The Valley Catholic March 19, 2019 | Page 6

6 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 • • • • 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) • • • • • • • • • • • 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.