Volume 9, Issue 3 | March 2020
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Greetings!
I do trust this finds you well.
As you may have noticed, I publish my newsletter at the end of the month, sometimes w-a-y at the end! But throughout the course of the month, I keep an eye out for content and think of ideas to share, and I often start writing early in the month.
Well, I did just that this month, but boy, I had no idea how much the world was going to change by the time I would publish this newsletter!
I know we’re inundated with information related to the COVID-19 virus which has transformed our lives and the entire world in a brief amount of time. As I am keen to see blessings in every situation, so it is even with this extraordinary time in our lives. We have been forced to slow down… spend more time with those with whom we dwell together whether family members, roommates, etc… get back to basics… reflect on what is really important in our life, in Life.
A month ago, some folks regularly practiced slowing down, carefully tending to their relationships, taking time to smell the roses – and so many did not. Well, now for sure, if this pandemic doesn’t get one’s attention, I don’t know what else will! What an opportunity, what a blessing. We get to see and experience that we truly are connected, we impact one another in no small way, and we are surely in this together. We are here to help one another get through this crisis, grow closer, love more, and hopefully when it’s over, we’ll remain that way, we’ll not forget nor return to our old unhealthy, unconscious, unloving practices.
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I feel such gratitude that back in the fall, I took a contract as a technical writer for a bank in their IT department, and also, I started working remotely within my first month. I still have that job and that income... my health... and, my attitude of gratitude. I'm grateful for all the people who are working the front lines, placing themselves at greater risk more so than others, in order to serve. And, how blessed we are to have the technology that allows us to stay connected and to see one another's faces as we speak even if we're not in close proximity.
So, to give you a bit of a break from the #1 subject these days, I'm sticking with the original opening I’d drafted "long ago" on March 8. Interestingly, the closing sentence in this article is exactly what I wrote back then. How extra powerful and true those words are these 3 weeks later. “We are in this together.”
Here we go...
Few things touch my heart so readily and deeply as people helping people particularly when it revolves around basic human needs. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is well and good, but we cannot fully become all that we are meant to be if we do not have our basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter met.
In the
People Making a Difference
article below, you’ll learn about a man who has opened up his car dealership lot, at no charge, for homeless people to sleep safely in their vehicles for up to 90 days. In addition, other folks got involved to provide clothing, a portable toilet, and money to help the individuals get first and last’s month’s rent so they could get a new apartment.
In these times, homelessness can happen to anyone… I know, I’ve been there too. It is heartwarming and a testimony to the true nature of human beings of the kindness and caring for one another. We are in this together.
Blessings,
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Inspiration and Contemplation
The Importance of Music – Especially Now
Since the earliest of times, the human mind has taken the frequencies and sounds of the universe and given them meaning and emotion. Thus, music was born.
Music has always been an important part of my life, my soul. Looking back on my many years as an atheist, I think singing was a form of prayer for me, a way to connect to something greater than myself, deep within myself.
There are so many reasons why music is important in our lives. Music is the universal language and a form of communication. It can create a mood and evoke emotion and it can help you focus. It is a way of expressing, has spiritual powers, and brings people together.
During this extraordinary time when people are practicing social distancing in the physical realm, we are coming together virtually, to connect, unite, and so much more. With music, it is more so. Here’s but one example that conveys the power and importance of music.
Note: Due to a huge increase in Internet usage, the video may take a little bit longer time to load than you're accustomed to and may even show an error.
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I can't resist: here are some more virtual singing groups coming together, making beautiful music, and joining hearts:
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Spirituality
Most Sacred Duty
Shake your souls. Awake!...The promised hour has come. Over the dark firmament of suffering, humanity is rising. The morning star is heralding the day when you will understand that man’s most sacred duty is to…break the fetters with which ignorance and fear have bound unconscious humanity. You will stand up free and know yourselves to be the eternal manifestation of…that great All whom you call God.
- found in a Russian church after World War I
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People Making a Difference
A Safe Place to Park
James Charles, general manager of Kiplin Auto in Charlotte, NC opened his car dealership lot to the homeless to park and sleep overnight, and the effort has quickly grown.
The dealership allows people to park there for up to 90 days. The focus is specifically on people who have a job but are living in their cars because they’re not making enough money to cover the rent, and they’re stuck in the middle.
A local business donated a portable latrine, and people in the community have stopped by with clothing, blankets, and snacks. Mr. Charles and his family also started a GoFundMe campaign; those monies are used for such things as helping folks pull together first and last month’s rent for a new apartment.
Mr. Charles knows about being homeless first hand, as four years ago his family was evicted and given 10 days to get out of their rental home when the owner decided to sell the house. It was difficult to find a place that would accommodate 6 children and a pit bull, and they ended up homeless, living in motel rooms for 30 days. They were fortunate to have money to stay in motels, but it was challenging and humbling.
Mr. Charles was inspired to act when the tow truck driver sent to repossess a car called to tell him he couldn’t because someone was living in it.
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Every day brings more news, more statistics. Please take great care of not just your physical well-being, but your mental, emotional, and spiritual health too. Your dominant thoughts and feelings create your world, so make sure you nourish yourself with uplifting thoughts, people, books, art, music, and whatever else inspires and uplifts your soul.
It will be "interesting" to see where we are come 'round next month's newsletter... Feel free to
contact me
before then.
Blessings and cyber hugs,
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Joyce S. Kaye
, MSW
928.301.7292
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e-newsletter designed, developed, written, and published by Joyce S. Kaye
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You, Me, and Spirit
I was a devout atheist until 30 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God - and name too - and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do -- including working with clients in my own business and in the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
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