The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Creativity

    HOW TO START A DRUMMING CIRCLE

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    Hands in motion as they play on djembe drums gathered in a circle.

    Starting a drumming circle can begin with two or more people, a couple of drums and the desire to put inner rhythms together in shared sound.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    What to do With a Difficult Diagnosis

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    Doctor with crossed arms delivering a difficult diagnosis; illness

    When you have received a difficult diagnosis it is normal to find yourself in a twilight zone of confusion and fear as you struggle to come to terms.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    THE ART OF SLOW

    /
    A person walks slow on a path through the woods in autumn

    In our world of fast food, highways built for speed, and evermore demands to move faster, think faster, eat faster, and even sleep faster, we have set aside…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    CURIOSITY AS A WAY OF LIFE

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    A monkey tries to answer questions by looking in a mirror..aged to perfection

    Curiosity as a way of life does not always look to find the answers. Asking the question is enough to take the next step. What is this trait,…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    Remembering to Exhale

    /
    An overwhelmed homeless man sitting on front stoop, resting his head on his knees. carrying weight

    'Overwhelm' can happen when we forget to breathe. It is feeling like you are drowning, or engulfed in 'too much, too often.' Although life may flood us with…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How to Accept an Assistive Device with Grace

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    Waling with an Afari, a specialized walking bike

    The first time you find yourself in need of an assistive device like a cane or walker, it can be devastating. It need not be so.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    When Should a Should be Eliminated?

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    The word should crossed out with red paint.

    Would you like to eliminate all the 'shoulds' and 'oughtas' from the English language? Where do they originate and what would the impact be if that were to…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Find Time for Spiritual Practice

    /
    Finding one clock out of many

    Do you struggle to find time to practice things that bring inner growth? Here are 7 practices that can be done every morning without adding any extra time…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Things We Can Learn While Walking in the Rain

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    Feeling the rain

    Does rain...of any sort...dampen your day or does it awaken your senses with its cool splattering and cleansing rinse? Join the author in reflections inspired by walking in…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    The Art of Letting Go

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    letting go of a bird from an outstretched hand

    There is a natural tendency to hang on to what we have even while we yearn for things to be different. Why we do this and what can…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How To Be Motivated by Tiny Rewards

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    Tiny rewards that motivate and bring joy

    Kibble as a spiritual practice is not just for dogs. The importance of small rewards can be very motivational and this essay looks at how.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Is There A Right Way To Pray?

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    Man lifting his arms in thanksgiving ion early morning darkness before dawn

    When it comes to prayer, is there a right way to pray? Would that be kneeling or in silence? In song or with a prayer book? These reflections…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Find Spiritual Truth in a Red Pepper

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    Ordinary tomato, seeds,

    How photography and contemplation of everyday objects like vegetables can lead to deeper understanding and wisdom.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    What Does It Mean To Be Creative?

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    An artist at work in a public area

    Creativity may not always be about making fine art or composing music. Creativity often begins as a dream and comes alive as the dreamer awakens.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Leave a Legacy of Story

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    The importance of recording your story to leave as a legacy for your descendants, based on the metaphors of a hike towards a waterfall.

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    Ardis Mayo
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