It pains me to see so few role models these days. Some role models might be entrepreneurs, only to find out later how they cheated others to be successful. Social media influencers try to dazzle us with their tricks and hacks while they hide their empty lives behind a facade. There are even fewer moral or ethical role models because they don’t want to market morality. I like to read about the lives of the saints, because even if my life isn’t like theirs, I can aspire to have faith like theirs.

When our lives are riddled with chaos, we can take a few moments and look around. There is peace when you can be mindful of something beautiful around you. Even if you’re surrounded by too much chaos, close your eyes and imagine a moment where you can feel at peace. And create moments for yourself by stepping away from the chaos and savoring something beautiful.

Many people no longer attend church because they no longer “feel” anything. But you can experience God in the everyday if you open up space for God to dwell. It’s about making an intentional effort to turn away from the distractions and temptations of the world for a few moments a day to draw within. Through patience and time, eventually you’ll hear the still, soft voice of God.

We can easily become consumed with fear and helplessness. These can blind our ability to see the gifts of the present moment. When we take a moment, open ourselves to a moment of joy, that moment can fill us with enough strength to endure the trials of that day.

Spirituality means different things to different people, but it recognizes that’s there’s much more to our physical existence than what appears. Spirituality puts all of us on a level playing field, which is why many people are spiritual but not religious. On an individual level, spirituality is what holds you together when your world seems to be crashing down around you. If you like this episode, why not share it? How far can you spread the word that we all need a little more spirituality?

Every once in a while, take a moment to do something that makes you feel giddy. Whether it’s swinging on a swing set or bobbing up and down in a swimming pool, we still have that inner child that loves to play. Losing ourselves in this giddiness can be good for the soul.

Depression can get you stuck in a perpetual loop of negativity. While you are healthy, every once in a while, take a moment and notice something different. Notice something that’s new or changing. If we train our minds to continually look for something new, we’re practicing mindfulness. That’s one tool to help keep our minds healthy.

We know everything in our 30s, don’t we? It’s when we reach our 40s and 50s that many of our illusions and insecurities drop and we’re left vulnerable to deal with those issues we pushed under the bed. Our world seemingly falls apart. It’s a call for renovation, remodeling, reconciliation. Sometimes it’s building our lives on a more firm foundation.

Brain scans of Tibetan monks and Franciscan nuns show that a part of the brain goes quiet during deep stages of meditation and prayer. But it doesn’t happen quickly to a majority of us because our minds are so preoccupied with the outside world. We also don’t train our bodies to allow us to sit attentively. We’re all unique, and we can find suitable ways to prepare our minds and bodies for meditation and prayer. I have several methods that work for me according to what’s going on in my life on the outside.

Fear can cripple us. Fear can keep us locked in a cage and prevent us from abundance. God has the power to cast out fear. We might not be aware of His presence at every moment, but if we can remain strong in our faith, we can boldly face our fears. By the way, the obnoxious birds attacking my feeder are grackles. I suppose God loves them, too.