The Daily Llama, by Staci DesRault, brings you short, one-word meditations and a corresponding quote plus a reflection for your complete wool-being (#seewhatwedidthere?) for Monday, September 25th – Friday, September 29th, 2023.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th
WORD OF THE DAY: AFFECTION
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Our word of the day stems from the Latin word “affectio,” which means “state or disposition of mind or body.” The most popular use of the word affection refers to emotion, attachment, fondness, or love. The etymology of this word suggests that the health of our minds and bodies is closely linked to our emotions (specifically love) and the quality of our relationships.
Author James McIntosh in his article, “The Power of Love: How Relationships Benefit Body and Mind,” writes the following:
In a paper published in Psychopharmacology in 2012, Dr. Young and James P. Burkett reviewed research on drug addiction alongside research on social attachments. “The psychology of human love and drug addiction share powerful overlaps at virtually every level of the addictive process, from initial encounters to withdrawal,” the authors conclude. Oxytocin was found to play a modulatory role in many aspects of drug addiction, along with additional roles in processing memories and information involved in social attachment. The association between oxytocin and addiction was explored last year in research by the University of Adelaide in Australia. The study suggested that poor development of oxytocin during early childhood could explain why some individuals succumb to addictive behavior.
Our ability to love and be loved is responsible for 90% of our happiness.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th
WORD OF THE DAILY: CHOICE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
The words we describe our experiences hold much power in shaping and influencing how we think and feel. The more we use phrases such as “I have to” or “I have no choice,” the more likely we are to believe the lie that we are powerless over our behaviors. We may not always like our options. But we always have a choice.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th
WORD OF THE DAY: HEART
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
The heart is often used as a metaphor for the status of our emotions. When we’re sad, we can be brokenhearted. When we’re committed, we’re doing something wholeheartedly. If we’re cruel, we’re coldhearted or heartless. We use the heart to symbolize our love when we love someone or something. Without a heart, we cannot live. The heart is central to our existence.
Yet the heart does not work all on its own, and it is part of a system that functions together to keep it beating. It needs support to keep going, just like most things do.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th
WORD OF THE DAY: PERFORM
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Doing the next right thing is sometimes challenging, and it’s even more complicated when nobody is around to see whether or not we did the right thing. It’s tough when there doesn’t appear to be any immediate negative consequence to our behavior.
But as a wise person once said, integrity is what we do when nobody’s watching.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th
WORD OF THE DAY: ENDURING
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Bruce Lee’s words urge us to shift our focus from seeking an easy life to building the strength necessary to endure a difficult one. It is natural to wish for a life free from struggles and challenges, but it is through facing adversity that we can grow and become stronger individuals. Instead of praying for an effortless existence, we should pray for the courage, resilience, and determination to face any obstacle that comes our way. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of self-reliance and empowerment that will serve us well throughout our lives. Ultimately, Bruce Lee reminds us that life is not about avoiding pain or suffering but finding meaning and purpose in the midst of it.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
