The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS MEANT BY A SPIRITUAL PATH

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    a path across a field and through the mist

    What is meant by a spiritual path is illustrated by considering some of the natural paths followed in life.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE A CONTEMPLATIVE

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    A contemplative dog rests his chin on the sheets as he ponders the purpose of living. Old pet

    You may wonder why your dance in the world seems to have a different rhythm...To be a contemplative is to treasure solitude and not be lonely.  To see…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT TO DO WHEN WILLPOWER FAILS

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    A monkey gritting his teeth wishing he had more willpower

    Why does willpower fail us when our intentions are so good? Why is it so difficult to let go of unhealthy or unwanted behavior? Or take a different…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    SURVIVING A PANDEMIC

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    microscopic image of the corona virus

    Any time there is a pandemic, there is more than a virus that keeps us awake at night. Roosevelt said "There is nothing to fear but fear itself",…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    THE SECRET OF ‘THE POWER OF SEVENTEEN’

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    A white tropical bird trapped behind a chain link fence with no options.

    When you are in a situation that seems hopeless, and you feel trapped by your circumstances, you may be looking for an answer to a difficult problem that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • 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

    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,  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

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    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
  • 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 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
  • Resources

    Marry Your Muse by Jan Phillips

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    book cover for review

    A must read for anyone wanting to find a creative path to spirituality.

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    Ardis Mayo
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