So much behind the crises of this world is our clinging to our identity. We try so hard to “find” ourselves, yet there is a person inside us who has never been lost. It is the essence of us that is inherently good because it’s not defined by roles, identities, or boundaries.

Your world is heavily influenced by what you pay attention to. If you tend to media that tell you the world is terrible and wrong, then you will see the world that way, and continue to select media that confirm your belief. But if you balance that media with something soothing (such as this podcast ;)), you’ll see the world much differently. Or if you turn off all media and simply look around you, you can rest in the simplicity that everything is as it should be. It doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done, but you recognize what can be done just in this moment with what’s in front of you.

When life turns chaotic, our rituals and routines help ground us. They can bring calm to the storm. It’s important, though, to reevaluate our routines to ensure they continue to be life-giving rather than limiting. Equally important is to incorporate more of them when our life might not seem to be going in circles.

How many times a day do you come across messages that say, “You need…”? Billions of dollars are made each moment by preying on your feelings of inadequacy. Images and videos portray those who have something you don’t, and it makes you feel as if who you are isn’t enough. But no sensory pleasure will satisfy. A healthy inner life is what matters. It can’t be achieved in an instant.

So much discourse is wasted on complaining. We want to tell others how the “other” has hurt us. We wallow in our suffering rather than allowing it to transform us into something new. The book, The Deepest Peace, by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel is a POWERFUL book that challenges us to see peace in spite of the violence.

It’s funny how so many Christians fear meditation because of what someone else told them. Do they not trust that the Holy Spirit can discern? In a world where so many ache to experience the divine, perhaps we need to remind Christians (and others) of the LONG history of Christians who meditate.

Although there are too many conspiracy theories that cultivate mistrust in institutions, it’s important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism about what you personally know and believe. Even scientists are challenging their theories to forward their understanding of phenomena. When someone presents an alternative explanation for what is known, look at their evidence AND your evidence. Always keep an open mind and stay open to change, but trust scientific consensus and logic when you don’t have the evidence.

What would happen if The Beatles never existed? The movie “Yesterday” poses this question. The music of The Beatles still lives strong today. The song “Let It Be” gives a kind message of hope for those who struggle. Sometimes the simplest message is the right one.

Any time we catch ourselves at a moment of unconscious or even malevolent thought, we can pause and speak words to ourselves that change direction. Even you don’t find time to meditate, take these phrases with you to practice mini-meditation sessions throughout the day. You might find meditation comes more easily when you find a moment to pause.

You might have heard this quote from Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a wise perspective when our lives seem muddy or chaotic. Most things in nature must endure struggle in order to see the light. Why do we believe we are different?