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"Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues" -Confucious Humility is an ingredient of love and our natural state of being. A well defined spiritual life encompasses humilty. How can we become more loving? How can we create better relationships? How can we gain clarity, insight and inner peace through humility? When we embody humility, we're not puffed up with pride and vanity. Humilty transforms self-righteousness into healthy self-reverence. Regarding ourselves in a modest way, we're not haughty, arrogant and judgmental. The outcomes includes growth as opportunities for self-improvement and learning points. Humility enables us to develop a loving and healthy relationship with ourselves that naturally radiates to others. Let's focus on humilty with self, others and service. Being humble, we are more gentle, self-compassionate and self-forgiving. Refraining from harsh self-condemnation, we accept our limitations with the realization that we are continuously learning, growing and discovering ourselves. Humilty enables us to accept honest feedback and profit from perceived mistakes and errors. Being mindfully present, we engage in self-observation, tend to our thoughts and feelings in loving ways.  Humilty enriches our relationships. Becoming more engaging, present and earnestly listening to others, people feel seen and heard. We realize that we can learn from everyone and no one is greater or lesser. We refrain from quick and unthoughtful responses and being argumentative. Humility anchors and grounds us in love. Humility is essential in service and leardership fostering teamwork, trust, collaboration and overall wellbeing in the workplace and other settings. Operating with pure intentions and selfless motives, we serve with higher aspirations for the good of all. Dr. Jean Marie shares from her book, "Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Journal Prompts and Affirmations, Self-Reflection questions, Journal Prompts and Affirmations on Humility. Share your insights, experiences and observations: Email: [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Refinement and Humility.

"The first rule of kindness is to be kind to yourself" -Buddha Do you struggle with being kind to yourself? Do you care for your overall wellbeing? How do you treat yourself during the day? Kindness is an ingredient of love and our natural state of being. In order to genuinely express loving-kindness to others, we should be kind, compassionate and at peace with ourselves. Loving ourselves unconditionally is treating ourselves with appreciation, respect and knowing our innate worth. Kindness is reflected in consideration, compassion and leading with a soft heart and pure intentions.  Perhaps there are moments when negative self-talk and harsh criticism emerge in your thoughts as a result of  someone being unkind to you for no reason, when you have made an error in judgment or when you respond unkindly to others. It is essential to take time to pause, reflect and be gentle with yourself. Buddha quotes, "Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates. Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" This enables us to gain clarity and insight for self-awareness and self-correction to reframe the narrative and reflect loving-kindness. When we practice and embody kindness as our natural state, we can wholeheartedly express kindness to others. Buddha quotes, "Be an example... Show kindness to unkind people. Forgive people who don't deserve it. Love unconditionally, your actions will always reflect who your are." Expressions of kindness are demonstrated in many ways such as a thoughtful gesture, compliment, good deed, a helping hand that uplifts ourselves and others. It can boost self-esteem, change a mood and make a good day even better. Simple acts of kindness to yourself and others can create a ripple effect for positive change.  Kindness shows how we are living and being with ourselves in the world and with all we encounter. Dr. Jean Marie shares Self-Reflective questions, Journal Prompts and Affirmations on Kindness from her book, "Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Journal Prompts and Affirmations". Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Goodwill and Self-Kindness.

"Love is patience. This is the normal attitude of Love; Love passive. Love waiting to begin; not in a hurry; calm ready to do it's work when the summons comes, but meantime wearing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" -Henry Drummond Patience is an ingredient of love. When we are calm, not rushed, hurried we become balanced, walking the middle path with peace and equanimity. We have the capacity to manage ourselves during times of sadness, joy, hard times and good times. Being patient we effortlessly flow with the rhythm of life knowing that we are always moving forward. We accept change and the seasons of life trusting divine timing. We respond consciously with wisdom, clarity and insight.  Inner peace is the cornerstone and foundation of patience. In a world fraught with chaos, disturbance and distraction we also experience and witness the generosity and kindness of others. We encounter those who are pleasant and those who take their negative feelings out on us without any reason. Most importantly, the most profound disruptor of inner peace is negative self-talk, harsh self-judgment and self-criticism. When we seek external validation of our value and worth, this disrupts inner peace. Patience allows us to work on our inner being for stability, harmony and security.  How we feel about ourselves, treat and relate to ourselves reflect and radiate to others. If we are not patient with ourselves, we cannot be patient with others.   All that we encounter are tests. Learn, grow and discover more about yourself. Do not grudge the hand that shapes you nor spend time immersed in guilt and shame. Be patient and free yourself with compassion and forgiveness. When we are patient, we make careful and thoughtful choices.  Patience keeps us present focused and not focused on past regrets or worries about about future. When we master patience we are maintain self control and become less stressed. Patience brings inner stability, builds inner security and confidence. Patience refines our character and transforms our lives. When we practice patience we develop a healthy and loving relationship with ourselves.  Dr. Jean Marie shares Self-Reflection exercises and Journal Prompts on Patience from her book, Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Weekly Journal Prompts and Affirmations.  Feel free to share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Composure, Patience and Self-Refinement.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Social life is a key life area. How we live, share interact profoundly impact our lives. To feel a sense of connection, belonging and avoid social isolation, social life has its place. The dynamics of a group can shape our lives positively or negatively. External connections, expectations and approval born out of fear result in superficial connections and performances. This disrupts inner peace, authentic encounters and positive life experiences. Authentic connections born out of love are fulfilling, comforting and satisfying. We relate to others at different levels whether long term, short term, limited or maintain a lifetime bond. It is essential to "Know Thyself". Take time to reflect on your social life. The time spent interacting, communicating and participating in activities beyond mandatory work obligations. Are you an introvert or extrovert? Take inventory of your personal attributes and what you would like to improve. Do you consider yourself to be a good friend? In order to have a true friend one should be a true friend. Do you share similar values and beliefs in your social network? Do you participate because you are expected to? How do these connections make you feel? How can you improve your social life? We establish bonds and relationships with family, friends, neighbors, people in the community and co-workers.  These shared activities may come in the form of leisure, pleasure and relaxation. We connect through mutual interests, creative outlets, events, festivals, travel and hobbies. Consider whether the mutual exchange feels real and authentic or false without pure intentions.. Whether in person or online opportunities to voluntarily connect comes in various outlets, it is essential to discern especially in this digital age, what is real or superficial. So, how do we meet people? Consider doing what you love, what speaks to your heart and bring you joy and fulfillment. The power of choice is crucial in discerning what feels right, good and true. We learn a lot about ourselves within the context of socializing with others whether one to one or in group settings. This can build confidence, trust in ourselves and enhance social skills. Casual connections may grow into real relationships. Morevover, nurturing our connections and discerning quality over quantity can weed out what does not fit. When we are authentic, there is no need for competition, to outshine, impress others and perform. This takes the joy out of social connections that is draining and stressful. Healthy and wholesome connections are based on the ingredients of love including: Patience, kindness, courtesy, generosity, humility, unselfishness, good temper, guilessness and sincerity. These ingredients reflect how we relate to ourselves and others. Dr. Jean Marie shares from the chapter, My Personalized Lifecare Planner - Social Life, from her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being, Reflective questions, Practical Considerations and encourages an Action plan with feel good strategies to assess progress. Share your insights, observations and experiences. Email: [email protected]. Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Good Fit and True Friendship.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Romance is a key life area.  What qualities and attributes do you look for in a healthy relationship? Do you possess these qualities and attributes? What kind of relationship do you have with yourself? The fairytale stories of romance may keep one hopelessly searching and waiting for the prince or princess to sweep you off your feet and carry you to the land of forever love. The reality is the endless search for love outside of yourself. We attract and reflect how we relate to ourselves. Love is a powerful, expansive and spiritual force. Love is expressed in heartfelt feelings and actions.  True love is everlasting, unchanging and stable. It can soothe, calm and bring joy to all who are open to it. It can heal and nourish the mind, body and soul. Early romance is that feeling of emotional excitement. It is outward display of infactuation, passion, physical attraction. It can be a spark that fizzles out over time or perhaps transition into long term love that leads to acceptance, committment and support. Love is what love does and is highlighted in the analysis of love by Henry Drummond. The nine ingredients including patience, kindness, humility, generosity, courtesy, unselfishness, guilessness, good temper and sincerity reflect the true essence of divine love. Dr. Jean Marie adopts this as the Wholistic Model of Love with these ingredients as the Recipe of Love. Love is like a candle flame that should be nurtured, sheltered, and protected overtime. It may get dim but can be nurtured to become brighter and stronger. On the other hand, if it is fleeting romance with temporary pleasant moments, it may feel like love but true love is the foundation of wholehearted love. Relationships are mirrors for self-reflection, self-awareness and understanding. Love at first sight is an instant deep familiarity and soul recognition from a past life. You feel drawn together like you have known each other. Destiny brought you together in this lifetime. Perhaps at the right season and chapter of your life. Soulmates do not necessarily have to be romantic partners. There is a mutual endearing and enduring love as a result of this soulful connection.  How we thinking, feeling and being with ourselves are keys to attraction. Take time to reflect on your romance and relationship encounters. Is it fleeting or stable? Is it steady and nourishing? Is it healing?  Does it make you feel safe and secure? Do you feel accepted for who you are? Are the ingredients of love an integral aspect of your connection? The most important realization is to develop a healthy a healthy and loving relationship with yourself. As you love and care for yourself all that is unloving and unkind will not be acceptable.  Dr. Jean Marie shares from My Personalized Life Care Planner - Romance from her book Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being Reflection questions, Practical Considerations and encourages an Action Plan with feel good strategies for evaluation. Share your insights, experiences and observations: Email [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Romance, True Love and Self-Belonging.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Family is a key life area. Who is family? What is true kinship? What is home? On a spiritual level, it is said that we choose our family. So what is the higher purpose born into a loving home or one filled with chaos and dissension. We are all teaching and learning from each other and the greatest lesson is love. Dr. Jean Marie shares notable scriptures on family love and the Wholistic Model of Love that includes the ingredients of patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy unselfishness, good temper, guilessness and sincerity.  The concept of family is quite expansive. Family extends beyond biological, blood, and traditional family ties. Spiritual kinship provides mutual unconditional love and support. Being part of a group that shares core values, universal truths, faith and higher purpose; and feeling a sacred soulful connection with concern for mutual wellbeing is a loving experience.  There is no perfect family and a house is not necessary a home. We can do what we can to embrace, connect and have a loving relationship; however, if wellbeing is threatened it may be necessary to explore options for support or lovingly detach and chart a new way forward in peace with blessings for all.  Most importantly, developing a loving and healthy relationship with yourself is of utmost importance. Take time to reflect, heal, learn the leassons and create a life you love.  Moreover, to be in harmony with others, one must be in harmony with one's self. Know that you are worthy and the power of love anchors us in peace and joy. Let's consider the broader and more expanded aspect of family and true kinship. Feeling at home with certain people, connections through ancestral bonds and geographic locations where we feel at one with humanity and our surroundings is a profound experience. Being at home with yourself is essential. Wherever you go and how you are being reflects soulful connection with yourself that radiates to others.  Stepping beyond your comfort zone can open your heart and give you a fresh perspective on life, love and connection. Whether it's visiting other neighborhoods, participating in community events, traveling to other states and countries, we can have the opportunity to experience diversity and realize our true human connection.  These experiences provide opportunities for self-discovery and realization of our oneness with humanity. Dr. Jean Marie highlights profound travel experiences with the realization of universal kinship bonded in love and that love is a universal language. Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Practical Considerations and encourages a feel good Action Plan for Family from the chapter My Personalized Life Care Planner in her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being. Share your insights, observations and experiences. Email [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Unity and Coming Home.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our lives. Finance is a key life area. What are your beliefs about money? Can wealth create suffering or wellbeing? How can we be good financial stewards? Our beliefs about money and wealth are shaped in childhood and life experiences regarding how money is earned, saved and spent. Beliefs can reflect how we value ourselves and self-worth. When we operate from scarcity, lack and limitations this results in anxiety, hoarding or avoidance of opportunities for personal growth. An abundance mindset reflects creativity, integrity and expansiveness resulting in freedom, stability and positivity. It is essential to revisit our beliefs, challenge our choices and realize or innate capacity as co-creators with the divine and powerful manifestors. Discovering our hidden gifts and talents can ignite our passion and be valuable resources. How we think and feel dictates our financial wellbeing. Pursuing our dreams and doing what we love enriches our lives. We deserve to live a spiritually abundant life. Spiritual aspects of finances and uses of money are highlighted in addition to the concept of true wealth. Financial management with wisdom is avoiding extremes of stinginess, self-centeredness and greed. Realizing our connectedness to others and the world around us keeps us in check. True wealth is contentment, balanced living and earning wealth righteously. Using wealth as a positive force with pure intentions, humility and generosity keeps us grounded and stable.  Moreover, being good financial stewards keeps us mindful of earnings, being disciplined and grateful. When we are good financial stewards we become responsible, budget wisely and save for future needs. Financial wellbeing enables us to rest, be free and enjoy life. Have faith, believe in yourself and know that divine love meets our needs. Dr. Jean Marie shares from the chapter "My Personalized Life Care Planner" in her book Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being Reflective questions, practical considerations and encourages a feel good Action Plan.   Share your insights, observations and experiences: Email [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts of True Prosperity and Fearless Faith.

"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become your brightest gems in a useful life" -Ralph Waldo Emerson Each moment is precious and a gift of life. We are created to enjoy our lives, rest and find joy in our work and leisure. Fun and recreation provides opportunities to renew and recreate ourselves. Fun is creating enjoyment, amusement and pleasure in life. Even though it is subjective it is a positive emotional experience being playful and engaging in life. It is essential for us to have fun reflected in love, gratitude and celebrating our victories. As we consider fun and recreation, wholesome entertainment and right conduct gives us a clear conscious. Pay attention to principles for good living and keep everything in proper balance.  Enjoyment comes through material things and spiritual activities of the heart. We can have fun with others and also alone. Spending alone time enables us to rest and feel rejuventated. Spending quality time with people who are pleasant to be around enhances wellbeing. Fun and recreation enables us to release burdens of life, be free, and appreciate downtime to do things that make us feel alive. When we connect with our inner child we laugh, play and have fun. Keeping a light-hearted disposition with good humor and a positive mindset makes us good companions to ourselves and others. Laughter and a cheerful heart is medicine for the soul. Moreover, discovering ourselves and engaging in hobbies for self-exploration and connecting to people with similar interests enrich our lives. Whether it's sports, drumming, dancing, singing, writing, nature walks, retreats or classes, do what you love and speaks to your heart.  Perhaps there are those who say, "How can I enjoy life in the midst of toil and turmoil?" We can choose to move beyond obsession with the past and preoccupation with the future by being present in our lives.  We can be content and fulfilled beyond worldly pleasures being generous to others. Generosity is an ingredient of love.  A smile that uplifts not only ourselves but others and a compliment that brightens someone's day brings quiet joy. Furthermore, volunteering and participating in activities helpful to others including programs for children, youth and seniors are mutually beneficial. This enables us to get outside of ourselves and experience wholehearted connections. Dr. Jean Marie highlights her healing arts projects sponsored by her foundation, Life Care Wellness PEP for Angels, Inc. that included a two-year healing arts program at UMMC Children's Hospital for children, family and staff, partially funded by grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission for "Prime Time Family Time Storytelling Series" and "Prime Time Show Time Cultural Arts Festival" with diverse and interactive storytellers, magicians, artists, musicians and student ballet dancers from college and university programs that brought fun and joy to all. These programs bridged the gap between the hospital and the community for entertainment and memorable moments.  Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Practical considerations and encourages a feel good Action Plan for Fun and Recreation from My Personalized Life Care Planner in her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being.  Live in love and joy. Make good memories and enjoy your life. Create a life you love. Share your insights, observations and experiences: Email [email protected] She closes with her excerpts on Laughter, Simple Pleasures and True Joy.

"Everyone has been made for a particular work, and the desire for that work is put in every heart" -Rumi How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Business and career is a key life area that includes worklife and workplace activities. The average person spends one third of their entire adult life at work. How do you choose your business and career path? Do you dedicate yourself to being disciplined, learning and discovering more about yourself in the context of your interests and career path?  Is what you do in business and career a labor of love serving for the greater good? Our life's journey takes us on a plethora of paths. Ultimately our steps are building blocks and can be steeping stones to achieve our heart's desires. Whether we are working in an established business or as an independent business owner we are always growing. We learn not only new skills but how to relate to colleagues and customers. Throughout our lives, we may encounter work experiences that seem to be mundane and boring. It is my contention that no matter where we are, we should serve with an open heart and take advantage of each opportunity.  Nothing is lost and there is much to gain. Learning is a continous and integral part of self-discovery. There are no mistakes and we are in our right place to learn and grow. When we align our business and career with our higher purpose and tune in to our inner guidance, we feel passionate and enthusiastic about our work.  Our higher purpose is how we are being with ourselves and others wherever we are. Trust yourself and what speaks to your heart. Rumi quotes, "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray". Creative inspiration ignites our passion and births ideas and insights. This is valuable in our contribution to business and career. It inspires us to develop our skills overtime and to be in integrity with ourselves.  Inspiration leads to creative breakthrough and emanates from internal and external sources.  Be grateful and courageous with a willingness to wholeheartedly serve and share your gifts and talents. It is essential to do what you love and persist with faith. Opportunities become available and the path magically unfolds. Rumi quotes,"As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears". We do not need to see the whole picture but trust and have faith. Right livelihood is a primary consideration earning a living in ethical and peaceful ways for the good of humanity and avoid harm and exploitation. Therefore, look for the higher purpose and be prepared to receive bountiful blessings. It is paramount to appreciate everyone's contribution to the collective and value the service of others. Compliment good service. No one is greater or lesser.  Business and career ventures requires human connection and team spirit.  Patience, unselfishness, humility and generosity are ingredients of love. Being patience enables us to make better choices and thoughtful decisions. Patience enhances self-control. Unselfishness is serving with pure intentions and to love and care without self-neglect.  Humility is being open to learning and becoming a better listener, focusing on self-improvement and acknowleging perceived mistakes as growth and learning points, and  uplifting others whicch strengthens our human connection. Generosity is giving our time, attention and resources and giving without conditions and expectations.  When we function as part of a working viable team, there should be no competition but respect and appreciation for the contribtuion of each member. Working together as a cohesive unit brings joy and love binds everything in perfect harmony. It is essential to assess if you are a good fit and when it is time to pursue other opportunities. One who is a good fit is sharing, loving and contributes to the wellbeing and progress of the unit that builds up, inspires. encourages and support. Success is imminent and extends beyond wealth and status. Work from the heart and whatever you do prospers. Keep a healthy balance and take to rest and enjoy leisure activities for rejuvenation and restoration.  Dr. Jean Marie highlights from My Personalized Life Care Planner in her book Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being, Reflective questions, Practical Considersations and encourages of a feel good Action Plan for Business and Career. Share your insights, observations and experiences: Email: [email protected]  Dr. Jean Marie concludes with her excerpts on Self-Inspiration, Good-Fit and  Honorable Success.

How we feel about ourselves impact all areas of our lives. Health and fitness is a key life area linked to mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is expressed that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. This concept is reflected in traditional wholistic views on health. Louise Hay explores the mind-body connection in her book, You Can Heal Your Life, that offers us a powerful key to understanding the roots of our physical dis-eases and discomforts.  We can choose to conform to faulty beliefs about ourselves that manifest in unhealthy patterns keeping or make healthy loving choices. However, we should be consciously aware, reflect, and create a new mindset to sustain a healthy lifestyle. The concept of life out of balance by the Hopi as koyaanisqatsi meaning crazy life, life in turmoil calls for a new way of living. The impact of modern civilization technology, pace of life, urbanization and detachment from nature have contributed to life out of balance. When we are out of balance there are dire physical, psychological and emotional consequences including chronic stress, fatigue, emotional volatility, sleep probems, cardiovascular problems and others. Therefore, a sound health and fitness program can optimize balanced living. Your body is a temple that should be honored. It is essential to embrace, accept, love and care for yourself in healthy ways. Fear is a prominent driving factor that contributes to feelings of unworthiness and not feeling good about yourself. When in turmoil  unhealthy thoughts and feelings disrupt inner peace resulting in unsavory and uncontrollable acts. Inner work is essential that points back to loving and caring for yourself to enjoy a quality balanced life. Self-control guides daily habits and living in moderation with humilty for healthy living. Let's consider positive habits that can result in excess to attain health and fitness. An extreme exercise regimen, with intense focus pushing yourself beyond the limit, leads to unhealthy obsession and exhaustion. Faulty beliefs to uphold external beauty standards can result in pressure to conform such as extreme weight loss and dietary restrictions that impact enjoyment of life.  Such extreme measures may push you to the point of no return. Feeling good about ourselves amd taking care of ourselves in healthy and measured ways is essential for health and fitness.  Health and Fitness reflective questions, practical considerations and a feel good action plan is encouraged referenced from My Personalized Life Care Planner in her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being. Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Balance and True Healing.

Develop talents, realize dreams and desires, improve awarence, enhance life's quality and become your best self. How do you nurture? yourself? How can you nourish your mind, body and soul. How do you build moral and ethical character? Build your foundation on the solid rock of love. Build resilience and character by facing life challenges and setbacks. Grow from life experiences and focus on present future and not past mistakes. Be stable and secure within yourself. Personal development is loving yourself and being dedicated to self-improvement and self-discovery. Your progress is evident of inner transformation and positive change. Know how to trust yourself and be your own compass and guiding light. Keep vigilant watch over yourself and be of good courage with discipline and purpose. You do not have to grow alone. Seek the wisdom of elders, ancestors and master teachers whose inspirational teachings stood the test of time. Dr. Jean Marie highlights renewal of mind, reshaping your thoughts and priorities, and discerning spiritual values rather than worldy values. She emphasizes not being afraid of your feelings and to tend to them carefully to embrace the fullness of life.  She contends that the more you love and care for yourself you will naturally shed old habits, faulty patterns, and relationships that no longer serve your highest good. Sincerity is an ingredient of love that focuses on being genuine, trustworthy and living with integrity. As we development ourselves and live in accordance with our higher self, we align with what feels right, good and true. Essential aspectsof personal development to facilitate wholistic wellbeing that encompass the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual dimensions are highlighted along with strategies.  Knowing yourself is the self-realization of who you truly are. Radiate love in your life. Stay inspired to improve, change, and live an enriched life.  Reflective questions and practical considerations for personal development are presented to create a feel good action plan and chart progress. Share your insights, experiences and observations: Email: [email protected] Grow and flourish wherever you are planted and be your best self. Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Belonging and Flourish.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our lives including Spirituality. Our knowledge and experience of love may be limited that inhibits our capacity to be more loving of ourselves and others. As we become more spiritually centered, we return to our natural state of being. What is spirituality? How can we grow spiritually? How can we live heart-centered lives? Spirituality offers a framework to authentically connect to ourselves, others, the world around us, and the universe at large. The expression, "We are spiritual beings having a human experience", speaks to the plight of the human condition and aspiration to ascend to our natural state of being. Life experiences may leave us feeling unworthy, broken and incomplete. The illusion of brokenness in physical has no place in the spiritual. We are whole, unbroken and complete. Transcending false beliefs and earthly  values, spirituality is an internal and personal quest for truth, meaning and purpose. The fruit of the spirit highlights spiritual markers of love, peace, goodness, faithfulness and self-mastery. More specifically, the Wholistic Model of Love, the 'Recipe of Love' adopted from Henry Drummond's analysis of love includes ingredients of patience, kindness, humility, generosity, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilessness and sincerity. Spirituality enriches our divine connection for guidance and direction that enhances our capacity for peace, wisdom and healing. It is our soulful connection to our inner self and natural state of being that is pure love. It is the divine wisdom that all that we need is within us. Religion is established organized beliefs with prescribed rituals, traditions, moral codes and dogmas. It includes external actions and practices that give us a sense of spiritual fulfillment and living heart-centered lives. Both spirituality and religion are paths to self-understanding, personal growth and self-discovery. Whether through practices including mindfulness, meditation and prayer, we aspire to express and reflect our divinity and become more loving. Dr. Jean Marie contends that spirituality is on a larger scale seeking eternal truths, greater understanding of the oneness of humanity, and interconnectedness to the world and universe beyond the dimensions of what we see and experience on a daily basis as human beings.  Dr. Jean Marie highlights how we can grow spiritually and enhance our soul connection to be loving and live heart-centered enriched lives. She highlights the importance of cultivating your inner self, being in harmony and integrity, and trusting yourself.  She provides reflective questions, practical considerations and encourages listeners to create an action plan for spiritual enrichment to track challenges, feel good experiences and outcomes. Feel free to share insights, observations and experiences. Email: [email protected] Access Dr. Jean Marie's book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being, to learn more. She closes with her excerpts on Self-Discernment, Self-Wholeness and Wellspring.

We all encounter experiences that disrupt our lives. The impermanence is life is reflected in the loss and change experience. The magnitue of loss is a personal experience that thrusts us out of our comfort zone into a desperate survival mode. It can be sudden, anticipated and compounded by other problems if one is already involved in a stressful situation.  Whether we have actually experienced loss or anticipate life change, it may be difficult to overcome. Feelings of impending doom and being on the verge of emotional collapse, there is a way through. Upward bound and getting on the other side of the mountain requires us to accept change, adapt, and adjust using tangible practices and spiritual grit. Morevover, it is essential to anchor and sustain ourselves in healthy, purposeful and empowering ways. Life is full of transitions, both welcomed and unwelcomed. Losses and changes are inevitable cycles in the human experience through significant life changing events at different stages in our lives. Losses may result from death of a loved one, relationships, catastrophic events, financial status, health challenges and injuries as well as physical changes due to the aging process. Furthermore, transitions may include geographic moves, career and business affiliations. These imminent experiences and painful separations should not be minimized in any way.  During these transition points, tangible practices and spiritual grit helps us get through it and sustain ourselves during these difficult times. Ultimately, we may find ourselves more confident, courageous and spiritually centered. Each life is a carefully orchestrated masterpiece, filled with challenges and opportunities. We can Get Through It by acknowledging our feelings, seeing it as an opportunity for transformation, overcoming and letting love be the healer. Dr. Jean Marie highlights each. Our Love In Action Practice is to reflect and journal on loss and change experiences in your life. What did you learn? How did you grow? How have you become more resilient? What were the hidden gifts? When you are experiencing loss and change look upon these qualities and bring them forth in your present life and see where it takes you. Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: [email protected] Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerts on Spiritual Grit and Self-Triumph.

Do you have a clear vision for your life? Are you seeking a new direction? What does your ideal life look like and feel like? We are always changing, learning and growing. A right and clear vision helps define our mission in life that gives us hope, faith and belief in our dreams. As a result of significant changes and achieving milestones in our lives, a renewed vision keeps us moving forward and inhibits us from remaining stuck in the past. It gives us new direction and purpose, inspires us to take action steps, and builds courage and self-discipline. As we shed the old and embrace the new, creating a new vision can keep us on track with living our best life.  It is time to let go and release old patterns with new insights, perspectives and wisdom to refresh our mind, body and soul. When we are in the flow of life, we relinquish control, discard faulty beliefs, and trust that all things work together for our wellbeing and happiness. Being awake and aware in our lives inspires us to be present and pay attention to internal guidance, signs and synchronicities. Buddha quotes, "Whatever precious jewel there is in the heavenly worlds, there is nothing comparable to one who is awakened". It is important to take the time to build on significant milestones and lessons learned that made us more resilient. Thus, building on the foundation already laid.  As you create your new vision look for the higher purpose and meaning. Profit from life expriences and discover more about yourself. Step beyond your comfort zone and live life to the fullest. Imagine your best life by moving beyond self-imposed limits, exploring your passion, choosing love, and being present and being your own to master. Dr. Jean Marie highlights each. Our Love In Action Practice is to examine your life. What changes would you like to make? What dreams would you like to pursue? What is holding you back? Take small steps, build on each and see where it takes you.  Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email [email protected]  Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Inspiration and Honorable Success.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -Anatole France Our pets are family and gifts of unconditional love. We believe we choose our pets; however, they choose us to show us the way of unconditional love that is unchanging and stable. A bond is established with our beloved companions that is comforting, loyal and faithful; and our lives become richer and fuller. They can be the best therapy when you feel unloved or unlovable by showing us that love is our natural state of being. The loss of a pet can be devastating, and healing is essential for our wellbeing. For almost 20 years, my beloved cocker spaniel, Spencer, was by my side through many life challenges and transitional events. Possessing an affinity for Asian music, he had a quiet gentle spirit. He would look at me with those piercing brown eyes as though he could hear my thoughts and feel my feelings. One night while in a deep sleep I saw him running in heaven at high speed and barking like a young vibrant pup. It was surreal! I knew in my heart that his time was coming to an end. I would often sit on the bench adjacent to my Meditation Garden with him right beside me. He chose to pass away in our meditation garden during Easter time.  Even though our pets may no longer be with us physically, they are always with us in spirit. We can embrace healing by allowing time to grieve, following the path of unconditonal love, appreciating memorable moments, and establishing daily rituals and new routines.  Dr. Jean Marie highlights each. Our Love In Action practice is to journal on how your beloved pet showed you unconditional love. What did your pet teach you about being present in your daily life? Carry the gifts and lessons forward in your daily life for healing and wellbeing. Notice how this makes a difference in your life. Share your insights and experiences and insights. Email: [email protected]  Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Presence and Self-Healing.