research tells us that little things working well can actually bring more happiness than having millions in the bank -- after our basic needs are met, of course. You might sew on lost buttons, throw away old make-up, or take down beloved books and wipe them with a damp cloth. Or you might dig out a cookbook and follow a recipe you've never used or even write a sincere "I'm thinking of you" note and mail it (I adore getting real mail!). I also find it deeply satisfying to share what I no longer need or use -- books, clothes, even furniture.

Take a quick inventory of what you've been meaning to get around to and commit to three small projects with gusto. Do it with a friend if you hate to do it alone or listen to a book -- Audible.com and my I-pod make walking the dog, doing the dishes, and cleaning the studio very enjoyable. Reward yourself afterwards by throwing a lemonade tea party with fun hats and chocolate cream pie or take a picnic to an unexplored place or take a nap in your organized living room. It's so rejuvenating to maintain, appreciate, and savor your world -- it gives me new appreciation and a sense of foundation for my life, and makes it easier to rest after a project. I think of this cleaning and organizing time as a mindful transition into the lull or restfulness I always feel after finishing a big project.

And if you are someone who has trouble resting, make a pro and con list of the benefits of resting in a hammock, on a blanket on the grass, or in a chaise by the pool. Make a little experiment of noticing what happens when you give yourself a true weekend off without shoehorning in any bill paying, errand running, or obligatory social events. Do you feel different on Monday or whenever your weekend ends? Do you have more energy, more ideas, more inner freedom?

Write and tell me what you do for transitions or how you feel about rest -- I'd love to hear. jen@jenniferlouden.com

Comfort Wishes
Lower the blinds partway
Against the bright sun
turn back the sheets
the pillow is cool
beneath your head
A spiritual catnap
A soul siesta
The heart's needs to idle to catch up
With the rest of your life
Become one with the breath, the moment, the nap
The sacred pauseWe don't have enough fun in our lives. Fun's the pinch of salt that brings out the flavor, the backbeat that gives the song its rhythm. You don't HAVE to have fun ... but life is better when you do. The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun is a short internet movie that's been seen by 50,000 people in 125 countries around the world. Join them and take a look.