Speaker 1: 0:06

Greetings and welcome Welcome to Slow Down Sunday. You made it through the week, congratulations. This is the sweet spot where science meets the soul, and I am your host, dr Derek Sweet. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in high performance and sports psychiatry. So, on the Sweet Spot, on Sundays, we slow things down and we reflect on what we have learned all week long. Learned all week long.

Speaker 1: 0:43

So I would like you to take a deep breath, find a comfortable spot and reflect on the journey we've taken this week through the transformative power of restorative practices. But this isn't just about looking back. It's about looking within. As you get ready to step into a new week, I want you to let the affirmations that I've created here around restorative practices guide your steps and inspire you to live a more connected, compassionate and fulfilling life. As you hear each one, take a moment to truly let it sink in. How does it resonate with you? What images or feelings come to mind? Are you ready?

Speaker 1: 1:30

Let's go with the first R of the five R's that we talked about Relationship. Think about the people in your life who truly see you, hear you and value you, those who make you feel understood and accepted. And now remember the words of George Herbert, the best mirror is an old friend. Cherish those who reflect your true self back to you. Always cherish them and nurture those connections. You know why they are the garden of your soul. Ultimately, who are those people for you? I want you to take a moment and send them a silent thank you right now.

Speaker 1: 2:19

The second R was respect. Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy. Robert Tu wisely said this honor your boundaries, honor your values and honor your authentic self. You know what? And you should extend that same respect to every person you encounter, for we are all connected in the tapestry of life. So, here on Slow Down Sunday, what's one way you can show yourself more respect this week? Now, the third R in restorative practices is responsibility.

Speaker 1: 3:04

Now, the third R in restorative practices is responsibility. Winston Churchill once said the price of greatness is responsibility. Embrace the power of owning your actions, owning your choices and owning your impact on the world. Just for a second embrace that Breathe with it. You're here for a second Embrace that Breathe with it. You're here for a purpose. Now step up, be accountable and take charge of your destiny. So here on Slow Down Sunday. I have another question what's one area where you can step up and take greater responsibility in your life? You don't have to answer that right now. I want you to just be with the question, move around with the question where can I take greater responsibility? And the answers will come to you Now. The fourth R is repair. Now, martin Luther King Jr said it this way Forgiveness is not just an occasional act, it's a constant attitude.

Speaker 1: 4:22

So repair involves cultivating a forgiving heart, not just for others, but for ourselves. Often, it's us we have to forgive, so that we can release others from the tyranny of judgment. So today, on Slow Down Sunday, I'm challenging you to release the burdens of the past and embrace the healing power of forgiveness. Who do you need to forgive, including yourself? Today, who do you need to forgive? How can you take a step forward towards forgiveness today? One tiny step. Even if you can't forgive that person, can you entertain it Just for today, just this moment.

Speaker 1: 5:05

And the last R in the five R's that comprise restorative practice that we did all week was reintegration. So Rumi, the poet, beautifully said the wound is the place where the light enters you. The wound is the place where the light enters you. So what does this mean? I think what it means is that we have to embrace our challenges. We have to embrace our setbacks and we have to embrace our adversities and our imperfections. They are the cracks that let the light shine in, wow. These are the cracks that basically lead us to growth and transformation.

Speaker 1: 5:50

So today, on Slow Down Sunday, what's one challenge you have faced that you can use to bounce forward and grow stronger? Notice, I didn't say bounce back. I want you to bounce forward and grow stronger. Where do you need to reintegrate yourself? Think it through. So, my friend, as you move into the week ahead, I want you to carry these five R's with you. Carry these affirmations with you. Let them guide your actions, your interactions and your relationships. I want you to embrace the power of restorative practices and come back to these five R's. You can come back and listen to these podcasts anytime you want a refresher on restorative practices and watch how it transforms your life.

Speaker 1: 6:46

All right now, this is Dr Sweet. Thank you for joining me on the sweet spot this week where science meets soul. I'm trusting that your week will be filled with connection, compassion, courage, so that you can go out and create a better world, that you can move in your purpose and continue to shine. So don't forget to share your reflections and intentions using Slow Down Sunday hashtag Slow Down Sunday, and connect with me on Instagram, connect with me on LinkedIn, connect with me on Twitter and YouTube. All right, this is Dr Sweet. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. You know what tomorrow is. Tomorrow is Making Moves, monday, and we're diving into new topics on the Sweet Spot. Until then, continue to love yourself, care for yourself and then share that with others. This is Dr Sweet. Be well.