by Candy Paull
4. Leave Room in Your Schedule
When you’re tempted to pack your days with too many activities and too many people, deliberately mark out some empty space in your calendar. If you have a tight schedule one day, balance it the next day with a more flexible and open schedule. Take life as it comes and you’ll weather its tempests more easily. Colds and flu may force you to take a needed time of rest. Sometimes cuddling up with a comforter and taking a nap is more important than trying to squeeze another event into your life.
5. Decorate Naturally
Forgo the tacky plastic ornaments and bizarrely blinking aluminum trees. Instead, rediscover the gentle magic of natural-looking arrangements made from greens and flowers. Choose a tree for its personality instead of its perfection. Exchange the usual sheared tree for a live tree that can be planted after Christmas. Intersperse evergreen arrangements with ornaments and candles. Use them in floral arrangements. Put twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, light tapers that will shine like living stars in the house, and let dark windows reflect the warm glow of firelight in a cozy living room.
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
—Reinhold Niebuhr
Finding Serenity in Seasons of Stress is a journey, not a destination. Consider this book a map of the territory, not the territory itself. Stress is unavoidable in modern life. Serenity is like an oasis in the midst of changes and challenges, offering a way to become more conscious in your choices and attitudes. Each person’s journey is unique, so what may work for one person may be inappropriate advice for another. Trust your own instincts, for that inner voice will guide you in wonderful and often unexpected ways.
Remember that meditation is an essential tool that can bring calm and focus to your life. It is one of the core skills for creating a more serene life. Experiment with different forms of meditation to see what feels right and works for you. I have listed some of my favorite books on meditation from many faith traditions in the bibliography as a starting point.
Set an intention to cultivate more serenity in your heart, and you will be surprised by the ways serenity makes its way into your daily life. You will also be challenged to make changes that may be far beyond the scope of merely reducing stress in your life. Creating a calming home atmosphere, getting grounded and centered in your body, and being proactive about making positive incremental changes will help you create a more tranquil and meaningful existence.
Serenity is not the absence of stress but an openness to experiencing a greater sense of the Divine Presence in your life. You will be guided as you discover ways to blend spirituality and practicality to uncover the hidden wholeness that is already within. Finding Serenity in Seasons of Stress offers encouragement and simple ideas to create a happier and more blessed life. May it be a reminder of the stillness and aliveness that are at the center of your being.
If this book has helped you connect to God as your Source of peace, love, and abundance, then it has done what I intended it to do. As you discover your own spiritual magnificence, you will live more and more from an inner serenity that can heal the world. The serene spirit is more able to give love, and love, in the end, is the point of life. May you be blessed on your journey. May love, joy, and peace be evermore fully expressed in each moment.
That exquisite poise of character which we call serenity is the last lesson of culture; it is the flowering of life, the fruitage of the soul. It is precious as wisdom, more to be desired than gold—yea, than even fine gold. How insignificant mere money seeking looks in comparison with a serene life—a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm!
—James Allen
These are just a few of the inspirations I have drawn from. I hope this list will introduce you to wonderful writers to inspire you on your journey. Books and resources are listed by chapter topic.
Part One: The Heart of Serenity
Strong, Mary. Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood: A Twentieth-Century Classic for Those Seeking Serenity and Strength. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, (1948) 1991.
Chapter One: Serenity Is a Choice
Benson, Bob Sr. and Michael W. Benson. Disciplines for the Inner Life. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1989.
Briggs, John and F. David Peat. Seven Life Lessons of Chaos: Spiritual Wisdom from the Science of Change. New York: HarperCollins, 1999.
Jones, Dennis Merritt. The Art of Being: 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your Life. New York: Tarcher/Penguin, 2008.
Chapter Two: Coming Home to Serenity
Alexander, Christopher. The Nature of Order: An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe, Book 4–The Luminous Ground. New York: Routledge, 2004.
(website: www.natureoforder.com)
—————. The Timeless Way of Building. New York: Oxford University Press, 1979.
(website: www.livingneighborhoods.org/ht-0/bln-exp.htm)
Alexander, Christopher, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein. A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. New York: Oxford University Press, 1977.
(website: www.patternlanguage.com)
Messervy, Julie Moir. The Inward Garden: Creating a Place of Beauty and Meaning. Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1995.
(website: www.jmmds.com)
Moran, Victoria. Shelter for the Spirit: How to Make Your Home a Haven in a Hectic World. New York: HarperCollins, 1998.
Stoddard, Alexandra. Gracious Living in a New World: Finding Joy in Changing Times. New York: HarperCollins, 1997.
Susanka, Sarah. The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 2009.
(websites: www.susanka.com and www.notsobighouse.com)
Susanka, Sarah. The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters. New York: Random House, 2007.
(website: www.notsobiglife.com)
Chapter Three: Serene Healing: The Wisdom of the Body
Andrews, Barry M. (ed.). A Dream Too Wild: Emerson Meditations Every Day of the Year. Boston: Skinner House Books, 2004.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Works by Ralph Waldo Emerson. New York: Tarcher/Penguin, 2008.
(website of complete works of Emerson: www.rwe.org)
Faulds, Richard. Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat. New York: Bantam Books, 2006.
Jahnke, Roger. The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques to Release Your Body’s Own Medicine. New York: HarperCollins, 1997.
Maurine, Camille and Lorin Roche. Meditation Secrets for Women: Discovering Your Passion, Pleasure, and Inner Peace. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
Phillips, Jan. Divining the Body: Reclaim the Holiness of Your Physical Self. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths, 2005.
Schiffmann, Erich. Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness. New York: Pocket Books, 1996.
Stapleton, Don. Self-Awakening Yoga: The Expansion of Consciousness through the Body’s Own Wisdom. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2004.
Whicher, Stephen E. (ed.). Selections from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Rolling Meadows, IL: Riverside/Houghton Mifflin, 1960.
Chapter Four: Serene Spirit: Meditation and Mindfulness
Hanh, Thich Nhat. The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual on Meditation. Boston: Beacon Press, 1996.
(website: www.plumvillage.org)
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. New York: Hyperion, 2005.
Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School.
(website: www.umassmed.edu/cfm/stress/index.aspx)
Khan, Pir Vilayat Inayat. Awakening: A Sufi Experience. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1999.
Martin, Philip. The Zen Path through Depression. San Francisco: Har
perSanFrancisco, 1999.
Merton, Thomas. New Seeds of Contemplation. New York: New Directions, 2007.
Merton, Thomas. The Springs of Contemplation: A Retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1997.
Pennington, M. Basil. Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form. New York: Image Books, 2001.
Part Two: Serene Relationships
Zander, Rosamund Stone and Benjamin Zander. The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. New York: Penguin Books, 2002.
Chapter Five: Love, Honor, and Cherish: Serenity Begins with You
Cameron, Julia. The Vein of Gold: A Journey to Your Creative Heart. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1997.
Muller, Wayne. Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest. New York: Bantam, 1999.
Orloff, Judith. Positive Energy: 10 Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear into Vibrance, Strength, and Love. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2004.
Stoddard, Alexandra. Tea Celebrations: The Way to Serenity. New York: William Morrow, 1994.
Chapter Six: Playful Serenity: Enjoying Life Together
Kabat-Zinn, Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn. Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting. New York: Hyperion, 1997.
Levine, Stephen and Ondrea Levine. Embracing the Beloved: Relationship as a Path of Awakening. New York: Anchor Books, 1996.
Orloff Judith. Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life. New York: Harmony Books, 2009.
Chapter Seven: Joyful Service: The Beloved Community
Horwitz, Claudia. The Spiritual Activist: Practices to Transform Your Life, Your Work, and Your World. New York: Penguin, 2002.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
(website: www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy)
Winton-Henry, Cynthia with Phil Porter. What the Body Wants: From the Creators of Interplay. Winfield, BC: Northstone, 2004.
Chapter Eight: Bringing Your Best to Work: Serenity on the Job
Ardagh, Arjuna. The Translucent Revolution: How People Just Like You Are Waking Up and Changing the World. Novato, CA New World Library, 2005.
Block, Peter. The Answer to How Is Yes: Acting on What Matters. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehlern Publishers, 2003.
Boldt, Laurence G. Zen and the Art of Making a Living. New York: Penguin Group, 1999.
Part Three: Serenity in the Storm
Muller, Wayne. How, Then, Shall We Live? Four Simple Questions that Reveal the Beauty and Meaning of Our Lives. New York: Bantam Books, 1996.
Chapter Nine: Serenity through Crisis and Change
Chopra, Deepak. The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
Holmes, Ernest. Creative Ideas: A Spiritual Compass for Personal Expression. Burbank, CA: Science of Mind Communications, 2009.
Leonard, George. The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei. New York: Penguin Group, 1999.
Tolle, Eckhart. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. New York: Penguin Group, 2005.
Ueshiba, Morihei. The Art of Peace. Boston: Shambala Publications, 1992.
Watson, Lillian Eichler. Light from Many Lamps. NewYork: Simon & Schuster, 1951.
Chapter Ten: Saying Good-Bye: Loss, Death, and Rebirth
Anderson, Megory. Sacred Dying: Creating Rituals for Embracing the End of Life. : Prima Publishing, 2001.
Callanan, Maggie and Patricia Kelley. Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.
Campbell, Don. Music: Physician for Times to Come. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 1991.
Khan, Hazrat Inayat. The Mysticism of Sound and Music: The Sufi Teaching of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Boston: Shambhala, 1991.
Leonard, George. The Silent Pulse: A Search for the Perfect Rhythm that Exists in Each of Us. Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith, 2006.
Murphy, Michael. The Future of the Body: Explorations into the Further Evolution of Human Nature. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1992.
Nearing, Helen. Light on Aging and Dying. Gardiner, ME: Tilbury House, 1995.
Music-Thanatology Association International
(website: www.mtai.org)
Chapter Eleven: Peace, Be Still: Serene Faith and Grace
Barker, Raymond Charles. Treat Yourself to Life. Camarillo, CA: DeVorss, 1996.
Brunton, Paul. The Quest of the Overself. New York: Random House, 2003.
Helminski, Kabir Edmund. Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness and the Essential Self. New York: Tarcher/Perigree, 1992.
Tolle, Eckhart. Oneness with All Life. New York: Dutton, 2008.
Trine, Ralph Waldo. In Tune with the Infinite. Radford, VA: Wilder Publications, 2008.
Chapter Twelve: Celebrating Serenity All Year Round: A Collection of Practical Tips
Breathnach, Sarah Ban. Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. New York: Time Warner, 1995.
Moran, Victoria. Younger by the Day: 365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body and Revitalize Your Spirit. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.
Stoddard, Alexandra. Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty, and Joy to Every Day of Your Life. New York: HarperCollins, 1986.
Candy Paull is the author of The Heart of Abundance, Finding Serenity in Seasons of Stress, The Translucent Heart, The Art of Simplicity, The Art of Abundance, The Art of Encouragement, Inner Abundance, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and other books.
Candy is a freelance writer specializing in marketing materials for book publishers. She has owned her own business since 1990 and has also been a bookstore buyer and an advertising manager for a small publisher, for a total of more than thirty years’ involvement in the publishing industry.
She is also a published songwriter and performer who makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee. Candy is known for her encouraging lifestyle, and her philosophy of life springs from her experiences as a writer and musician involved in a creative arts community. Her open approach to spirituality draws insight and wisdom from many spiritual traditions.
There is something inside each of us that is trustworthy, whole, and wise. Instead of always trying to “fix” what is “broken” in our lives, Candy Paull helps us experience the profound wholeness that lies at the center of the universe—and in our own human hearts.
Connect with Candy Online
website: www.candypaull.com
blog: http://candypaull.com/blog.htm
Books by Candy Paull
The Heart of Abundance
A Simple Guide to Appreciating and Enjoying Life
e-book © 2010, 2013 Candy Paull
The Heart of Abundance is a free “best of” collection from Candy Paull’s books. Discover more abundance, encouragement, and simplicity in your life. Be present, see the Divine at work in all circumstances, and experience ordinary life as sacred. Learn to practice the art of abundance as a form of spiritual awareness based in gratitude. Contains quotes, meditations, prayers, and instant inspiration.
The Artful Living Series
The Art of Abundance
A Simple Guide to Discovering Life’s Treasures
© 1998, 2006 Candy Paull; e-book © 2010 Candy Paull
Originally published in 1998 by Honor Books
Second edition published in 2006 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang
The Art of Abundance is not about greed or selfishness. The Art of Abundance is about celebrating life right now, this minute. It is a way of looking at the potential your life holds—the little blessings to be thankful for now and the gifts that God wants to give you, if you’ll just open your heart to receive.
The Art of Encouragement
A Simple Guide to Living Life from the Heart
© 2003, 2006 Candy Paull; e-book © 2010 Candy Paull
Originally published in 2003 by Stewart House Publishers
Se
cond edition published in 2006 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang
Encouragement is the art of abundance shared and multiplied. It is a way of living that seeks to bless each person we meet. Encouragement is love in action. The art of encouragement is the art of creating community and celebrating friendship.
The Art of Simplicity
A Simple Guide to Focusing on the Essentials of the Heart
© 2006 Candy Paull; e-book © 2010 Candy Paull
Originally published in 2006 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang
Simplicity opens the way to the center of the heart—the still place where quiet, healing, and a still, small voice await. Simplicity is making elegant choices, treasuring precious moments, and valuing that which is of eternal worth. Simplicity is singleness of heart focused on the essentials of life rather than distractions caused by our desires and fears.
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The Translucent Heart
Inspired Choices for Challenging Times
e-book © 2013 Candy Paull
The Translucent Heart is a new collection of meditations and quotes for the spiritual journey. From listening to your inner guidance to discovering the sacred in ordinary life, The Translucent Heart offers devotional insights for more luminous living. Discover the joys of abiding in the light of Divine Love every day.
Inner Abundance
Affirmations for Confidence, Creativity, and Higher Consciousness
e-book © 2009 Candy Paull
Inner Abundance gently helps you discover your hidden potential to create a happier and more satisfying life. The meditations, quotes, and affirmations in this book remind you that true abundance is available every day, no matter what you may be going through.
31 Days of Abundance
Meditations to Help You Make the Most of Every Moment
e-book © 2010 Candy Paull
31 Days of Abundance offers a month’s worth of inspirational thoughts, quotes, and practical actions that remind you to appreciate and embrace the gifts of life today.
31 Days of Encouragement
Meditations to Help You Persevere and Thrive in Difficult Times
e-book © 2010 Candy Paull