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Still Waters Newsletter
September 2011
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Scenic Pause
 | | Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy |
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Give yourself the treat of a happy mood.
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It's amazing how easily our thoughts and emotions can be moved from sorrow to happiness and back again.
Watching how our moods shift awakens us to the power of inner awareness in our lives. |
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 | | by Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW |
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Join us on Facebook
where I share practical ideas for developing threads of inner peace through our days
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 | | by Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW |
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Join us on Facebook
where we discover that
death doesn't end the relationship, it simply forges a new type of relationship - one based not on physical presence but on memory, spirit, and love...
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Upcoming Events
"Shortcuts to Inner Peace"
October 26th, 7pm
Community Lecture
UCC, North Hampton, NH
All are welcome
"Daily Peaceful Habits"
November 13th, 11am
All Souls Unitarian Church
New York City
"Shortcuts to Self Care: restorative tools to lighten your day"
December 8th, 12pm
Conference Lecture
23nd International Psychology of Health, Immunity & Disease Conference
Hilton Head Island, SC
Conference Registration Required
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Dear Daniel,
 | | Ashley Davis Bush |
Every day, each moment dies and a new moment opens to us. Like a book, chapters in our lives come to an end even as new ones are waiting to open. In this month's newsletter, I reflect on a daughter going to college and a young lady overcoming the tragedy of losing her arm. The "Shortcut" this month is about learning to focus on the good in life even as we face the tough stuff.
When we open ourselves to the wonder of life, our purpose becomes clear and the next chapter begins to write itself.
Sending love and light,
Ashley |
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Stress Free Living
"Ending a Chapter, Beginning a New"
I watched, amused, as the young man spoke through gritted teeth, "Just take the picture!" This man-child had his arm around his mother's shoulders while his father snapped a picture saying, "You don't start college every day, you know. Smile." The younger man sighed with exasperation and walked briskly away, "No more pictures!"
This scene repeated itself across the campus as sentimental parents moved their children into dorm rooms. The parents around me reluctantly pushed their offspring out of the nest even as the children were delighted to test their wings at last.
I too watched, misty eyed, as my daughter Elizabeth waved me off without the tiniest shred of ambivalence. I was grieving even as my daughter was celebrating. For me, a life chapter was ending; for Elizabeth, a new chapter shimmered enticingly before her. What would my new chapter look like?
The next day she called me, not to tell me she was homesick but to share her excitement. As we chatted, I didn't notice any of the 'quit bugging me' mentality that had shaded our interactions over the last few years. In fact, I found her quite likeable . . . as if she was a new friend. Hmmmm. I think I'm going to like this new chapter, afterall.
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Living with Loss
"Welcoming the Un-welcome Chapter"
She was 13 years old when her life changed forever. In 2003, when Bethany Hamilton paddled her surfboard out into clear Hawaiian waters, she never imagined that she would lose her arm to a shark. Even with this devastating loss, she went on to become a professional surfer and an inspiration to millions of people.
Her amazing journey of faith and determination is documented in the movie Soul Surfer. As I watched it recently, I reflected on her story as a graphic illustration of what we all encounter on some level: a loss followed by the question, "now what?" When we lose a job, a loved one, a pet, a home, or our health, we close a chapter of our lives and look ahead to the unknown.
Some of our losses are expected but, like a shark attack, many of them come out of the blue. Bethany asked, "What will my life be about now?" She listened within and courageously opened her heart to what she felt Spirit was calling her to do. Her impact and inspiration multiplied in ways she never could have imagined.
If you find yourself alive on this planet, then there is a purpose for your being here. For many of us, patience is required to discern our next chapters. It may not be what we expected or planned, but it is ours to live. Perhaps one day, as we each finish our books, we will see why each chapter mattered.
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This Month's Shortcut
"Half 'n' Half"
To use when you find yourself seeing life as half empty
After you think or make a comment that is negative, complaining, depressing or whining, follow it up with an "AND . . . my life has wonderful aspects and possibilities too." For example, "I've been forced into retirement AND I feel very fortunate to have a clear mind and a fresh new chapter of my life to look forward to" or "The kids are making such a mess AND I'm grateful for their good health."
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When we train our minds to see the joyful aspects of life (while simultaneously acknowledging the hard stuff), we tap into a deeper feeling of inner peace and optimism that keeps us afloat in a world that can sometimes feel weighted by unwanted changes and negativity.
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"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from."
- T. S. Elliot -
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