Hi John,

It’s so nice to see you back here as I introduce you to the 3rd and final piece of my guide. I hope that by now, you’ve started reading that book you’ve been eyeing and that you’ve managed to reconnect with nature again. In my final email, I’ll mention a few things that seem so simple but are so good for the soul. So, take a moment to take in what I have to say. I promise it will help!

TAKE CARE, BE PRESENT

Look after yourself before the world

I have a regime I try to do every day. I get up, make a coffee, and sit down and read a contemplative book. It’s a serious non-fiction book. I try to avoid anything that has to do with business. For example, I’m reading an excellent and important book by the philosopher Judith Butler, “Who’s Afraid of Gender?”. I write in my journal, reflecting on my reading and my life. I then do breathing exercises (à la Wim Hof). Then, I do stretches. Then I go for a run (5K) or a ruck (3K with 50 pounds). Shower. Then, I get to work on NakedPastor stuff like drawing cartoons, answering emails, writing posts, making videos, and making art. Later, in the evening, family. And friends if possible. I have to take care of myself to take care of those around me… near and far. I believe that taking time for yourself is a spiritual practice.

My cartoon, Love Me, perfectly summarizes my point! Everyone deserves love, including YOURSELF!.

Limit your exposure

I had to decide to either continue spiralling downward into a dark vortex of hopelessness or figure out a way to stay buoyant amid bad news. I would doom scroll. So, I made rules for myself. I would stop scrolling for news on the scrolling apps and instead subscribe to major news that are considered the most reputable sources… such as CBC, BBC, SkyNews, 1440 Daily Digest, and Al Jazeera. I also follow a few independent journalists I trust and respect, like Sarah Kendzior. I take a few minutes each day to catch up on major news without getting too caught up in the intricate dramas like “Did you see her hat?” that are spun to trap us in a 24/7 cycle of breaking news. It works. Believe me. I even sleep better.

Make a beautiful world and enjoy it

One of my challenges is to BE HERE NOW, out of my head and into my body. The saying goes, “Stay in your head, you’re dead”. I get outdoors. We enjoy our food. We go for walks. We make love. We listen to music. We create art. We watch good movies or shows or comedians. We read good books. We do some kind of devotional or spiritual reading and exercises. We keep our home tidy and beautiful in our style. We look out our front window at the river that is frozen now but stunning in all its spacious beauty. This is what my art is about. It’s not just about creating pretty pictures. They are statements about what is possible and what should be. The fullness of your life is about how deep it is. How much you love. How much you experience it. So, let’s preserve what we can — right now! Let’s take care of nature, our bodies, our homes, our countries, our people — no one excluded! Let’s make a beautiful world and enjoy it. For everyone!

Prevailing Watercolor Print

If you have persevered through a challenge, this print celebrates you.

Hang this windy art print up or gift it to someone as a reminder of the strength and bravery it takes to stay standing, regardless of what the wind is doing.

A FINAL NOTE

Thank you for walking this journey with me, — I know it’s been an intense one. I’m here to support you, but in the same breath, I’m overwhelmed by the love and support you give me. In my darkest moments, I couldn’t do what I do without you. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Much love my friend,

David

P.S. I’d love to know your most-used strategies for these trying times. What would you add? Also, if you missed the previous emails, here’s a link to the blog post. 💙

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NakedPastor Gondola Point Road Quispamsis, NB E2E 1H6