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. 

Turn off all electronics & listen

Turn off all electronics & listen

I always wanted to have the TV on and watch cartoons or some show when I was little. I believe many of us were brought up in a TV generation that became an Internet generation that became a cell phone generation. My Mom would say shut off that TV and go and listen. Listen to what in silence we learn to hear the beauty of the world. The wind that carries and speaks our name and gives us breath. The birds that talk to us with their beautiful tongue. We look at so many screens and devices we forget to listen to the beauty of our soul and the beauty that is within. 

Never Slice Towards Yourself

Never Slice Towards Yourself

I always remember my Mother wincing whenever I cut something and slice towards my fingers or myself. I think in some way we all do this we put ourselves in harm's way without even realizing it. We cut towards ourselves and even though it may not cause us pain at that moment the more and more we do it the more we put ourselves at risk. This can be in relationship, at work, at home, or anywhere we encounter the world. We draw in people and situations that have the opportunity to cut us open. I am learning that even though I may not slice myself today it makes much more sense to never put myself in that risky situation.