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March 19, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
COMMUNITY
Catholic Cemeteries: Taking a Moment to Reassess Balance in Your Life
By Candee Lucas,
Catholic Cemeteries-DSJ
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people,
holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
As Christians, we are called to
work with and assist others in many
aspects of their lives, as well as our
own. It is incumbent on us all to be
our best selves so we can give the best
of that self to the works we are called
to do. In the midst of everyday life, it
is often diffi
cult to fi nd time to do this.
You might schedule a time: perhaps
early morning and do a check-in to
see where you are and assess if you
need some extra attention before you
give that to others. Practice self-com-
passion and be realistic about what
you can and cannot achieve within
the time frame you have. Be tender
with yourself.
Start by listening to messages you
give your body. Take a moment to
pay attention now. Where are stress-
ors? Tightness? Pain? Stiff ness? Joint
aches? Discomfort? Pain in the neck?
Our physical selves can often give us
great insights into our interior dis-
tress. What might the message be?
We should strive to make balance
an integral part of our personal and
professional lives. Imbalance is an
inevitable part of life, but like any
experience, imbalance can be a means
to help one grow spiritually. In this
context, God can be seen as partner.
We can begin to address imbalances
by doing some self-refl ection.
Ask the Right Questions
• What gives your life meaning?
• Where do you fi nd joy; fulfi ll-
ment?
• Where do you turn in times of
stress or disappointment?
• What gives you a sense of peace
and serenity?
• What helps you cope with bore-
dom and daily living?
• What do you do in your leisure
time?
Live a Hopeful Life
• Meditation/Yoga
• Daily Journaling/Gratitude
Journal
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Reconnect with Nature
Physical Activity
Music
Conversations with God
Create the Grace of Empathy
• Allow God’s grace to give you
self-compassion
• Share your experiences with a
trusted listener.
• Trust that God has given you or
will provide you with the tools
you need.
Address Your Spiritual Needs
• Remember you are loved by
God, valued as a person with
past, present and future
• Believe you are exactly what
God had in mind when God
made you.
• Attend Spiritual Retreat
• Address inner questions; who
am I? What have I become? Who
do I want to be?
Try these 12 paths of PERSONAL
BALANCE
• Explore hobbies (gardening,
reading, crafts, carpentry, travel)
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Plan Exercise/Healthy meals/
Sleep
Use Time Management
Forgive yourself and others
Foster healthy relationships
Practice letting go of worry
Be mindful
Breathe
Learn to say “NO”
Follow your heart
Express gratitude
Practice Prayer
Remember what Mother Teresa told
us: “Not all of us can do great things.
But we can do small things with great
love.” When we create balance our own
lives we can better attend to who are
in need.
Catholic Cemeteries is here to walk
with you before, during and after the
death of a loved one. Whether you are
caring for a loved one, experiencing a life
changing event or just need resources,
we are here for you. Contact us at
(650) 549-6056 or [email protected].
NEW PATHS FOR HEALING
A DIVERSE RETREAT FOR THOSE GRIEVING A LOSS
Traveling through Lent with personal grief can be diffcult. Catholic
Cemeteries is here to help bridge the gap before, during and after the
death of a loved one. Join us for a day of reflection encountering the
presence of God in your daily life in the midst of grieving. The day will
include prayer, reflection, opportunities to share and hands-on activities
to explore the ways in which grief and God color our lives.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 – 9:3O AM TO 3:00 PM
St. Mary of Immaculate Conception - Hofmann Center
219 Bean Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030
Morning hospitality and lunch provided | Cost: $15 per person
RSVP* TODAY, CALL 408-342-1517 OR EMAIL [email protected]
*Space is limited, RSVP is required by April 2nd.
Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of San Jose bridges the gap before, during
and after the death of a loved one. Honoring a life legacy by providing hope
and compassion, peace of mind, and financial stewardship in a beautiful resting
place. Let us assist you in protecting your loved ones and your legacy.