Memorial Day has become a holiday that marks the beginning of the summer season: pools open; summer furniture takes its place on the patio; and, in some climates, winter clothes are put into storage and summer frocks brought out for the season. Today is Memorial Day – the beginning of summer fun.
We should take a time to reflect on the real significance of Memorial Day. A day to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. Whether or not one agrees with the politics of wars past & present, I believe we can still express gratitude to those who have chosen to be part of this country’s military. Traditionally, Memorial Day is to remember those who have given their lives in service. But, I think we must also send our prayers and thoughts to those still living: to those people and their loved one’s whose lives have been disrupted by time overseas, and those who now live with the impact of the war on their lives once they have returned home. Many soldiers come home with silent trauma: memories and stress that persist making the transition to civilian life challenging. Other soldiers return with significant physical disabilities. These men and women all deserve our deep, heartfelt prayers. These physical disabilities are the double edged sword of excellent medical care in the field: many more lives are saved, but often with severe disabilities. If any of these soldiers are in your community, I hope you embrace them and provide the support they need to grow and thrive.
Let us also take time on this Memorial Day to stop and reflect on the blessings in our own lives. Have you been so caught up in the stress and chaos of your daily life that you fail to take time to pause and reflect? Today, take time to remember all for which you have to be grateful. Practice an attitude of gratitude for the entire day tomorrow. If worry and stress are nearly constant in your life, make this Memorial Day a day to shift your habitual thoughts and perspectives. Start a new habit: every day take time to write a thank you note to yourself to acknowledge at least two things for which you have to be grateful.
Create a new habit of focusing on your blessings and shifting to a constant perspective of gratitude. By focusing on gratitude, the worries and stressors in your life with begin to look less overwhelming. With a shift in perspective, you will begin to feel better physically. By changing your focus to the positive things in your life, you will then be open to seeing new opportunities and solutions to your problems.
“…look away from your problems instead of at them, and in doing so … find their solution.” – John van Druten
Blessings to you and your loved ones on this Memorial Day.
Namaste.