Tyra Garlington | Tyra Garlington

A Moment of Mindfulness: Enduring Legacy or Staying Power in the Storm

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

Having thoroughly enjoyed the musical Hamilton recently, I was impressed with Alexander Hamilton’s predictive insight into future seasons of national uncertainty. He specifically included corresponding requisite leadership skills. “In 1788, while advocating for the adoption of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton famously wrote in the Federalist papers, No.70 that the structure of Government should enable the office of the president to have sufficient “energy” to meet the significant challenges of the day. (W)hat are the ingredients that constitute this energy?” Hamilton asks rhetorically, and he goes on to name four elements;” Unity, duration, adequate provision for its support, and competent powers.”……
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A Moment of Mindfulness: Daddy, where are you?

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

Did you look under PROTECTION, adjacent to PROVIDER, close to KEEPER OF THE REMOTE CONTROL, disguised as SANTA CLAUS, within YOUR HEART? However, sometimes Daddy can only be found in a WARM, LOVING, and SPECIAL MEMORY. He moves around a lot. He has a lot to do when he is about his work. He hurts when you hurt, finds joy in your laughter, and wishes you all the blessings you deserve. He will answer to Daddy, Poppo, Pops, Dad, Papa, and even “Bald Mommy”. Whoever plays the role and earns the title of a father in your life is a……
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A Moment of Mindfulness: What About the Children?

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

You love, you marry, you have children. Mothers are children’s first teachers from the womb. Yet, at some point, parents realize that the multiple intelligences of their children need enhanced nurturing. Their minds and spirits need challenge and encouragement and outlets to creativity. The subtle byproducts of healthy educational systems are critical life skills to include confidence, embracing diversity, good communication, high ethical standards, honesty, teamwork, the ability to listen, authenticity, selflessness, understanding, and empowerment. Children are unlimited possibilities waiting to be born. And yet, we pay those we trust with their advancement approximately 20% less than similar professions.[1] Enter,……
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Moment of Mindfulness: “And They Call it Puppy Love”

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

Inspired by the pandemic crisis, this 1970s love song title means something fun and new to me. About two months ago I fell in love. It was sudden and it was powerful. His cuteness came into view about a half a block away. I stooped down on one knee and whispered loudly, “Are you a Westie?” I knew Puppy Otis heard me because he immediately began to run to me, dragging his humans out of their leisurely walk. Puppy Otis panted as he ran, “There is Miss Tyra! She looks like she needs a hug, and I have one. I……
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Moment of Mindfuless: For the exhausted and overwhelmed.

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

Sometimes when I feel exhausted and overwhelmed about an inconvenient reality, I search for meaning or perspective or affinity in the thoughts of others. Last week I wandered into these words that worked for me. “Our belonging to each other can’t be lost, but it can be forgotten. The life-giving link between vulnerability and courage has been discovered in recent days of the uncomfortable, We must walk through this crisis of our life together because we can move beyond it: with strong backs, soft fronts, and wild hearts.” – Brené Brown “Not too long ago it was assumed that clean……
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A Moment of Mindfulness: Everybody has one, many of us are.

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

Although motherhood related celebrations have existed for thousands of years, it was President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 who officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States. Mother is our first intimate relationship, first friend, and teacher. She is created with special powers. She has eyes in the back of her head, can hear through walls, and can catch us before we fall. Her love is the launchpad for all kinds of promise. “Super-her-o” mother understands what her children do not say, makes a scraped knee better with a kiss, and gives hugs that last……
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A Pandemic Moment Of Mindfulness: Back to Normal?

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

So, today I am intrigued by the term “back to normal”. Apparently, a lot of folks are in a big hurry to get there. However, science tells us, humans experience time moving forward. Perhaps the answer lies beyond the words. Perhaps normal is code for what we knew, and back refers to when we were comfortable and in control? What do you think? Regardless, our nation’s normal contains a variety of inconvenient truths. We have veterans who fought to preserve our beautiful lifestyles living in homes made of cardboard. We have children who not only go to school to learn……
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A Moment of Mindfulness: History is paying us a visit.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

This week I received a not so gentle email reminder of the timeless nuance of history. It included newspaper clippings from the early 19th century. Women sat at typewriters working while wearing face masks and gloves. People gathered at a market to buy and sell necessities all wearing facial masks. Of course, I was drawn to the women’s picture- frame hats and how creatively they had fashioned a stylish face mask to wrap around the hat. If was also a reminder of our inconvenient truth of today. But alas, a light in the darkness! The poem “This is Timeless…” was……
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A Moment of Mindfulness: YES? NO? MAYBE?

Posted on April 18, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

I was shocked this week to hear a media personality choose to respond to the devastating number of coronavirus deaths among the elderly with these words, “Well, they were on their way out anyway.” My anger jumped up and screamed at the TV talking head. My behavior reminded me that the pandemic not only steals lives, and that if I am not careful, it can also pierce my peace. I escaped the moment and remembered this reality: YES, we are in this crisis together. NO, our responses to it are not and will not be the same. However, MAYBE if……
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A Moment of Mindfulness: In Times Like These

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Tyra Garlington • 0 Comments

Today, in my solitude, I wonder about us, you and me. It seems our biggest challenge is how to be here now. To survive, we may have to make room for the new. I’m not talking about cleaning out our closets, I am talking about the transformation of our minds. We can no longer be bound by yesterday. I found words from author Iyanla Vanzant, in her 2001 book, Faith in the Valley, echoing my perceived need for transformation. “As a result of this divinely ordered event, you are no longer held in hostage to what was. All dreams, goals,……
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