Chaplain’s Corner - February 2026

Welcome to the February edition of the Non-Secular Chaplain’s Corner.

This space is for nourishment, reflection, and connection that transcends traditional religious or secular boundaries. May it offer calm, clarity, and community in the middle of winter.

Mindful Moments for the Shortest Month

Pause and Breathe (2 minutes):

Sit comfortably, eyes soft. Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 5 cycles.

Gratitude Snapshot:

Each day, write down three small things you’re grateful for—one personal, one relational, one moment of beauty.

Digital Quiet:

Designate a 30-minute window free from notifications to read, reflect, or simply be.

February Reflections:

Growth, Light, and Connection

February invites resilience. The days grow longer, and with that, a gentle reminder that light returns after darkness.

Consider a personal liturgy:

A simple ritual or routine that centers kindness, curiosity, and presence.

Suggested themes you might explore

Compassion in Action:

Small acts of kindness add up. Reflect on one act you can perform this week.

Inner Light:

Acknowledge a personal strength you often overlook. How can you nourish it?

Community Threads:

Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Consider a short message or a handwritten note.

Practical Self-Care Plan for February

Wheel of Well-Being (Weekly)

Physical:

150 minutes of moderate activity.

 Emotional:

10 minutes of journaling or expressive writing.

Social:

One meaningful conversation with a friend or family member.

Intellectual:

Read something new for 20 minutes.

Spiritual/Meaning:

A brief moment of quiet reflection or a personal practice.

Warmth and Comfort Kit:

Create a small kit (physical or digital) with: a favorite comforting song, a soothing scent or candle, a cozy blanket or warm beverage, and a short uplifting quote.

Ritual of Release:

On a chosen day, write down worries or tasks on paper, then safely release them (e.g., into a recycling bin, a burn-safe container) to symbolize letting go.

Suggested Readings and Resources

• Poems for Light and Resilience (Poetry anthology or your preferred collection)

• Essays on Meaning-Making and Secular Spirituality

• Guided meditation apps with secular options (e.g., mindfulness, compassion-focused practices)

Journal Prompts:

What is one situation from the past month where I showed resilience?

When have I felt most connected to others, and what sparked that feeling?

What small act of kindness can I perform this week, and whom will it benefit?

Closing Note

This corner is a flexible space for all who seek comfort, purpose, and connection beyond boundaries.

If you have topics you’d like included—meditations, poems, practical rituals, or personal stories—share them, and I’ll weave them into future editions.

R. A. Farrer, USMC

Chaplain , Belleau Wood Tavern

Chaplain,  Stones River, Sons of American Revolution

Tun Militia Commander for Murfreesboro, TN

Board Member, US Marine Corps Reserve Association

TKE Order of the Shield