"Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues" -Confucious

Humility is an ingredient of love and our natural state of being. A well defined spiritual life encompasses humilty. How can we become more loving? How can we create better relationships? How can we gain clarity, insight and inner peace through humility?

When we embody humility, we're not puffed up with pride and vanity. Humilty transforms self-righteousness into healthy self-reverence. Regarding ourselves in a modest way, we're not haughty, arrogant and judgmental. The outcomes includes growth as opportunities for self-improvement and learning points. Humility enables us to develop a loving and healthy relationship with ourselves that naturally radiates to others.

Let's focus on humilty with self, others and service. Being humble, we are more gentle, self-compassionate and self-forgiving. Refraining from harsh self-condemnation, we accept our limitations with the realization that we are continuously learning, growing and discovering ourselves. Humilty enables us to accept honest feedback and profit from perceived mistakes and errors. Being mindfully present, we engage in self-observation, tend to our thoughts and feelings in loving ways. Humilty enriches our relationships. Becoming more engaging, present and earnestly listening to others, people feel seen and heard. We realize that we can learn from everyone and no one is greater or lesser. We refrain from quick and unthoughtful responses and being argumentative. Humility anchors and grounds us in love. Humility is essential in service and leardership fostering teamwork, trust, collaboration and overall wellbeing in the workplace and other settings. Operating with pure intentions and selfless motives, we serve with higher aspirations for the good of all.

Dr. Jean Marie shares from her book, "Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Journal Prompts and Affirmations, Self-Reflection questions, Journal Prompts and Affirmations on Humility.

Share your insights, experiences and observations: Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Refinement and Humility.

"Good temper is the triumph of a truly loving spirit, it is not easily provoked. We are inclined to look upon bad temper as a very harmless weakness. We speak of it as a mere infirmity of nature, a matter of temperament, not a thing to take into very serious account in estimating a man's character. And yet here, right in the heart of the analysis of love, it finds a place... Condemn it as one of the most destructive elements of nature" -Henry Drummond

Good temper is an ingredient of love. To be good nature is lighthearted, emotionally well-disposed, balanced, stable and not easily angered or provoked. Being of good temper brings peace of mind and reduces stress. Taking time to pause, reflect and respond thoughtfully inhibits impulsive reactions that can to detrimental to self and others. Good temper enables us to be self-composed and master self-control. Many are hardened by life experiences, habitual patterns and ways of responding that damages health and wellbeing. When we are out of harmony with ourselves we operate in fear. Eric Butterworth states, "When a person loses his unity, "loses his cool" a dispiriting processs takes place". Regard good temper as acts of self-love and self-care.

Good tempered people master their emotions without offending others. Demonstration of good temper is a neutralizing force that brings clarity to the situation, allows one to be non-reactive, draws on inner essence and enables one to meditate on love. It enables wise decisions for the highest good of all.

Good temper is our natural state of being. Being of good temper achieves inner harmony, promotes self-composure and builds healthy relationships with others. It is a powerful neutralizing force and inspires a loving spirit. We have a better disposition, maintain wellbeing and grow in beauty with a pleasant and loving spirit.

Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Journal Prompts and Affirmations on Good Temper from her book, "Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Journal Prompts and Affirmations".

Share your experiences, insights and observations: Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Good Temper and Self-Composure.

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by sharing" -Buddha

Generosity is an empowering and transformative ingredient of love and our natural state of being. Opening our hands and hearts, being sharing and caring is beneficial to everyone. The spirit of generosity not only enriches the lives of others but ourselves. Sharing our natural gifts, skills and talents is heartwarming. Generosity deepens relationships, builds comunities and supports resilience. It is also acceptance with grace. Spiritual development is renewed and enhanced that creates an inspiring and empowering model of love.

Giving our time, attention, resources and appreciating the good deeds of others cultivates generosity. Furthermore it offers compassion, uplifts others and makes us pleasant to be around. Wholehearted generosity is giving with pure intentions without conditions, expectations and the need for public recognition.

The mindset of scarcity and lack inhibits generosity with the belief that there is not enough that breeds greed, selfishness andd competition. The spirit of generosity expands our capacity for manifestation. It inspires faithfulness and trust in infinite supply for divine provision. It inspires us to share our natural gifts and talents for the betterment of humanity.

Dr. Jean Marie highlights generosity reflected in true grace, divine love and gratitude. True grace and divine love are everpresent. The helping hand of grace extends divine support. Grace is the supernatural power of divine influence available to everyone. Gratitude is an incessant prayer of thanksgiving and praise that can be reflected throughout the day. There are many ways to express feelings of gratitude through prayer, journal, meditation, music, song and dance or whatever speaks to your heart.

Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Journal prompts and Affirmations from her book, "Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Journal Prompts and Affirmations".

Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Grace and Generosity.

"The first rule of kindness is to be kind to yourself" -Buddha

Do you struggle with being kind to yourself? Do you care for your overall wellbeing? How do you treat yourself during the day?

Kindness is an ingredient of love and our natural state of being. In order to genuinely express loving-kindness to others, we should be kind, compassionate and at peace with ourselves. Loving ourselves unconditionally is treating ourselves with appreciation, respect and knowing our innate worth. Kindness is reflected in consideration, compassion and leading with a soft heart and pure intentions.

Perhaps there are moments when negative self-talk and harsh criticism emerge in your thoughts as a result of someone being unkind to you for no reason, when you have made an error in judgment or when you respond unkindly to others. It is essential to take time to pause, reflect and be gentle with yourself. Buddha quotes, "Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates. Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" This enables us to gain clarity and insight for self-awareness and self-correction to reframe the narrative and reflect loving-kindness. When we practice and embody kindness as our natural state, we can wholeheartedly express kindness to others. Buddha quotes, "Be an example... Show kindness to unkind people. Forgive people who don't deserve it. Love unconditionally, your actions will always reflect who your are."

Expressions of kindness are demonstrated in many ways such as a thoughtful gesture, compliment, good deed, a helping hand that uplifts ourselves and others. It can boost self-esteem, change a mood and make a good day even better. Simple acts of kindness to yourself and others can create a ripple effect for positive change. Kindness shows how we are living and being with ourselves in the world and with all we encounter.

Dr. Jean Marie shares Self-Reflective questions, Journal Prompts and Affirmations on Kindness from her book, "Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Journal Prompts and Affirmations".

Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Goodwill and Self-Kindness.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Social life is a key life area. How we live, share interact profoundly impact our lives. To feel a sense of connection, belonging and avoid social isolation, social life has its place. The dynamics of a group can shape our lives positively or negatively. External connections, expectations and approval born out of fear result in superficial connections and performances. This disrupts inner peace, authentic encounters and positive life experiences. Authentic connections born out of love are fulfilling, comforting and satisfying. We relate to others at different levels whether long term, short term, limited or maintain a lifetime bond.

It is essential to "Know Thyself". Take time to reflect on your social life. The time spent interacting, communicating and participating in activities beyond mandatory work obligations. Are you an introvert or extrovert? Take inventory of your personal attributes and what you would like to improve. Do you consider yourself to be a good friend? In order to have a true friend one should be a true friend. Do you share similar values and beliefs in your social network? Do you participate because you are expected to? How do these connections make you feel? How can you improve your social life?

We establish bonds and relationships with family, friends, neighbors, people in the community and co-workers. These shared activities may come in the form of leisure, pleasure and relaxation. We connect through mutual interests, creative outlets, events, festivals, travel and hobbies. Consider whether the mutual exchange feels real and authentic or false without pure intentions.. Whether in person or online opportunities to voluntarily connect comes in various outlets, it is essential to discern especially in this digital age, what is real or superficial. So, how do we meet people? Consider doing what you love, what speaks to your heart and bring you joy and fulfillment.

The power of choice is crucial in discerning what feels right, good and true. We learn a lot about ourselves within the context of socializing with others whether one to one or in group settings. This can build confidence, trust in ourselves and enhance social skills. Casual connections may grow into real relationships. Morevover, nurturing our connections and discerning quality over quantity can weed out what does not fit.

When we are authentic, there is no need for competition, to outshine, impress others and perform. This takes the joy out of social connections that is draining and stressful. Healthy and wholesome connections are based on the ingredients of love including: Patience, kindness, courtesy, generosity, humility, unselfishness, good temper, guilessness and sincerity. These ingredients reflect how we relate to ourselves and others.

Dr. Jean Marie shares from the chapter, My Personalized Lifecare Planner - Social Life, from her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being, Reflective questions, Practical Considerations and encourages an Action plan with feel good strategies to assess progress.

Share your insights, observations and experiences. Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com.

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Good Fit and True Friendship.

"Love is patience. This is the normal attitude of Love; Love passive. Love waiting to begin; not in a hurry; calm ready to do it's work when the summons comes, but meantime wearing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" -Henry Drummond

Patience is an ingredient of love. When we are calm, not rushed, hurried we become balanced, walking the middle path with peace and equanimity. We have the capacity to manage ourselves during times of sadness, joy, hard times and good times. Being patient we effortlessly flow with the rhythm of life knowing that we are always moving forward. We accept change and the seasons of life trusting divine timing. We respond consciously with wisdom, clarity and insight.

Inner peace is the cornerstone and foundation of patience. In a world fraught with chaos, disturbance and distraction we also experience and witness the generosity and kindness of others. We encounter those who are pleasant and those who take their negative feelings out on us without any reason. Most importantly, the most profound disruptor of inner peace is negative self-talk, harsh self-judgment and self-criticism. When we seek external validation of our value and worth, this disrupts inner peace. Patience allows us to work on our inner being for stability, harmony and security. How we feel about ourselves, treat and relate to ourselves reflect and radiate to others. If we are not patient with ourselves, we cannot be patient with others.

All that we encounter are tests. Learn, grow and discover more about yourself. Do not grudge the hand that shapes you nor spend time immersed in guilt and shame. Be patient and free yourself with compassion and forgiveness. When we are patient, we make careful and thoughtful choices. Patience keeps us present focused and not focused on past regrets or worries about about future. When we master patience we are maintain self control and become less stressed. Patience brings inner stability, builds inner security and confidence. Patience refines our character and transforms our lives. When we practice patience we develop a healthy and loving relationship with ourselves.

Dr. Jean Marie shares Self-Reflection exercises and Journal Prompts on Patience from her book, Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Weekly Journal Prompts and Affirmations.

Feel free to share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Composure, Patience and Self-Refinement.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Romance is a key life area.

What qualities and attributes do you look for in a healthy relationship? Do you possess these qualities and attributes? What kind of relationship do you have with yourself?

The fairytale stories of romance may keep one hopelessly searching and waiting for the prince or princess to sweep you off your feet and carry you to the land of forever love. The reality is the endless search for love outside of yourself. We attract and reflect how we relate to ourselves. Love is a powerful, expansive and spiritual force. Love is expressed in heartfelt feelings and actions. True love is everlasting, unchanging and stable. It can soothe, calm and bring joy to all who are open to it. It can heal and nourish the mind, body and soul.

Early romance is that feeling of emotional excitement. It is outward display of infactuation, passion, physical attraction. It can be a spark that fizzles out over time or perhaps transition into long term love that leads to acceptance, committment and support. Love is what love does and is highlighted in the analysis of love by Henry Drummond. The nine ingredients including patience, kindness, humility, generosity, courtesy, unselfishness, guilessness, good temper and sincerity reflect the true essence of divine love. Dr. Jean Marie adopts this as the Wholistic Model of Love with these ingredients as the Recipe of Love.

Love is like a candle flame that should be nurtured, sheltered, and protected overtime. It may get dim but can be nurtured to become brighter and stronger. On the other hand, if it is fleeting romance with temporary pleasant moments, it may feel like love but true love is the foundation of wholehearted love. Relationships are mirrors for self-reflection, self-awareness and understanding.

Love at first sight is an instant deep familiarity and soul recognition from a past life. You feel drawn together like you have known each other. Destiny brought you together in this lifetime. Perhaps at the right season and chapter of your life. Soulmates do not necessarily have to be romantic partners. There is a mutual endearing and enduring love as a result of this soulful connection.

How we thinking, feeling and being with ourselves are keys to attraction. Take time to reflect on your romance and relationship encounters. Is it fleeting or stable? Is it steady and nourishing? Is it healing? Does it make you feel safe and secure? Do you feel accepted for who you are? Are the ingredients of love an integral aspect of your connection? The most important realization is to develop a healthy a healthy and loving relationship with yourself. As you love and care for yourself all that is unloving and unkind will not be acceptable.

Dr. Jean Marie shares from My Personalized Life Care Planner - Romance from her book Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being Reflection questions, Practical Considerations and encourages an Action Plan with feel good strategies for evaluation.

Share your insights, experiences and observations: Email jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Romance, True Love and Self-Belonging.

How we feel about ourselves impact all key areas of our life. Family is a key life area. Who is family? What is true kinship? What is home?

On a spiritual level, it is said that we choose our family. So what is the higher purpose born into a loving home or one filled with chaos and dissension. We are all teaching and learning from each other and the greatest lesson is love. Dr. Jean Marie shares notable scriptures on family love and the Wholistic Model of Love that includes the ingredients of patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy unselfishness, good temper, guilessness and sincerity.

The concept of family is quite expansive. Family extends beyond biological, blood, and traditional family ties. Spiritual kinship provides mutual unconditional love and support. Being part of a group that shares core values, universal truths, faith and higher purpose; and feeling a sacred soulful connection with concern for mutual wellbeing is a loving experience.

There is no perfect family and a house is not necessary a home. We can do what we can to embrace, connect and have a loving relationship; however, if wellbeing is threatened it may be necessary to explore options for support or lovingly detach and chart a new way forward in peace with blessings for all. Most importantly, developing a loving and healthy relationship with yourself is of utmost importance. Take time to reflect, heal, learn the leassons and create a life you love. Moreover, to be in harmony with others, one must be in harmony with one's self. Know that you are worthy and the power of love anchors us in peace and joy.

Let's consider the broader and more expanded aspect of family and true kinship. Feeling at home with certain people, connections through ancestral bonds and geographic locations where we feel at one with humanity and our surroundings is a profound experience. Being at home with yourself is essential. Wherever you go and how you are being reflects soulful connection with yourself that radiates to others. Stepping beyond your comfort zone can open your heart and give you a fresh perspective on life, love and connection. Whether it's visiting other neighborhoods, participating in community events, traveling to other states and countries, we can have the opportunity to experience diversity and realize our true human connection. These experiences provide opportunities for self-discovery and realization of our oneness with humanity. Dr. Jean Marie highlights profound travel experiences with the realization of universal kinship bonded in love and that love is a universal language.

Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Practical Considerations and encourages a feel good Action Plan for Family from the chapter My Personalized Life Care Planner in her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being.

Share your insights, observations and experiences. Email jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Unity and Coming Home.