National Week of Prayer
Let us pray for God’s protection on this very difficult times.
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU!
The whole world should be praying this now I got all choked up as I prayed it.
Let’s bow our heads and pray:
Eternal Father, You made the whole world stop spinning for awhile.
You silenced the noise that we all have created
You made us bend our knees again and ask for a miracle.
You closed Your churches so we will realize how dark our world without You in it.
You humble the proud and powerful.
The economy is crashing, businesses are closing.
We were very proud, we thought that everything
we have, everything we possess was the result of
our hardwork.
We have forgotten that it was always Your grace and mercy that made us who we are.
We’re like running in circles looking for some cure to this disease but in fact it takes humility to ask for Your wisdom.
We’ve been living our lives like we will be here on earth forever, like there’s no heaven.
Maybe these trials are Your mercy in disguise.
Maybe this virus is actually Your way of purifying us,
cleansing our soul, bringing us back to YOU.
.. In the past you serenaded us with Hosea’s song:
“Come back to me with all your heart.
Don't let fear keep us apart
Trees do bend though straight and tall.
So must we to others' call
Long have I waited for
Your coming home to me
And living deeply our new lives”.
You have been patiently waiting for us. We’re so sorry for ignoring Your voice. For our selfish ways. We all deserve this.
We have forgotten You Dear Father. π
.. We’ve forgotten that You are GOD . You only need to say the words and our souls shall be healed.
πππPrayer for allππ
Judy Asuncion Canada Correspondent
Kris Carr
How to Quickly Adapt to Working from Home
These practices have been essential for cultivating my balanced work-from-home life. I hope they help you stay happy and productive, whether you’re working from home or just staying home more than usual. And it doesn’t end when you go back to the office—you can keep using these ideas to improve your work/life balance, no matter where you are!
1. Create a consistent schedule with start-up and wind-down times.
Establishing start and stop times for your work day helps you maintain boundaries. I encourage you to try this out, even if you normally keep a flexible schedule! Your day is no longer bookended by getting to and leaving the office, so this gives you back that definition. Plus, establishing routines can provide a sense of normalcy in uncertain times.
Take it a step further by creating start-up and wind-down rituals. That means that the first hour of your day is dedicated to getting grounded and set up for success with the work ahead—and the last hour is dedicated to wrapping up that work so that you can “clock out” on time. My team and I started doing this recently and it has been a game changer!
2. Set clear objectives for each day.
This might be something you do during your start-up ritual! Pick two or three top priorities and keep them visible all day long. (I write mine in my Results Journal, but do whatever works for you!) Whenever possible, batch activities like meetings, inbox time, etc. together on your calendar. That way, you’ll have long periods of dedicated focus to work toward your top objectives.
3. When it comes to hygiene, act like you’re going to leave the house.
Take a shower, put on clothes… you know the drill! I’m not saying you have to do full hair and makeup—if yoga pants are your jam, go for it. But good hygiene is part of taking care of yourself and maintaining your routine. Plus, it can make you feel more centered and motivated.
4. Establish a dedicated workspace.
All of a sudden, work is home and home is work. Whaaat? When the two share a space, it can be pretty hard to maintain boundaries. Don’t worry if you don’t have an office, just be intentional about creating separate spaces for work and the rest of your life (aka don’t work in your bed!). Also, tidy up your space. Chaos in your workspace creates chaos in your mind.
5. Take real breaks.
When you go to the office, you automatically get a little fresh air and movement, even if it’s just walking from your front door to the car. You’re also more likely to walk to meetings and water cooler chats throughout the day. Fear not if you feel a bit stagnant or sluggish when you first start working from home—it’s totally fixable.
The key is to take real, mindful breaks. Take a few minutes for deep breathing in the morning or for stretching in the afternoon. Avoid the eat-at-your-desk trap and give yourself recess! Eat lunch outside if you can or do a quick yoga session in your living room. Just make simple self-care breaks a part of your day.
Need a dose of calm on your break? Grab my free Instant Stress Reduction guided meditation below!
6. Connect virtually.
If you’re new to working from home, you might feel disconnected at first. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to connect virtually. Have video meetings whenever you can using a tool like Zoom. Use Slack to check-in with your coworkers about work-related topics as well as fun stuff like photos of your at-home workspace and wins for the day. Just don’t keep chat notifications on all day. I’ve been there and it’s a recipe for getting nothing done!
7. Have kids? Read this.
I know that many of you aren’t just dealing with a surprise work-from-home scenario. You’re dealing with a whole new paradigm of parenting during the day, too. (You deserve a medal for this, by the way!) Trying to work while your kids are home can be really tough—and that’s especially true if you’re suddenly having to homeschool them. One of my amazing colleagues is a pro in this department (she homeschools and works from home on the reg!), so I asked her for a few tips…
Keep a routine, but it doesn’t have to be rigid. Set clear boundaries between school and play time, and make sure everyone knows what to expect.
Plan for together AND alone time each day so you can all stay connected while still having your space.
Make a list of activities to choose from and get your kids’ input. If they’re bored during free time, they’ll have a resource to go to.
Be gentle with yourself and seek support. If your partner is home, work out a schedule to trade shifts with the kids. Lean on your loved ones and fellow parents, too. They can’t be with you in person right now, but they can still be there for you from afar. (There may even be a loving aunt or grandparent who’d love to read your child a story on Facetime if you need a quick break.)
These are just a few of the ideas my friend shared to help those working from home with kids. Would you be interested in a blog post dedicated to this topic? Let me know in the comments!
And here’s my final tip…
Remember, you are a whole person who is likely going through a lot of stress right now. Please be kind to yourself. There aren’t hard and fast dividing lines between the many roles in your life. You’re a friend, parent, employee, boss, lover, artist, patient, thriver… all of these beautiful parts of you are intertwined. Try seeing this as an opportunity to explore those connections and to plug into the activities that give you energy and comfort. With a few simple boundaries, working from home can be a powerful way to bring all the parts of yourself together.
And as you adapt to this new reality, spread kindness around to those who can’t work from home. From medical and emergency workers, to the hospitality industry, to those who are keeping our supply chains running (farmers, factory workers, truck drivers, etc.)—many are braving traditional work climates because remote work isn’t an option. Recognize those who may be losing income or risking their safety to help others—and look for ways to help them in return. They’re looking out for us, so let’s make sure we have their backs, too!
Your turn: Are you working from home right now? If so, how’s it going? And if you have tips to share, please do!
Peace & boundaries,
P.S. Reduce stress in just a few minutes a day!
Beautiful poem that is calming at this time
The Daily Positive <teampositive@thedailypositive.com>
"And the people stayed home.
And read books, and listened,
and rested, and exercised,
and made art, and played games,
and learned new ways of being,
and were still.
And listened more deeply.
Some meditated, some prayed, some danced.
Some met their shadows.
And the people began to think differently.
And the people healed.
And, in the absence of people living in
ignorant, dangerous, mindless,
and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed,
and the people joined together again,
they grieved their losses,
and made new choices,
and dreamed new images,
and created new ways to
live and heal the earth fully,
as they had been healed."
- by Kitty O'Meara
We have a lot of time to reflect during these strange days of solitude and isolation don’t we?… It’s the perfect time to meditate! … Meditate on the Word of God!
The lyrics to this beautiful song “Back To God” is a gentle reminder that WE have more power than we think. We’ve got to get on our knees and believe! plead! and pray! Together we will get through these days*
Here’s your Instant Stress Reduction meditation track, dear one!
Even if you’ve never meditated before, just a few minutes a day can help reduce any stress or anxiety you may be carrying in your heart. Take a seat somewhere comfy and press play…
To get the most out of nature, it’s not enough just to go for a hike. For the most healing effect, here’s what you have to do: when you first enter a wooded area, whether a city park or your own property, call upon the Angel of Trees. Then take a moment to acknowledge the peaceful environment, especially all the trees that rise up around you.
Turn your mind to their root systems. Think about the minerals and water they’re drawing from deep within the earth, up through their trunks, up through their branches. As you let yourself feel surrounded by this deep earth energy, envision roots growing out of your feet and into the Earthly Mother’s soil.
When you intuitively feel it’s time to end this glorious grounding experience, imagine that you’re leaving roots protected and preserved in the earth as you break free and walk away. These roots remain a part of you. Wherever you are, transcending all time and space, you can draw healing energy from their spot in the ground.
This is the most powerful grounding treatment available. It will fortify every aspect of your being. It will reinforce your will to survive, invigorate your spirit to receive positivity and ward off negativity, and create a strengthening frequency for body and soul. It will prepare you to free yourself from fear and live life at its best.
“
Neil Diamond has joined in to spread the word that we all need to Wash Our Hands. He did it in a special way – he took one of his most iconic songs and changed the lyrics!
Sweet Caroline is a song we’ve all had fun with … “So Good! So Good! So Good!” … he wrote this new version as a lyrical message to help us all remember to do our part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Hopefully soon – we’ll be singing once again; Good Times Never Seemed So Good
Love isn't cancelled
Music isn't cancelled
Dancing isn't cancelled
Profiles isn't cancelled
Meditating isn't cancelled
Dreaming isn't cancelled
Self care isn't cancelled
Having fun isn't cancelled
Reading isn't cancelled
Do we worship the same God ?
Our First Virtual Campfire βΊοΈπ₯
True HQ <Yes@true.ink>
Dear Good People,
The origins of storytelling - if not culture itself - started with campfires. In ancient times, nomadic hunters learned to control fire, extending their days and providing an opportunity to share stories, history and experiences.
These early fireside rituals, anthropologists have found, were also useful narrative equalizers. Sitting around in circles and calmed by the tranquil glow of the embers, the wayfarers had the space and moment to speak their piece.
In these rocky times, we’re thrilled to announce our first ever Campfire Series, a weekly gathering for the True community to return to the roots of storytelling and take their seat around around our virtual fire pit, share a tale, tell a joke, or simply say howdy.
The series will be hosted by Geoffrey Gray, True’s founder and Times bestselling author, along with Melissa Curtiss, our community leader and Challenge dynamo.
“Bring your instrument, libation of choice and join us around the fire,” said Gray. “One of the best parts of a campfire is you never know who might show up.”
“This is a time for us all to come together,” said Curtiss. “We’re all feeling cooped up these days, and consider this a chance to escape the madness and have some fun.”
The Basics: We’re planning these Campfire hangouts to take place every Wednesday night at 9pm EST over the next month. We’ll be inviting surprise guests as well as old friends and feel free to do the same. You can find the link to join below - the gathering will happen via video call. A good Wifi connection helps, along with cozy flannels, a well-tuned ukulele, and a colorful tale. S’mores BYOB.
.
:
ξ₯
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION:
WHAT MADE CALIGULA DIFFERENT?
Monday, March 2, 2020
HISTORY: The authoritarian who stood out
PHOTOGRAPH BY DAGLI ORTI/ART ARCHIVE
By Debra Adams Simmons, HISTORY Executive Editor
Everybody is talking about authoritarian leaders these days.
But no one was quite like Caligula.
Although he ruled only four years, the Roman emperor left a mark, Nat Geo’s History magazine reports. He taxed. He extorted. He confiscated. He humiliated. He spread fear and chaos, and nothing exceeded like his excess.
“Remember that I have the right to do anything to anybody,” the biographer Suetonius quoted him as saying.
What made Caligula stand out was his outrageousness. He openly squired the wives of Roman senators. He gave his favorite horse a marble stall, an ivory manger, a jeweled collar, and even a house, (Fact check: There is no evidence that Caligula appointed the horse a Roman consul.)
Consequently, enemies abounded. Plots thickened. When the all-powerful emperor met a swift end, did an emboldened Rome return to a more representative republic? Alas, the army moved in, and picked another emperor.
Globalization and Resilience: Responding to the Pandemic
As COVID-19 spreads and stresses healthcare infrastructure around the world, governments and civil society are racing to slow the pandemic by distancing people from one another. Meanwhile, in the United States and in other developed countries, there is a rising chorus of voices who argue that we must deglobalize, dismantle international supply chains, reduce international trade and travel, and close our borders to the world.
This is a tempting conclusion, and it is by now obvious that reducing travel and other forms of contact is key to blunting the immediate impact of the ongoing pandemic. But what was true before coronavirus will still be true afterward: Wealth comes from communication, collaboration and competition. Security comes from cooperation that limits the scope for conflict.
The approach to globalization promoted by the United States over the past 70 years operationalized this insight by freeing markets for goods and services from government interference, opening greater scope for individuals to decide for themselves what to buy and where to travel and even, within tighter limits, where to live and work. This flowering of human freedom led to the greatest reduction in poverty and the greatest decline in interstate conflict in human history.
The danger of a pandemic did not arise because of globalization. Pandemics have appeared periodically throughout history. Deglobalizing will not protect us from pandemics in the future. On the contrary, we will ultimately come to see that global cooperation is key to responding successfully to pandemics.
First, because globalization is the source of the wealth that enables us to ensure the availability of healthcare, temporary lodging, emergency response, quarantine facilities, and all the other myriad tools required.
Second, because international cooperation, when properly used, can enable us to see a pandemic emerge, study its causes and its course, and slow its spread and treat its victims. The case of coronavirus is a good example of poor cooperation leading to a more acute crisis.
Third, because the innovation that globalization promotes enables us to produce the vaccines that will inoculate against the virus.
Finally, because the networks of globalization -- industrial supply chains, social media, transportation and communication systems that create numerous alternative pathways between any two points -- are more resilient than any less densely woven system. They can bounce back from shocks more flexibly.
Of course, there is a sense in which globalization shares responsibility for the coronavirus pandemic. The wealth created by globalization, which has lifted billions out of poverty and into the middle class, also enables more people to travel more widely, and they contract and carry infections with them. International cooperation doesn’t always work, and national governments don’t always heed advice from international experts. Innovation has also accelerated in biological terms, such that “novel” viruses appear more frequently. And those resilient networks also multiply the pathways by which disease can spread.
These are among the downsides of globalization, which also include climate change and structural changes to our economy. All of these have been gathering pace in the past 10 years, dislocating industries and jobs so rapidly that people and communities can’t adapt. Too many people feel not just left behind, but betrayed. The result has been a political backlash that increasingly threatens the prosperity and security that globalization has brought. The current crisis appears to be strengthening this backlash, as more and more leaders in the United States and Europe call to bring manufacturing back home and put the brakes on immigration, whatever the cost.
These are potentially dangerous developments. “Make it here at home” has a nice ring to it, but we must have no illusions: Restricting trade and using taxes, tariffs and subsidies to manipulate the market can only be done by dramatically reducing freedom. That path leads to poverty.
Obviously, in the ongoing crisis, our top priority must be the health and safety of our families, our neighbors, and our national community. We must be prepared to do what it takes to “flatten the curve” of infection, and to spend what it takes to prevent economic collapse. But when the crisis is over, and we have defeated the virus and people are back at work and we are all able to go out for dinner again, we must be ready to come together around a new strategy for globalization that secures its benefits and cures its ills. It will take American leadership and political will, but we know what needs to be done and have successfully met greater challenges in the past.
Matthew Rooney is Managing Director of the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative. The views expressed are the author's own.
We Will Defeat This Virus Together
March 16, 2020
Last week, President Trump declared a national emergency to battle the spread of COVID-19 throughout America. During this time, our top priority is to ensure our citizens are safe and healthy. The administration has established coronavirus.gov to better inform how to best prepare for the virus, and Congress has taken action to tackle the health and economic issues that lie ahead.
Our bipartisan coronavirus supplemental package puts American families and workers first. That means free COVID-19 testing and paid sick leave. This legislation also includes paid emergency leave throughout this crisis while also giving America's small businesses the flexibility they need to keep millions of Americans employed during this outbreak.
COVID-19 represents a trial like few others in our history, but America has met every challenge it has ever faced. When President Kennedy visited NASA, he asked a janitor what his job was. "To put a man on the moon," he told the President.
That is the same spirit that unites all Americans in this moment.
It doesn't matter if you are a public servant, a healthcare professional, or restocking store shelves, our case is clear: we will defeat this virus together.
Friends,
In recent weeks, the coronavirus outbreak has had a profound impact on countries around the world—and, increasingly, here in the United States.
In light of measures being taken to contain the outbreak and avoid further illness, many of us may be hesitant to leave our homes. In many areas, Mass and other church services may not be available.
It is at this exact moment that our faith is most needed.
In an effort to continue the practice of our faith in these trying times, I would like to invite you to join us online for daily Mass.
Beginning today, Tuesday, March 17, Word on Fire will be offering daily Mass for the foreseeable future.
If you cannot attend Mass or join us online, I encourage you to read the Gospels, pray with your families, and join yourself to the Eucharist—the source and summit of our Catholic faith—by making an act of spiritual communion like the one recommended by Archbishop Gomez: "I wish, my Lord, to receive you with the purity, humility, and devotion with which your most holy Mother received you, with the spirit and fervor of the saints."
And please continue to pray for all those affected by the coronavirus.
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Kris Carr
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