Quote:
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.”
~ Carl Sagan
Reflection:
There was a time when the stars in the night sky were all an adventurer needed to chart his or her course.
The celestial blanket that swaddles the earth, then and now, served as a map.
It was a very good one for a really long time.
It's a humbling experience to look up at a starlit sky and come to acknowledge the scale of the universe.
It is breathtaking and awe inspiring.
It's equally humbling to realize that, physiologically speaking, human beings have elements in them that began in the stars.
We are made of stardust.
As a species we have advanced beyond astronavigation, mostly.1
We no longer need the stars to show us the way, but it is good to know that they are reliable and ever present.
We live in an age of listlessness and confusion.
We believe we have advanced enough to be able to find vocation, purpose even, with the tools and skills that we have created.
Yet many are lost and don't know which way to go.
The empath is one who knows where they come from, what properties they hold. They are able to sense their own energy and the energy of others.
We shine like the stars with every act of empathy we engage in and with every connection we make along the way.
They, we, are the stars shining in the dark showing the way for all who seek adventure and new shores of opportunity.
Remember what you are, my dear empath.
You are a celestial body with a divine purpose.
You are made of star stuff!
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today I will allow myself to be awed by ALL of nature and the celestial beginnings of life.
Including ME!!
Meditation:
Imagine a warm, radiant light emanating from your heart center. This light represents your inherent worth, your value as a human being. See it growing brighter and stronger with each inhale.
This brilliant light is the star you were born from!
Notice any critical thoughts or voices that may arise. Observe them with detachment, like clouds passing in the starlit sky.
Don't engage with these thoughts, simply allow them to drift away.
Silently repeat positive affirmations about yourself.
Here are a few examples, but choose what feels most true for you:
"I am worthy of love and respect."
"I am enough, just as I am."
"I am strong and capable."
"I am worthy of happiness and success."
Cultivation:
Here are some ideas on how to cultivate a self worth worthy of the stars!
Self-Compassion:
Be Kind to Yourself: We all make mistakes, but self-criticism can chip away at self-worth. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, as you would a good friend.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative self-talk pops up, challenge its validity. Are these thoughts realistic? Would you speak this way to someone you care about? Replace negativity with affirmations that highlight your strengths.
Self-Care:
Prioritize Your Well-Being: Taking care of your physical and mental health shows yourself you deserve respect. Eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that reduce stress and bring you joy.
Self-Discovery:
Explore Your Passions: Dedicate time to activities that excite you. This can help you discover your strengths, values, and what truly makes you tick.
Celebrate Achievements:
Big Wins and Small Victories: Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. Completing a challenging task, mastering a new skill, or simply getting through a tough day are all worthy of celebrating.
Growth Mindset:
Embrace Challenges: See setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Focus on progress over perfection. Celebrate the effort you put in, and use mistakes as stepping stones to improvement.
Supportive Network:
Surround Yourself with Positive People: Spend time with people who uplift and encourage you. Supportive relationships can boost your confidence and provide a safe space to share challenges.
Appreciation:
Shift your focus to what you appreciate about yourself. Think of your strengths, talents, or acts of kindness. Silently express gratitude for these qualities within you.
Perhaps you might notice those attributes in your parents or grandparents, tell them what you love about yourself and how you see that characteristic in them. You might also see some of these traits being noticed by your own children. Point them out to them, tell them how much you love seeing them carrying on that trait and tradition, and how beautiful and unique their interpretation might be.
If you are interested in Mindfulness Coaching or Consultation for your personal benefit or organization, you can find me at www.bearlyzen.com or you can email me directly at michael@bearlyzen.com. OR YOU CAN SEND A MESSAGE HERE!
Bearly Zen is the coaching business under Mindful Empath, LLC.
NASA and other space agencies continue to use sophisticated celestial navigation for many of their missions outside Earth's atmosphere. The astronauts and engineers of the Apollo program used celestial navigation to chart their way to the moon and back. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/navigation/