The FOX or The LION: Tired with the boredom of his normal life, Rama decided to go on a spiritual discovery. He decided to spend a few days in a Jungle close to the village. So, every day he meditated in the woods. Whenever he got hungry, he would come to the village. One day, while returning to the Jungle he noticed a severely injured fox. Its front legs were detached completely. Nature is not gentle to any kind of incapability. If you lose your legs, you lose your life. Yet, the fox looked well-fed and healthy. Rama was surprised. But he ignored it and focused on his meditation. As the sun set, Rama heard the roar of a lion. He forgot about his meditation and climbed up a tree. To his astonishment, a full grown male lion came with a piece of meat, dropped it in front of the fox and went away. Rama couldn't believe this…if furious lion is feeding a crippled fox. Next evening, the lion came again with a piece of meat, dropped it in front of the fox and went away. Rama took this as a message that God was sending him. He had his own interpretation….Even a crippled fox in this forest is being fed by a lion and you fool, just sit here and food will come to you. One day. two days, three days, meditation became more like a struggle for Rama. By the seventh day, he was struggling between life and death. Just then a yogi was passing by. He heard Rama's desperate cries and started following the sound. 'What happened to you? why are you in this condition?' asked the Yogi. "Oh yogi, please help me. A divine message came to me. I went by the message and I became like this." "What happened?" the Yogi asked. 'Look a crippled fox is being fed by a furious lion every day. Isn't this a divine message?' The yogi looked at him and said. "Definitely….this is a divine message, but why is it that you chose to be like the crippled fox and not like the generous lion?" Thinking good thoughts is not enough. Doing good is not enough. Seeing others follow your good example is good enough.

Mindfulness and Motivation: How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset Mindfulness and motivation are closely linked. Mindfulness practices can help cultivate a positive mindset, which in turn can boost motivation. Here's how: 1. Increased self-awareness: Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can help you identify patterns and habits that may be holding you back. 2. Reduced stress and anxiety: Mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be major motivation-killers. 3. Improved focus and concentration: Mindfulness can help you stay focused and concentrated, even in the face of distractions or challenges. 4. Enhanced resilience: Mindfulness can help you develop a greater sense of resilience, which can help you bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated. Practicing Mindfulness Techniques Here are some mindfulness techniques you can practice to cultivate a positive mindset: 1. Meditation: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. 2. Deep breathing: Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of the breath in your body. 3. Body scan: Lie down or sit comfortably, and bring your attention to different parts of your body. Notice any sensations, feelings, or thoughts without judgment. 4. Mindful walking: Pay attention to your feet touching the ground, the sensation of your feet in your shoes, and the movement of your legs and arms. Cultivating a Positive Mindset Here are some ways to cultivate a positive mindset through mindfulness: 1. Gratitude practice: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for. 2. Self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience. Be gentle with yourself, and avoid self-criticism. 3. Positive affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations to yourself, such as "I am capable and competent," or "I am worthy of success and happiness." 4. Visualization: Imagine yourself achieving your goals and overcoming challenges. Visualize yourself feeling confident, capable, and successful. Using Mindfulness to Overcome Self-Doubt and Stay Motivated Here are some ways to use mindfulness to overcome self-doubt and stay motivated: 1. Notice self-doubt: When you notice self-doubt arising, acknowledge it and let it go. Don't engage with it or try to argue with it. 2. Focus on the present moment: Instead of worrying about the future or past, focus on the present moment. What can you control right now? 3. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you're struggling with self-doubt. 4. Celebrate small wins: Celebrate your small wins and accomplishments, even if they seem insignificant. This can help build confidence and motivation.

*LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY* *Opening Counsel:* Leadership is a very serious business! If you don't want your weaknesses to surface, you shouldn't aspire to become a leader. Truth is, leadership will expose your strengths and weaknesses. *As a pastor and leader, one of the most important aspects of your role is to lead your congregation with wisdom, compassion, and spiritual sensitivity.* Leadership in the church is not just about making decisions or giving orders, but about guiding and inspiring others to grow in their faith and relationship with God. In the Bible, we see many examples of strong and effective leaders who were also deeply connected to God and His will. One such example is King David, who was described as a man after God's own heart *(1 Samuel 13:14).* David's leadership was marked by his humility, courage, and unwavering trust in God, even in the face of great challenges. In the New Testament, we see Jesus as the ultimate example of a leader who was both powerful and sensitive to the needs of those around Him. Jesus' leadership was marked by His love, compassion, and willingness to serve others, even to the point of sacrificing His own life for the salvation of humanity. That means it is important to emulate the leadership qualities of these biblical figures by being humble, courageous, and compassionate in your interactions with others. It is also crucial to cultivate a deep spiritual sensitivity that allows you to discern God's will and lead your congregation in accordance with His plan. One key aspect of spiritual sensitivity in leadership is the ability to listen to the voice of God through prayer, meditation, and study of the Scriptures. *In Psalm 46:10,* we are reminded to "Be still, and know that I am God." This verse encourages us to quiet our minds and hearts in order to hear God's voice and receive His guidance. Another important aspect of spiritual sensitivity is the ability to empathize with the struggles and challenges faced by members of your congregation. *In Romans 12:15,* we are instructed to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." This verse reminds us to be present and supportive to those in need, showing them the love and compassion of Christ. *Let's see 10 Steps to Spiritual Sensitivity to great Leadership in the Church:* 1. *Seek God's guidance through prayer and meditation on His Word* - James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 2. *Cultivate a heart of humility and servanthood* - Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 3. *Practice active listening and empathy towards others* - James 1:19 "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." 4. *Lead by example and live a life of integrity* - Proverbs 11:3 "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." 5. *Foster a spirit of unity and harmony among the church members* - Ephesians 4:3 "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." 6. *Be open to feedback and constructive criticism* - Proverbs 15:31 "Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise." 7. *Encourage and empower others to use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church* - 1 Peter 4:10 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 8. *Practice forgiveness and reconciliation in times of conflict* - Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." 9. *Stay grounded in the Word of God and seek His wisdom in all decisions* - Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 10. *Continually seek to grow in spiritual maturity and deepen your relationship with God* - 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." *Conclusion:* By following these steps to spiritual sensitivity and great leadership in the church, we can strive to lead with humility, integrity, and love, ultimately glorifying God and building up His kingdom on earth. May we always seek His guidance and wisdom in all that we do, trusting in His plan for us and the church. #goodsuccess #happyweekend

The Role of Mindfulness Mindfulness develops awareness of the present moment and helps reduce stress, increasing focus. The practice of mindfulness through meditation or breathing exercises will enhance emotional regulation and decision-making. It encourages thankfulness and self-compassion, hence overall well-being. You will see clarity as you stay present and enrich your personal development journey.

Practice Mindfulness Practice mindfulness: be in the present. Pay attention to your breath, body, and surroundings. It will help to decrease stress levels, increase self-awareness, and see the beauty of everyday life. One can start off with small sessions of meditation or mindful walking.

How-to Advice "Mindful Mornings! Start your day with a 5-minute meditation routine for clarity and focus!"

Maintaining healthy skin requires a combination of good skincare habits, a healthy lifestyle, and protection from environmental stressors. Here are some tips to help you achieve healthy skin: # I. Skincare Habits 1. *Cleanse your skin regularly*: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. 2. *Exfoliate*: Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. 3. *Moisturize*: Apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type, to lock in moisture and protect your skin. 4. *Use sunscreen*: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. # II. Healthy Lifestyle 1. *Stay hydrated*: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated. 2. *Eat a balanced diet*: Focus on whole foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 3. *Exercise regularly*: Regular physical activity can improve circulation and boost collagen production. 4. *Get enough sleep*: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help your skin regenerate. # III. Protection from Environmental Stressors 1. *Avoid harsh products*: Choose gentle, fragrance-free products that suit your skin type. 2. *Protect your skin from pollution*: Use an antioxidant serum or moisturizer to help combat pollution damage. 3. *Don't smoke*: Smoking can cause premature aging and damage to your skin. 4. *Manage stress*: High stress levels can lead to skin issues like acne and rosacea. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga. # IV. Additional Tips 1. *Be gentle when washing*: Avoid using hot water, harsh scrubs, or rubbing your skin too hard. 2. *Avoid picking or popping pimples*: This can lead to infection, scarring, and prolonged healing time. 3. *Get regular facials*: Facials can help deep clean your pores, improve skin texture, and reduce stress. Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the right products and routines that work for you. If you have specific skin concerns or questions, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Chronic Pain Management It requires a holistic approach toward chronic pain. Medication, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation go hand in hand. Eating healthy and staying active can help reduce inflammation and improve quality of life. Consult professionals for personalized pain management strategies.

Benefits of Meditation Meditation calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and enhances focus. Start with five minutes a day, focusing on your breath. Guided apps or classes can help beginners. Over time, meditation transforms mental clarity and emotional well-being.

The thing about meditation is that you become more and more YOU