Things are not as important as people

A daily reflection from my upcoming book

Joy: There’s No Reason Not To
Lessons from Under My Mother’s Roof
by Todd Keough

Things are not as important as people. This seems like a very simple concept but for me it is one of the most important. We have a society where we gravitate towards things and the more we have the better off we are. I think at times we forget how valuable people are to our existence. Things can be replaced or destroyed and we still have the people we need in our lives. It has become far too easy to see people as just another cog in a machine that we get something from. In some ways this is not completely our fault with the way we are inundated with so many images that develop that type of thinking. However, people give us the most beautiful things in life; love, companionship, joy, and a family either of blood or love. I must develop a sense of the importance of people and a deep commitment and love for my brothers and sisters. We are all interconnected and through that interconnectedness we can heal, love, care, and do unbelievable things. When we stop relying on things and begin loving and living in the interconnectedness and nourishment of others we truly begin to live a life of purpose.

World: How do I live in this world?  Do I care for people and see them as valuable and above all other things? Do I use things for their purpose or do I worship them? What can I do to help develop a world of interconnectedness? Who can I reach out to today and see them as they truly are? Reflect, write, and take action.  

Self: How can I give up my reliance on things and be connected to the deepness that lies within me and other people? Where in my life do I see myself as connected to others do I give myself credit for the way I love and am there for others? How can I open my heart to the brightness and light of others and not to the shininess of things? Reflect, write, and take action.

Prayer: God please allow me to see people with love and light and to not put things above people. Allow me to know and feel deep within me the interconnectedness of the world and love others with all of my heart and being.

Affirmation: Today I will look for a way to put down things I use as a means of success and sit in silence and reflect on those I am connected to. I will then reach out to those who are important to me either through energy and prayer or by calling and letting them know I love them.

Don't be afraid to sing

A daily reflection from my upcoming book

Joy: There’s No Reason Not To
Lessons from Under My Mother’s Roof
by Todd Keough

I am not the greatest singer in the world but my Mom never put me down for singing. She allowed me to feel that my voice was worthy of song and that my song brought something into the world. I also remember her singing to me and her grandchildren and hearing that warmth radiate from her voice. Singing allows us to really be in touch with a deep and feeling part of ourselves. It can seem scary to sing or feel silly or awkward because we have been taught that only singers sing. Or we were told we were not good at it. Singing however is a deep yearning from our soul. Singing is connected to the heart and gives us a way to lift our voice to the beauty of creation or to the Spirit or Creator we believe in, it is one of the deepest forms of prayer. We all sing when little and do not hesitate. Singing connects us to the childlike energy in our hearts. Which is beautiful and amazing. Sing, sing, sing.

World: Where in the world does my song need to be sung? Who needs to hear my song? What is my song do I know the tune of my heart or the lyrics of my soul? What would they be and how do I bring that out to the world that needs to hear it? Reflect, write, and take action.  

Self: Do I stop myself from singing out of embarrassment or fear? Can I sing my own sweet lullaby to myself and reconnect to the child within? What song is the child deep within me longing to hear? Sing to the inner child and let them feel nourished and loved by the music of your soul. Reflect, write, and take action.

Prayer: The truth of the world who is both song and music listen to me and help me find the song which resonates within my soul and heart. You know me at the very depths of my being let my heartbeat be the drumbeat I need to crawl deep within and hear the child that needs to be held and sung to. Allow me the freedom to use my voice to touch the child within and the adult on the outside. Give me the lyrics that you want me to sing.

Affirmation: This day I will open my mouth, in fact in this very moment, I will open my mouth and I will sing whatever comes out. I will allow my voice to resonate into my soul. I will sing with the part of me that wants to sing out today.

Lay Down in the Sun Seat

Lay Down in the Sun Seat
A daily reflection from my upcoming book

Joy: There’s No Reason Not To
Lessons from Under My Mother’s Roof
by Todd Keough

I often remember my Mom saying to me “Honey you look tired, why don’t you lay down in the sun seat?” I am always rushing around trying to get to the next event or do the next project. I often forget how wonderful it feels to take just a few minutes to put my feet up breathe, relax, and let the sun bathe me in its warmth and beauty. It amazes me that when I take that moment to slow things always seem to get done in the same amount of time. I rush and rush and forget things and make mistakes. However, when I take a moment in that suns seat it is like my mind is cleared and am granted the space to get it all done. The source of the sun is always providing us ample opportunity to get what we need done. We all deserve an extra moment or two just to feel the sun on our necks and faces to rejuvenate ourselves.

Today’s reflection:

World: Where do I see this world rushing out of control? Where people just seem to rush and rush and never have that moment to lay down in the sun seat? Where do I see people with their faces down and not raised to the light? How do I contribute to this rush and this fast paced existence that seems to give no one the time to feel the radiant sun breathing life into their existence? What could I do today to help someone take that moment in the sun? Or how could I make someone feel the warmth of being in that sun seat? Please spend  two minutes reflecting, writing, and then picking one action you can do.

Self: What ways do I not allow myself to slow down? How am I continually pushing myself so I cannot stop an breath and feel the warmth of the sun? If I go deep within myself is there one voice or person I can hear speaking to me and telling me it is ok to lay down for a few minutes. I ask you to close your eyes and hear that voice, what is it saying to you, then write what you have heard down and take one action to feel that mystery today.

Prayer: Oh great beautiful sun please allow me to feel you penetrate my heart, soul, and mind today. That I may take a moment for myself and close my eyes and know that all is right in this world and that I am doing enough. Please allow me just to lay down in your beautiful radiance and just be. Let me heart be reignited by the peace and quiet of taking a moment to be with you and know you inspire and direct me. 

Affirmation: I can stop for one minute and let everything else go and not try to prove my worth by what I am doing and just lay down in that sun seat and be.