Turning inward, we must make space for sorrow and acknowledge the spiritual warfare that surrounds us in our daily lives. We must seek clarity over confusion and intentionally put on the armor of love to protect our minds, our hearts and our relationships. 

During times of chaos, I especially look for clear, more simplistic ways of understanding. I have recently discovered Byron Katie’s, The Work, (2003)  which lays out a framework for seeing the world as it is and focuses our attention on our thoughts and actions, and not those of others. 

Katie outlines that humans can only be in one of three places with their thoughts: in your own business, in someone else’s business or in God’s business. 

I’ll admit, the word “No” has a bad rap. It carries a lot of negative baggage. Our first encounters with it go back to early childhood when we are learning about our environment and how we are to behave in it. It set limits on our actions and often squelched our desires. And if challenged, usually came with some unpleasant consequence. As toddlers, it became one of our favorite words to express ourselves and try often not met with a good outcome. 

But as adults, “No” can be one of the best tactics for supporting your overall well-being by helping to create space for your mind body spirit balance.