Well, we all made it through our term... some of us are done, some of us will graduate at the end of this term, and a few more will graduate with me the end of the next... and of course there are those who are where we once found ourselves- just starting out and totally confused wondering what did we get ourselves into!
In my part of the country, we have been hitting the upper 80s and lower 90s with high dew points and humidity. The sun has been out, and rain has been scare right around here. Remember that sunscreen!! Don't wait until you go outside to remember it- for optimum protection, slather it on well, give it some time to activate and pace yourself if you are doing some work outside. If you have a choice- first thing in the morning or late in the evening is best. Those suns' rays are strong and our skins aren't made to be burned.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...and alcoholic beverages and those with caffeine are not the best choice. Instead of plumping up your skin and filling your cells with life-giving fluids, they act as a diuretic, starving your skin and robbing your body or moisture. I found one that is really refreshing- thin slices of cucumber in your water. Yum..
Eat light, well balanced meals and enjoy the summer as best as you can.. can't let the bunnies and squirrels have all the fun.
happy summer!
s
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The End... but not really!
Here I am trying to get my thoughts together and wraap up these great ten weeks! I have to say I am very regretfull...These last two classes- stress and this one, had a common bunch of us that really connected, and then met all kinds of new friends. I learned so much from all of you.
But, down to business....
In Unit 3, I have myself a score of 5 physically/biologically, and now I gave myself a 4. Honestly I think I was about a 3 originally, but didn't know it at the time. I have had a week of teaching myself to eat and I have to admit it went pretty well. It is costing me a lot more in groceries, but I am eating lots of fruit and veggies, and my new passion for breakfast is sweet potato and a dish of organic yogurt with fruit on it, and lunch is organic cereal with yogurt instead of some kind of milk and a pilt of fruit. YUM!!.. so, i could be on the way back to a 5 soon. As far as exercise, I have to take one thing at a time. My goal was to eat, and so far so good.
In Unit3, my score for spiritual health was a 7 and I gave myself a 7 this time also. The only reason that I didn't go to an 8 is that I don't feel I am near enough at all to flourishing which is a 10 to do it yet. I went to a really good church service today, pray on the way to work every day, and as GOD's forgiveness when I think evil thoughts about irritating people at the store :) ! I feel a sense of inner peace most of the time, and am able to get it back. One day this week it took all day to do so, but I did it. Just had a really off day, and wasn't happy and couldn't summon it. I got there though, and felt all the better for it.
Psychologically I scored myself an 8 in Unit 3 and a 7 now. I don't believe the 8 was realistic after reading Dacher (and I just loved that book!!!). I think that as I continue on my journey towards health, that I will be able to honestly give myself an 8 after a bit more work.
I had given myself goals for each area, and as one of my well- respected classmates told me, I can't do everything at once, or I will become overwhelmed and get nowhere. I want to meditate more, I want to take more time out for me, but with a 52 hour a week work schedule at a very physical job and trying to complete school work, something had to give. I know it will end soon, and I have to be patient. The most important one for me to work on, is eating.... if I don;t eat, I am not going to be around to work on the others. My thyroid levels are finally where they should be and I lost the 15 pounds I put on, so I have to work on the healthy eating and regular eating. I have been sneaking my apple with me as I work, and that is going well so far.
I do believe that I have made progress.... one thing at a time. I have a workable plan and have started to implement it. If I can make it a couple more weeks, I will be okay. It takes a few weeks of doing something to become a part of my life.
For me, taking Stress, Critical Issues last term and Creating Wellness this term was the best thing I have done since starting at Kaplan almost 2 years ago. These classes have literally changed my life. Stress got me started and Creating Wellness was that push that I needed. I have found it totally amazing the way some people react to me now. Even people that have been around for years and knew me as very mercurial and pretty much avoided me, are talking to me, and not only talking to me, but speaking to me first. That is such a good feeling for me, and I know that it is something inside that is showing through to the outside. If that is the only thing that I have gotten in these courses (and it isn't) it was truly worth all the work and the late seminars. I feel that what I have gone through, opening myself up and looking and examining what is inside will help me reach out to my clients and not just see a health issue but another person, just like me, who needs help.
Thank you, all of you, for you support and assistance this term. I know I can do it now, I am NOT that little girl with " no looks and no personality" I am a strong woman and I will graduate and I will finally do what it is that I was meant to do. s
But, down to business....
In Unit 3, I have myself a score of 5 physically/biologically, and now I gave myself a 4. Honestly I think I was about a 3 originally, but didn't know it at the time. I have had a week of teaching myself to eat and I have to admit it went pretty well. It is costing me a lot more in groceries, but I am eating lots of fruit and veggies, and my new passion for breakfast is sweet potato and a dish of organic yogurt with fruit on it, and lunch is organic cereal with yogurt instead of some kind of milk and a pilt of fruit. YUM!!.. so, i could be on the way back to a 5 soon. As far as exercise, I have to take one thing at a time. My goal was to eat, and so far so good.
In Unit3, my score for spiritual health was a 7 and I gave myself a 7 this time also. The only reason that I didn't go to an 8 is that I don't feel I am near enough at all to flourishing which is a 10 to do it yet. I went to a really good church service today, pray on the way to work every day, and as GOD's forgiveness when I think evil thoughts about irritating people at the store :) ! I feel a sense of inner peace most of the time, and am able to get it back. One day this week it took all day to do so, but I did it. Just had a really off day, and wasn't happy and couldn't summon it. I got there though, and felt all the better for it.
Psychologically I scored myself an 8 in Unit 3 and a 7 now. I don't believe the 8 was realistic after reading Dacher (and I just loved that book!!!). I think that as I continue on my journey towards health, that I will be able to honestly give myself an 8 after a bit more work.
I had given myself goals for each area, and as one of my well- respected classmates told me, I can't do everything at once, or I will become overwhelmed and get nowhere. I want to meditate more, I want to take more time out for me, but with a 52 hour a week work schedule at a very physical job and trying to complete school work, something had to give. I know it will end soon, and I have to be patient. The most important one for me to work on, is eating.... if I don;t eat, I am not going to be around to work on the others. My thyroid levels are finally where they should be and I lost the 15 pounds I put on, so I have to work on the healthy eating and regular eating. I have been sneaking my apple with me as I work, and that is going well so far.
I do believe that I have made progress.... one thing at a time. I have a workable plan and have started to implement it. If I can make it a couple more weeks, I will be okay. It takes a few weeks of doing something to become a part of my life.
For me, taking Stress, Critical Issues last term and Creating Wellness this term was the best thing I have done since starting at Kaplan almost 2 years ago. These classes have literally changed my life. Stress got me started and Creating Wellness was that push that I needed. I have found it totally amazing the way some people react to me now. Even people that have been around for years and knew me as very mercurial and pretty much avoided me, are talking to me, and not only talking to me, but speaking to me first. That is such a good feeling for me, and I know that it is something inside that is showing through to the outside. If that is the only thing that I have gotten in these courses (and it isn't) it was truly worth all the work and the late seminars. I feel that what I have gone through, opening myself up and looking and examining what is inside will help me reach out to my clients and not just see a health issue but another person, just like me, who needs help.
Thank you, all of you, for you support and assistance this term. I know I can do it now, I am NOT that little girl with " no looks and no personality" I am a strong woman and I will graduate and I will finally do what it is that I was meant to do. s
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Everson,
S. HW420-02 Unit 9 Final Project
I.Introduction
I
believe that it is important for the Health and Wellness professional to
develop psychologically, mentally and spiritually for a number of reasons, both
in the personal and professional life. While any of these beliefs are subject
to debate, this is how I personally feel, and this paper is from my point of
view. On a personal level, by looking inward, we can become a more whole (while
progressing step by step towards integral health and flourishing) complete
person as we look into ourselves and find that which is truly important to us,
unburden ourselves of that which is not, and move forward on our journey. To
develop any of these aspects will cause a chain reaction in the rest of them as
no aspect is complete unto itself. To be able to everyday do the job of a
Health and Wellness professional, there needs to be a strong base to draw from
so as not to deplete ourselves and have nothing left to offer. We need to be
able to go from having life revolve around me
to looking outside of ourselves and bringing into our lives our family,
friends, and those we know, and don’t know because as H and W professionals we
will be knowing more people each and every day. For me, this means to find the
real me, reach a state of peace and
calmness, achieve the ability to center myself in stressful situations, commune
with my Creator and use the practices of mediation, calm abiding and peaceful
mind to foster a greater calmness yet awareness to be able to not only help
myself, but help the client to find that which he/she is searching for.
It
means that I have the confidence in my beliefs to listen, really listen to what
my client is saying so that I can help them ascertain what it is that they want
and need to relieve the pain they are going through and to help them on their
way towards health in whatever capacity they are able to accept.
To
Be Able to Achieve My Goals
At
this point in time, I feel so new to this practice, that I cannot yet know what
and where I want to be in my quest for integral health. This tiny light has
been ignited, and I know there is more to who I am than I can see now. I want
to find out who is really inside of me, and
Everson
S. HW420-02 Unit 9 Final Project
why
I feel compelled to start over again in my sixties. What is the driving force,
and why now, when most of my high school classmates have retired or are
contemplating doing so shortly, have I decided that it is somehow my mission to
help others and give-back some of what I have been given in my life? To do so,
I need to maintain and strengthen my spiritual convictions, with GOD my
creator, and also with Mother Earth. To have healthy families, communities and
environment, it is necessary to become responsible for one’s actions. It is
only through a cumulative effort that true health and flourishing of the
world’s population can be achieved. For me to help even one person, would make
me feel like I have accomplished something great. I also need to stay mentally
and emotionally fit, to have the reserves to do what I need to do, and to keep
going in my advancing age. No matter whether I feel sixty two or not, I am, and it will take an effort to maintain
and keep the aging process moving as slowly as possible. The biggest area for
me, aside from obvious physical needs, is to keep myself balanced, to think
outside of me and focus on the larger
picture. In doing so, I will have the courage to take the huge and scary step
out of my comfort zone, leave behind my job of 23 years, and take on a new
position and career of service. To stay balanced psychologically and mentally
the practices I have learned in this class, calm-abiding, loving-kindness and
the subtle mind will need to stay a part of my life. Asclepius has taught me
much, and I can return to him as needed. It is a non-ending journey that is not
stagnant, never boring, and always enlightening if I can keep an open mind to
allow it to show me the way.
II.Assessment
While
working on my own personal assessment, I have tried to take into account not
only relieving stress and pain right now, but to work toward the release of it
totally and permanently from my life. To do that, I need to continue following
the steps toward integral healing and human flourishing. I need to identify not
only my weaknesses but my strengths where I am in life right now, at this time
with a clear and open mind. I have found my assessment to show that I am very
uneven at this time in the areas of body, mind and spirit. As far as physical
health, I am not exercising at all at this time, we don’t know what is wrong
with my foot and I don’t eat right. This puts me at a distinct disadvantage in
this area
Everson,
S. HW420-02 Unit 9 Final Project
compared
to where I really want to be. I still have a tendency to want sweets when I am
stressed, but have started to really work on my eating despite the difficulty
of having no “hunger urges”. I know my body needs to thrive in order to have
the best in other aspects.
At
work, I am noticing that since I have become more aware and taken ownership of
my actions that most people are responding to me in a much more positive way. I
am trying to engage a “filter” that allows me to think things but not
necessarily allow them to come out of my mouth. While this is a positive
change, I still am not able to maintain a rewarding relationship with a man. I
am not positive that I even want to, but I want to be able to.
My
spiritual life has taken on a new path thanks mainly to what I have learned in
this class. I have become much more open to what SPIRIT wants and is telling me
to do, and stopped “arguing” or resisting. I know that I have been guided from
being a florist to the Lead Natural and Organic to a full time college student
in Health and Wellness… I know that there is a purpose I have been led here. I
pray more, and am more at peace with who and what I am. I have tried to open
myself to not only my needs but those of others around me and even those I
don’t know (knitting scarves for Operation Gratitude and filling shoe boxes for
Samaritans’ Purse for Christmas, for example) to relieve their sadness, grief
and pain.
Psychologically
I believe I have been working in the right direction. I have tried to become
more open to thinking about action and not re-acting as much, letting stresses
go and not taking things so personally. Even my “shrink” has noticed a positive
difference in even the way I carry myself. The guided lessons have helped me to
turn the world off for a time and renew and revitalize so that I have the
energy and resources to do what it is I feel I need to do. I know that as time
goes on; my needs will change as will those of my clients. this is good, this
is okay. Life is not stagnant and is ever evolving.
Out
of a score of 1-10, 1 being the lowest 5 about
so-so and 10 being somewhere that I may reach some day, but it’s okay if
I don’t, I rate my spiritual health as about a 7 today, my psychological health
about a 7 today also and my physical health about a 4.
IIIrson,
S. HW420-02 Unit 9 Final Project
Goals
that I can set, that are attainable are listed here. I am focusing on goals
right now that I know I can reach, and will also keep me on the path that I am
now trying to follow.
Spiritual-
continue to develop my “filter” and practice it with all that I meet. Reach out
to people with an open heart as all are children of the SPIRIT and as such as
unique and precious creatures
Psychological
(Mental Health)- take the time each day (usually after I come home from work)
to practice one of the lessons I am starting to learn- subtle mind,
loving-kindness, meeting Asclepius, witnessing mind or a Buddhist lesson I have
discovered.
Physical-
for one week, I will eat. That’s it. I will enjoy the fruits of the season on
top of my cereal with yogurt, I will eat protein (tuna) and veggies and all the
foods I like.
IVPractices
for Personal Health
Two
or more examples of ways that I can improve in each of those areas follow:
Psychological-
1. Start with practicing my lessons three days a week in the beginning.
2. Have the lessons I
want to use readily available so that I can get into
a positive habit
and create an area that is conducive to my practicing-
calm, uncluttered,
add fresh flowers and quiet as possible with no
phones.
Spiritual-
1. Go to church on Sundays that I get out of work on time to get there.
It may not be a need for a
lot of people, but the connection I feel there is
important to me. While
there, I knit the scarves or prayer shawls I make.
2. Look at people as children
of the SPIRIT. Remember that every one of them
is just as important as I
am- see that when I smile and say hello, instead of
Everson,
S. HW420-02 Unit 9 Final Project
seeing a rude obnoxious
person, see someone who has the same stresses
and suffering as we do. Become
certified in Healing Touch to further be able
to alleviate distress and
suffering.
Physical-
1. Have good healthy foods readily available to grab and snack on. I love the
Blueberries and
strawberries that are so abundant right now- I will enjoy them.
2. Prepare snacks the night
before, and a cold water thermos. Make sure I TAKE
THEM.
V.Assess
My Progress
The
best way to assess my progress or lack of it in the next six months is to
compare where I am then with my goals of today. How am I doing? Have I
travelled further on the path to human flourishing or have I stagnated or even
worse slipped back down the path? How do I feel? Am I peaceful and calm? Do I
put myself out there to serve others? In six months I will have graduated- am I
on the road to the me that I have
always wanted to be? Sincerely, I hope so.
One
of the ways that I am using to remind myself to maintain and move forward is to
make copies of quotes and small things that inspire me and hang them where I
can see them. I am in the process of re-furbishing my den from the walls out to
create a space where I can be and
breathe and grow. I am envisioning a peaceful place that is earthy and serene
where I can go to work on the lessons that I am learning. I want to hang some
of the most inspiring words on the walls in frames the way I create.
Simply
taking the time out to breathe and recognizing this need is a way to maintain
the practices that we are learning in this course to progress towards Health
and Wellness. Previously I could not identify this need to take a step back and
re-group. Now, I notice it readily. To me, this tells me that I am already
changing. Physically I feel so much better, and I don’t want to lose this
feeling- instead I want to progress further along.
]
Monday, June 10, 2013
Part 2 of Where's the Bone
Ok, so I am a bit nervous about my impending visit to the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow to find out (I hope) where the bone is the is supposed to be in my foot. I can't help but remember that the doctor that I saw at the Urgent Care center kept asking me if I had had any cancerous tumors removed. NO, am I about to? It doesn't help that my friend Anna from work just found out the cancer in her leg is not a large tumor on her spine despinte chemo (she never stopped smoking because she said she didn't have lung cancer-duh!) and Keith found out his colon cancer that he fought 5 years ago is back. Kind of puts in right in there. I will be happy to have an answer, so that I know what I have to do next.
My daughter told me the other night, that she knows I would fight as hard as I could to have more time to spend with my children and grandchildren and only give up if the battle turns in to one I can't win. She is so very right. My family dies at 63 and I plan to break the trend.
Work announced today that no full timer will be getting over 40 hours (I had been getting minimum 48) and could be cut to 32. I can't live on that, and with school right now, can't do two jobs either. GOD will guide me.
If any of you are not graduating this term, I hope to meet you in class next term, if I ever get in classes for next term that is.
Blessings to you all
susan
My daughter told me the other night, that she knows I would fight as hard as I could to have more time to spend with my children and grandchildren and only give up if the battle turns in to one I can't win. She is so very right. My family dies at 63 and I plan to break the trend.
Work announced today that no full timer will be getting over 40 hours (I had been getting minimum 48) and could be cut to 32. I can't live on that, and with school right now, can't do two jobs either. GOD will guide me.
If any of you are not graduating this term, I hope to meet you in class next term, if I ever get in classes for next term that is.
Blessings to you all
susan
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Unit 8- My Mental Fitness Practices
This week, we are talking about the practices that mean that most to us, in our personal lives. But first, I have to tell you about a discovery I made just today- I am laughing a lot more!! For a while, it seemed like laughter had pretty much left my life, and that is a sad thing. I don' t know what happened, but it is coming back. I have to admit that I have a unique and unfortunately loud laugh, and people that I am close to, tell me that when they hear it, it makes them smile. I used to have a friend who I loved very much who told me that if he entered the building and heard me laughing, he knew it would be a good day. Sadly, he died of kidney cancer about 18 years ago at the very young age of 36.
But.... what this is telling me is that the mind exercises are working!! If they were not, I would not have come to this point where I feel the lightness and happiness in life. I find myself smiling more, and hugging more. Yes, the stressors are still there, and they will be there if I am happy and smiling or if I am miserable. How much easier they are to deal with when that feeling of peace and guidance are there in the background. Has anyone else noticed this?
I believe that the one that will stick with me the most is what I learned when I met Aesclepius. Here, I met my inner essence and guide that will be with me always. I learned to "step away" and find myself again, to re-claim my sense of peace and joy. I tried that one today after work before I started on anything else and found that it was a good thing to do. Rather than start running around cleaning before I did my studying, coming in and changing my clothes from work and taking that time to center myself worked wonders. With a clear and uncluttered mind, I am ready to tackle what come next. I believe that by listening to the flutes of Carlos Nakai I will be able to recall the instructions given and be able to recapture the feeling I had.
Another practice that I think will work for me is the Loving Kindness. Even though that one had some particularly difficuly parts, it helped me to take in the negativity and pain, and exhale it away. I have practiced it in a minor way at work, and it works. It helps me to feel towards others in a more positive way, knowing that we all have our pains and trials to work through, and we all deserve the chance to be treated and respected as the unique beings that we are.
There is really no practice that we have covered that would not be a good one to add to my life. Certain circumstances need certain practices, and I would love to be able to have them all there ready for me when I needed them.
I hope you all have a peace filled week, and that events are positive ones.
Blesssings
susan
But.... what this is telling me is that the mind exercises are working!! If they were not, I would not have come to this point where I feel the lightness and happiness in life. I find myself smiling more, and hugging more. Yes, the stressors are still there, and they will be there if I am happy and smiling or if I am miserable. How much easier they are to deal with when that feeling of peace and guidance are there in the background. Has anyone else noticed this?
I believe that the one that will stick with me the most is what I learned when I met Aesclepius. Here, I met my inner essence and guide that will be with me always. I learned to "step away" and find myself again, to re-claim my sense of peace and joy. I tried that one today after work before I started on anything else and found that it was a good thing to do. Rather than start running around cleaning before I did my studying, coming in and changing my clothes from work and taking that time to center myself worked wonders. With a clear and uncluttered mind, I am ready to tackle what come next. I believe that by listening to the flutes of Carlos Nakai I will be able to recall the instructions given and be able to recapture the feeling I had.
Another practice that I think will work for me is the Loving Kindness. Even though that one had some particularly difficuly parts, it helped me to take in the negativity and pain, and exhale it away. I have practiced it in a minor way at work, and it works. It helps me to feel towards others in a more positive way, knowing that we all have our pains and trials to work through, and we all deserve the chance to be treated and respected as the unique beings that we are.
There is really no practice that we have covered that would not be a good one to add to my life. Certain circumstances need certain practices, and I would love to be able to have them all there ready for me when I needed them.
I hope you all have a peace filled week, and that events are positive ones.
Blesssings
susan
Monday, June 3, 2013
Unit 7- On meeting Aesclepius
First off, I have to say, that my inspiration and "hero" is my grandmother. She is the wisest and most peaceful person that I know. I talk as if she is still here with me, because she is, guiding me every step of the way towards getting my life back together even though she left this earth in Jan 1974. I could see her so clearly, a tiny woman with long white hair that she braided and wrapped into a bun.
I was able to focus the white light bringing her energy and guidance to me wiht no problem. She is my mentor. After that, I started to have a bit of a problem. I have tried this more than once, but have a bit of trouble with the lights from one thing to another. I plan to keep at this one until I get it. It was most relaxing though with the sounds of the ocean. How she loved the NJ shore in the 50s when it was still so beautiful- Asbury Park/Ocean Grove, and of course the flutes are always so calming to me- think Carlos Nakai!
While I am not going to put down here that I am practicing my meditation skills every day- because I am not yet- I am really doing so much better. Even if it just means that I am taking out 5-10 minutes to breathe and center myself. This is so much more than I was doing before. It is helping to help me find that "place" where I can put on my grace and serenity and face the world again. I still hope to someday look inward and find the real me that we have read about. I can't even imagine doing that at this point! How will we know when we have "found" us? I hope that if and when I do, "I" am someone that I like and respect. I guess somewhere down deep- I have not totally exorcised that demon that made my mother constantly tell me that I had no looks and no peronality! What if that is what I find?
What does "one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" mean to me? This is telling me that as a health and wellness professional, I need to "walk the walk and talk the talk". I don' t have to experience alcoholism, critical illness, cancer or HIV to work with a patient who has, but on the other hand, it is in my best interests to develop my optimum health to the best of my ability. How can I expect others to listen to me otherwise? I have to be giving it my best also. At this point, I am not. I am not exercising as I should, and my diet is not always the best, but I am moving in the right direction, and that is what I would be asking of my clients. One-step-at-a-time, just keep moving forward, and if you slip, get back up and dust yourself off, and start moving forward again.
I hope you all are having an uneventful (unless it's a GOOD event) week, and peace and blessings to you all.
susan
I was able to focus the white light bringing her energy and guidance to me wiht no problem. She is my mentor. After that, I started to have a bit of a problem. I have tried this more than once, but have a bit of trouble with the lights from one thing to another. I plan to keep at this one until I get it. It was most relaxing though with the sounds of the ocean. How she loved the NJ shore in the 50s when it was still so beautiful- Asbury Park/Ocean Grove, and of course the flutes are always so calming to me- think Carlos Nakai!
While I am not going to put down here that I am practicing my meditation skills every day- because I am not yet- I am really doing so much better. Even if it just means that I am taking out 5-10 minutes to breathe and center myself. This is so much more than I was doing before. It is helping to help me find that "place" where I can put on my grace and serenity and face the world again. I still hope to someday look inward and find the real me that we have read about. I can't even imagine doing that at this point! How will we know when we have "found" us? I hope that if and when I do, "I" am someone that I like and respect. I guess somewhere down deep- I have not totally exorcised that demon that made my mother constantly tell me that I had no looks and no peronality! What if that is what I find?
What does "one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" mean to me? This is telling me that as a health and wellness professional, I need to "walk the walk and talk the talk". I don' t have to experience alcoholism, critical illness, cancer or HIV to work with a patient who has, but on the other hand, it is in my best interests to develop my optimum health to the best of my ability. How can I expect others to listen to me otherwise? I have to be giving it my best also. At this point, I am not. I am not exercising as I should, and my diet is not always the best, but I am moving in the right direction, and that is what I would be asking of my clients. One-step-at-a-time, just keep moving forward, and if you slip, get back up and dust yourself off, and start moving forward again.
I hope you all are having an uneventful (unless it's a GOOD event) week, and peace and blessings to you all.
susan
Monday, May 27, 2013
You have GOT to be kidding me!!!!
I just have to put this out there- because I don't know who else to tell it to that would totally understand besides you, my classmates!!
A tiny bit of background info: I have had arthritis since I was 5 in my legs and feet. I do real well with it for the most part. Had 4 joints in my had replaced and one fused.
About a week ago my foot started to hurt on the outside midway between heel and inner end of toe. It was pretty bad by the end of a day of running around on it on cement floors to where I wasn't moving too fast at all. By Sat I had been off it all day, so it felt pretty good when I was out pacing talking to my son on the phone when all of a sudden it bent funny, excruciating pain and I gasped at which time my son says- didn't get your foot looked at yet? I said no, and he asked what I was waiting for, and then proceeded to tell me he would talk to me when I got it looked at and gets off phone. I tell my daughter that, and she agrees with him- BLACKMAIL!!! It worked of course. Off I go to the Urgent Care Center and doctor bends squeezes and pretty much else, none of which hurt. I stand up and OUCH!! So he ordered x-rays. When the tech tells me- "I am not allowed to tell you anything" I know he saw something. When the doctor comes in and says to me- "come out here and look at these x rays with me", I am really sure. I was thinking maybe stress fracture or pulled muscle. So we look at the top one which he proclaims to be a "little odd", the one from the outside which is also a "little odd" and the the one from the inside angle. He says- see this bone here? I said yes, and he points to an area a little ahead and he says- "it's not there". So, I go- where is it? Well, my fellow classmates- that is the 64$ question!!! Where is the bone????? Clearly not the empty black spot!! Well, at least I know why my foot hurts when I put weight on it. Now, I am waiting to see a specialist/surgeon this week. oh for joy.
Shockingly enough aside from being slowed down cause it hurts, I am ok, even with the possibel scenarios he painted for me. This is nuts though, that's for sure... And that is how I ended my week
susan
A tiny bit of background info: I have had arthritis since I was 5 in my legs and feet. I do real well with it for the most part. Had 4 joints in my had replaced and one fused.
About a week ago my foot started to hurt on the outside midway between heel and inner end of toe. It was pretty bad by the end of a day of running around on it on cement floors to where I wasn't moving too fast at all. By Sat I had been off it all day, so it felt pretty good when I was out pacing talking to my son on the phone when all of a sudden it bent funny, excruciating pain and I gasped at which time my son says- didn't get your foot looked at yet? I said no, and he asked what I was waiting for, and then proceeded to tell me he would talk to me when I got it looked at and gets off phone. I tell my daughter that, and she agrees with him- BLACKMAIL!!! It worked of course. Off I go to the Urgent Care Center and doctor bends squeezes and pretty much else, none of which hurt. I stand up and OUCH!! So he ordered x-rays. When the tech tells me- "I am not allowed to tell you anything" I know he saw something. When the doctor comes in and says to me- "come out here and look at these x rays with me", I am really sure. I was thinking maybe stress fracture or pulled muscle. So we look at the top one which he proclaims to be a "little odd", the one from the outside which is also a "little odd" and the the one from the inside angle. He says- see this bone here? I said yes, and he points to an area a little ahead and he says- "it's not there". So, I go- where is it? Well, my fellow classmates- that is the 64$ question!!! Where is the bone????? Clearly not the empty black spot!! Well, at least I know why my foot hurts when I put weight on it. Now, I am waiting to see a specialist/surgeon this week. oh for joy.
Shockingly enough aside from being slowed down cause it hurts, I am ok, even with the possibel scenarios he painted for me. This is nuts though, that's for sure... And that is how I ended my week
susan
Friday, May 24, 2013
Universal Loving Kindness and other things
First, I want to say that this week is so much better than last~ the cat is still so-so with the litter box, but I have decided to try and pay more attention to him and if that doesn't work~ have him taxidermed and just place him where I want him. Just kidding of course, but I can think it though.
My daughter has managed to get a sinus infection, a throat infection and something with her ears- leave it to her to do it well, but she is going on vacation Monday for the week, so she and her husband and little girl will have a much needed break. When they come back, it will be in time for her fortieth birthday/Madigans first ballet recital on the first!! I can't wait and am so excited. My friend who is a floral designer and I (I used to be, but am allergic to flowers) are going to create something awesome in pinks for her! I am pretty much sure that I will end up in tears- Ame was in HER first dance recital at 5 on the same stage.
So, now to the weeks' issue at hand..... me, who can remember my drivers license number, license plate, social security and bonus card numbers couldn't remember the words to repeat for anything! I tried it to the point of frustration a few different times and then gave up! Did anyone else have that problem?
The Integral Assessment was another thing. I already know that my Biological Flourishing is on the back burner until school is done later in the year. I am trying to eat better, but I also know that wiht all the nutrition that I have learned growing up and all that has been taught in my classes, that I need to not only try to do better but really DO better. I am still not eating enough. My thyroid levels have crashed for an unknown reason, and we are still working on getting them where they need to be. I have started adding meditation/mindful reflection to my life and although I love it, I am still not doing it every day. Physically I know I am not doing enough, but haven't found what it is that I am willing to do.
The area that I believe I have made the most progress in is psychospiritually. I have always had a deep faith, but it has been made even stronger and I find that I am wanting to do what I can to help others lead better healthier lives.
Interpersonally I am moving along... I have never had any problem doing and wanting to freely for my children and now my grandchildren, but my sister is another issue. She is a fount of negativity and censures anything I do or want. If I date out of my race, and I have, that is wrong and against GOD, when I want back to school, it was stupid and ridiculous for someone my age- I will owe lots of money and never get a job. Meanwhile she is having a relationship with a man who married someone else while she was seeing him, but that is ok. I find that a bit more difficult to be be supportive of, even though I believe it is not my job to judge her or anyone else- it is between her and her CREATOR. Even though I have been much more accepting of others, I am not out there doing anything in my community at this time. Work is enough to deal with. Which takes me to Worldly Flourishing. To be honest, I know I am doing much better with this one. Although the company has slashed hours leaving me no time to get everything expected (by me and by management) done, and as a result deprived my customers of the customer service they are used to from me, I am not letting the job get to me as I had. Everything was taken peronally, but I am working hard to take it for what it is. People trying to do their jobs the best they know how.
A bad day or week is just that. In my 62 years, 8 months, 4 days and 14 hours a bad day or week is nothing. They will be forgotten just as bad YEARS have been. I remember what was good, not the bad. I read something once, but don't know where and I have it posted in my kitchen:
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a Gift............
That's why they call it the PRESENT.
susan
My daughter has managed to get a sinus infection, a throat infection and something with her ears- leave it to her to do it well, but she is going on vacation Monday for the week, so she and her husband and little girl will have a much needed break. When they come back, it will be in time for her fortieth birthday/Madigans first ballet recital on the first!! I can't wait and am so excited. My friend who is a floral designer and I (I used to be, but am allergic to flowers) are going to create something awesome in pinks for her! I am pretty much sure that I will end up in tears- Ame was in HER first dance recital at 5 on the same stage.
So, now to the weeks' issue at hand..... me, who can remember my drivers license number, license plate, social security and bonus card numbers couldn't remember the words to repeat for anything! I tried it to the point of frustration a few different times and then gave up! Did anyone else have that problem?
The Integral Assessment was another thing. I already know that my Biological Flourishing is on the back burner until school is done later in the year. I am trying to eat better, but I also know that wiht all the nutrition that I have learned growing up and all that has been taught in my classes, that I need to not only try to do better but really DO better. I am still not eating enough. My thyroid levels have crashed for an unknown reason, and we are still working on getting them where they need to be. I have started adding meditation/mindful reflection to my life and although I love it, I am still not doing it every day. Physically I know I am not doing enough, but haven't found what it is that I am willing to do.
The area that I believe I have made the most progress in is psychospiritually. I have always had a deep faith, but it has been made even stronger and I find that I am wanting to do what I can to help others lead better healthier lives.
Interpersonally I am moving along... I have never had any problem doing and wanting to freely for my children and now my grandchildren, but my sister is another issue. She is a fount of negativity and censures anything I do or want. If I date out of my race, and I have, that is wrong and against GOD, when I want back to school, it was stupid and ridiculous for someone my age- I will owe lots of money and never get a job. Meanwhile she is having a relationship with a man who married someone else while she was seeing him, but that is ok. I find that a bit more difficult to be be supportive of, even though I believe it is not my job to judge her or anyone else- it is between her and her CREATOR. Even though I have been much more accepting of others, I am not out there doing anything in my community at this time. Work is enough to deal with. Which takes me to Worldly Flourishing. To be honest, I know I am doing much better with this one. Although the company has slashed hours leaving me no time to get everything expected (by me and by management) done, and as a result deprived my customers of the customer service they are used to from me, I am not letting the job get to me as I had. Everything was taken peronally, but I am working hard to take it for what it is. People trying to do their jobs the best they know how.
A bad day or week is just that. In my 62 years, 8 months, 4 days and 14 hours a bad day or week is nothing. They will be forgotten just as bad YEARS have been. I remember what was good, not the bad. I read something once, but don't know where and I have it posted in my kitchen:
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a Gift............
That's why they call it the PRESENT.
susan
Saturday, May 18, 2013
The Subtle Mind
To start, let me say that I have had kind of week that a lot of you have already been through. It must have been my turn on the rotation! You know how it is- tight work schedule, hours cut, lost piece of breadmaker that moves the dough, cat won't use litter box, not enough time in general- you know, normal week! Thankfully it isn't really. Very rarely am I in tears of frustration, but this morning was one of those days. When I sat down on the floor on my cushion to attempt to listen to this weeks' "journey" through the mind, I wasn't expecting much- boy was I surprised!
To my shock, I was able to "fall" right into this one. I was able to empty my mind and get some control over what was flowing through it. I did; however, have some trouble stepping back and observing the thoughts that went through. Every time I focused again on the breath, my mind emptied. Don't know where I learned that one, but I can do it with ease. One visualization that kept popping up was the eyes of a tiger. I only saw the eyes, but I know for sure that that is what it was. No explanation for that one at all. But I did find it much easier to follow than the Loving-kindness one of last week that was more directed first on ourselves, then on others and then back. I was totally relaxed with this one, and was amazed at how much time had passed. To prove to myself how relaxed I was, when the cat came up and rubbed on me, I about jumped out of my skin!
Having a strong faith I don't see how there could be a disconnect for me between body and spirit and to that end, since the body and mind are intricately connected they must then all be ME! In my personal life, what I find is that when I am in touch with my spiritual me my mental me is more positive in the thoughts that flow through, and when they both are in sync my physical me feels so much better. I experience the peace, calmness and serenity that are becoming a major part of my life. The tense, agitated, anxious me is no longer the one who is constantly present. If I am not overly fond of that one, I am assuming, correctly I am sure, that no one else wants to deal with that one all the time either. s
To my shock, I was able to "fall" right into this one. I was able to empty my mind and get some control over what was flowing through it. I did; however, have some trouble stepping back and observing the thoughts that went through. Every time I focused again on the breath, my mind emptied. Don't know where I learned that one, but I can do it with ease. One visualization that kept popping up was the eyes of a tiger. I only saw the eyes, but I know for sure that that is what it was. No explanation for that one at all. But I did find it much easier to follow than the Loving-kindness one of last week that was more directed first on ourselves, then on others and then back. I was totally relaxed with this one, and was amazed at how much time had passed. To prove to myself how relaxed I was, when the cat came up and rubbed on me, I about jumped out of my skin!
Having a strong faith I don't see how there could be a disconnect for me between body and spirit and to that end, since the body and mind are intricately connected they must then all be ME! In my personal life, what I find is that when I am in touch with my spiritual me my mental me is more positive in the thoughts that flow through, and when they both are in sync my physical me feels so much better. I experience the peace, calmness and serenity that are becoming a major part of my life. The tense, agitated, anxious me is no longer the one who is constantly present. If I am not overly fond of that one, I am assuming, correctly I am sure, that no one else wants to deal with that one all the time either. s
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Me and the Mental Workout
Before this class, I would have thought that a mental workout was getting through the day in one piece, and living to face another. Now, I am learning that it is so much more. Instead of just trying to make it through a day, it is more taming the mind to control the constant activity that goes on in it and turning inward to open our hearts and consciousness to progess towards psychospiritual flourishing. It is changing from selfish to selfless; from all about "me" to about others. It is learning that in giving you receive so much in return. It is about health of mind, spirit and body.
There are two contemplative practices that we have learned about: loving kindness and subtle mind. I have been working on the guided exercise that is part of the unit for this week, and have found it to be more helpful to me reading in the book and doing than listening to the words- while I love listening, I am afraid that I get too distracted that way. With loving-kindness our minds are so much calmer and open to others. The subtle mind teaches us according to Dacher that wisdom comes from taming and training out mind, accessing its deeper levels and exploring the essential nature of mind and experience (p. 65).
Proven benefits are awareness and experiences of the mind and its many levels and capacities, a new knowledge of who we really are, a development of our unique selves as well as the qualities needed for spiritual flourishing and health, happiness and wholeness.
I can begin to implement mental workouts by taking time each and every day to begin practicing loving-kindness through reading and doing or listening to the assignment in doc sharing. I do know that at first, it will not be easy for me, and it hasn't been, but unlike many physical work out programs that I have started, I don't want this to be one that I quit. Although it is difficult some days to find the time to do it twice a day, by starting out with 15 minute increments, it has been much easier. I do find that I still have to rein in my thoughts as they start to pop up and try and take over, but I am sure in time it will get easier, and as I begin to see the benefits start to come my way, I am sure that I will be not wanting to give it up. For me also, this is something that I think will be beneficial as I age to keep my mind healthy and limber. I want to be able to work in this field as long as I can, and a healthy mind is necessary. Have a wonderful evening all. s.
There are two contemplative practices that we have learned about: loving kindness and subtle mind. I have been working on the guided exercise that is part of the unit for this week, and have found it to be more helpful to me reading in the book and doing than listening to the words- while I love listening, I am afraid that I get too distracted that way. With loving-kindness our minds are so much calmer and open to others. The subtle mind teaches us according to Dacher that wisdom comes from taming and training out mind, accessing its deeper levels and exploring the essential nature of mind and experience (p. 65).
Proven benefits are awareness and experiences of the mind and its many levels and capacities, a new knowledge of who we really are, a development of our unique selves as well as the qualities needed for spiritual flourishing and health, happiness and wholeness.
I can begin to implement mental workouts by taking time each and every day to begin practicing loving-kindness through reading and doing or listening to the assignment in doc sharing. I do know that at first, it will not be easy for me, and it hasn't been, but unlike many physical work out programs that I have started, I don't want this to be one that I quit. Although it is difficult some days to find the time to do it twice a day, by starting out with 15 minute increments, it has been much easier. I do find that I still have to rein in my thoughts as they start to pop up and try and take over, but I am sure in time it will get easier, and as I begin to see the benefits start to come my way, I am sure that I will be not wanting to give it up. For me also, this is something that I think will be beneficial as I age to keep my mind healthy and limber. I want to be able to work in this field as long as I can, and a healthy mind is necessary. Have a wonderful evening all. s.
Friday, May 10, 2013
mp3 and Loving Kindness
Ah.....I must be in a better "frame" this week! Although the cat is again snoring (there seems to be a pattern in this) I was able to focus and center myself. The first one was correct in that your mind could wander and need to be brought back- mine could and did pretty often at first. I attributed that to a thunder storm, but then realized that I just wasn't focusing. Once I heard the indian flutes in the background, I had it. It was refreshing and relaxing but invigorating at the same time.
Loving Kindness was a really good exercise. At first, I wasn't able to put myself "there" but the more I focused, the better it went. I did notice that I was having trouble with the part where you take in the suffering and hurt and sent out wholeness and happiness. To do that, I visualized these nasty little "creatures" with bandages and evil looks and that sort of thing, and to go out, they were smiling and happy along with hearts and flowers. This may not be quite the way to do it, but it helped me get the feeling of taking in one thing and sending something else out. I wish I could draw a little sketch of my little "creatures" I can see them clearly. Again the indian flutes in the background helped me. Any time I hear them, I am right where I need to be.
I want to say that while it wasn't really difficult to follow, it will definitely take some practice to make it feel like it is a part of me. I don't know that your average person will want to or be interested in this, but for someone who wants to delve deep inside of themselves, it would be something that I would recommend. You just have to take your time, if you don't have meditative experience and let yourself go. If it doesn't work the first time, relax and try it again later in the day. s
Loving Kindness was a really good exercise. At first, I wasn't able to put myself "there" but the more I focused, the better it went. I did notice that I was having trouble with the part where you take in the suffering and hurt and sent out wholeness and happiness. To do that, I visualized these nasty little "creatures" with bandages and evil looks and that sort of thing, and to go out, they were smiling and happy along with hearts and flowers. This may not be quite the way to do it, but it helped me get the feeling of taking in one thing and sending something else out. I wish I could draw a little sketch of my little "creatures" I can see them clearly. Again the indian flutes in the background helped me. Any time I hear them, I am right where I need to be.
I want to say that while it wasn't really difficult to follow, it will definitely take some practice to make it feel like it is a part of me. I don't know that your average person will want to or be interested in this, but for someone who wants to delve deep inside of themselves, it would be something that I would recommend. You just have to take your time, if you don't have meditative experience and let yourself go. If it doesn't work the first time, relax and try it again later in the day. s
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Crime of the Century
Well, I have to say this- the cat fell asleep within the first few minutes of listening to this meditation and is still snoring! Me, not so much. I don't think I was in the right mind-set, and will need to try it again. I am too into watchin the kaleidescope of colors and hate to turn them off. Then I started to think- why isn't the green on the bottom because that should be where the "roots" are, and why isn't the heart area red- it makes me feel all warm and loving. And then he said aqua and it drove me nuts. Ok, I come from New Jersey originally and when I first came to PA long ago, I sounded like I had a Brooklyn accent. Most of it is gone, but there are still a few words that hang on- dawg for dog, amond for almond and surely ak-wa for aqua. I hit that and I was so done! Like I said, I wasn't in the correct mind-frame, and wasn't able to relax from the words, but the colors sure do mermerize me!
Will be trying this again for sure, and I think I will lay with the cat this time! s.
Well, I have to say this- the cat fell asleep within the first few minutes of listening to this meditation and is still snoring! Me, not so much. I don't think I was in the right mind-set, and will need to try it again. I am too into watchin the kaleidescope of colors and hate to turn them off. Then I started to think- why isn't the green on the bottom because that should be where the "roots" are, and why isn't the heart area red- it makes me feel all warm and loving. And then he said aqua and it drove me nuts. Ok, I come from New Jersey originally and when I first came to PA long ago, I sounded like I had a Brooklyn accent. Most of it is gone, but there are still a few words that hang on- dawg for dog, amond for almond and surely ak-wa for aqua. I hit that and I was so done! Like I said, I wasn't in the correct mind-frame, and wasn't able to relax from the words, but the colors sure do mermerize me!
Will be trying this again for sure, and I think I will lay with the cat this time! s.
How do I really feel.... and what can I do about it?..... from here on out...
Here is the truth on how I feel about where I am at right now... work and personal (school) schedule as they are... even knowing that they will be changing soon.. but not soon enough!
Physical well-being- Right now, today, I can only give myself a "5". I'm not getting nearly enough sleep, and not only am not eating as I know I should be right now, but am not eating enough. There doesn't seem to be a specific reason for why I am at this place right now; just know that I am. I am also not getting enough activity beside what I do at work. Except for a bit of gardening, I am just so tired, it's not getting done.
Goals are to eat more of the good things that I love but instead of more volume at once which I have an aversion to, but more frequent small meals. Similarly a different and better way to move has to open itself up to me. The same old same old, just doesn't do it. After a day of climbing and lifting this 62 year old body is tired. Yet, on the other hand, that "nervous" energy is still there as the remnant fro work, and the urge to move it there.
The first order of business is to get through my thyroid level "crash". For whatever reason, the levels are still not where they should be. That should rev up my totally stalled metabolism giving me more energy and "zest".
To achieve my goals for physical well-being, the first thing to do is prepare my meals at home, and remember to take them with me and not leave it on the kitchen counter. Then take those few minutes every few hours to eat something- should help with appetite and stop mindles munching. To be more active I need to "schedule" myself some time to get outside and garden, mow the lawn or go walking and check out the neighbors gardens. In addition, get my dvd player hooked up and borrow some dvd's and try out different ways to move.
Spiritual well-being- Right now, today, I give myself a "7". It would have been an "8" had I not fallen asleep after the overnight and made it down to church. Am feeling pretty positive about the direction I am moving in, even though there are things I question right now. I believe that there are some things that I am not going to be able to have answers for.
Goals include listening to what my "inner self" is really telling me, think about my responses, and take control of my actions.
To that end, I am practicing "what would you do "if"" and reviewing in my mind how I have reacted to the stresses of work and daily life, whether good stress or bad. I am also working on taking out minimum 15 minutes per day of quiet and silent time- no radio, tv, nothing. I have started on my own to de-clutter my life, not just doing to "do".
Psychological well-being- Right now, today, I give myself an "8". It may not be an "8" tomorrow, but I am close most of the time anymore. It's been hard trying to make sense of things going on in my life (because of the effect they have on my children and their children).
My goal is to accept those things that are going to happen whether I worry needlessly about them or not, and to do what I can to assist others to cope with them. Right now, it is the serious illness (cancer) of my childrens' father. I can't make him well, but I can do what I can to accept what is happening to him, and be a source of comfort for my children and granddaughter. My therapist told me just last week, that he believes that I have found my "calling" and to here him tell me that, was so important to me. He said in all the years he has known me, he has never heard me speak so passionately about anything.
To achieve my goals, I am doing what seems to be a "answer to everything" for me- go out and garden. When my hands are in the soil, the balance of life shows itself, and I realize that I don't have the power to control anything but my own actions. To that end, doing that, will not only give me a more positive life, but will reflect outwards. s.
Here is the truth on how I feel about where I am at right now... work and personal (school) schedule as they are... even knowing that they will be changing soon.. but not soon enough!
Physical well-being- Right now, today, I can only give myself a "5". I'm not getting nearly enough sleep, and not only am not eating as I know I should be right now, but am not eating enough. There doesn't seem to be a specific reason for why I am at this place right now; just know that I am. I am also not getting enough activity beside what I do at work. Except for a bit of gardening, I am just so tired, it's not getting done.
Goals are to eat more of the good things that I love but instead of more volume at once which I have an aversion to, but more frequent small meals. Similarly a different and better way to move has to open itself up to me. The same old same old, just doesn't do it. After a day of climbing and lifting this 62 year old body is tired. Yet, on the other hand, that "nervous" energy is still there as the remnant fro work, and the urge to move it there.
The first order of business is to get through my thyroid level "crash". For whatever reason, the levels are still not where they should be. That should rev up my totally stalled metabolism giving me more energy and "zest".
To achieve my goals for physical well-being, the first thing to do is prepare my meals at home, and remember to take them with me and not leave it on the kitchen counter. Then take those few minutes every few hours to eat something- should help with appetite and stop mindles munching. To be more active I need to "schedule" myself some time to get outside and garden, mow the lawn or go walking and check out the neighbors gardens. In addition, get my dvd player hooked up and borrow some dvd's and try out different ways to move.
Spiritual well-being- Right now, today, I give myself a "7". It would have been an "8" had I not fallen asleep after the overnight and made it down to church. Am feeling pretty positive about the direction I am moving in, even though there are things I question right now. I believe that there are some things that I am not going to be able to have answers for.
Goals include listening to what my "inner self" is really telling me, think about my responses, and take control of my actions.
To that end, I am practicing "what would you do "if"" and reviewing in my mind how I have reacted to the stresses of work and daily life, whether good stress or bad. I am also working on taking out minimum 15 minutes per day of quiet and silent time- no radio, tv, nothing. I have started on my own to de-clutter my life, not just doing to "do".
Psychological well-being- Right now, today, I give myself an "8". It may not be an "8" tomorrow, but I am close most of the time anymore. It's been hard trying to make sense of things going on in my life (because of the effect they have on my children and their children).
My goal is to accept those things that are going to happen whether I worry needlessly about them or not, and to do what I can to assist others to cope with them. Right now, it is the serious illness (cancer) of my childrens' father. I can't make him well, but I can do what I can to accept what is happening to him, and be a source of comfort for my children and granddaughter. My therapist told me just last week, that he believes that I have found my "calling" and to here him tell me that, was so important to me. He said in all the years he has known me, he has never heard me speak so passionately about anything.
To achieve my goals, I am doing what seems to be a "answer to everything" for me- go out and garden. When my hands are in the soil, the balance of life shows itself, and I realize that I don't have the power to control anything but my own actions. To that end, doing that, will not only give me a more positive life, but will reflect outwards. s.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Let's Reflect a Little..... or MY Theory
Let's Reflect a Little Here.... This is MY Belief (or Theory if you feel so inclined)
I'm not going to come up with any great mind boggling quotes here, or insighful scriptual verses, although I love to read them when others post them. I can never seem to come up with the one I am looking for when I want it, so, what I am putting here is a belief that I have had for as long as I can remember- and we are going back well over forty years here.
I believe that all of us, and yes, I mean every single one of us, has been given a unique gift and that gift is ours from birth. Now being a person of deep faith and also intensely spiritual, I believe that we get that gift from GOD and that it comes with our souls at birth.
Now here is the tricky part- we don't have to use it. We can ignore it, we can pretty much return it by saying - I don't need this, I can do it better my way or we can laugh and wonder what in the world we are supposed to do with this gift that we realize is there, but are either afraid to use or don't want to take the responsibility that it entails. Then there are the rest of us.. we are the lucky ones, even if we sometimes don't feel so lucky. For all of you in this class that may be reading this, you have a real responsibility that comes with your gift. You are sent out to help and serve others. That doesn't make us the same though. Since our gifts are unique, each of us has our gift tailored specifically to our needs and talents. Some of you have served or are serving in the military and are then going on to serve as nutritionists, personal trainers, health coaches, nurses and many of us are taking our own roads to well-being for ourselves and the people we will meet. We will be looking deep inside ourselves and making the most of what we have..even though many of us have already been put to the test to see what we are really made of... and we have conquered and come out on the other side.
I believe this class will help us reach past the physical wellness factor, and even past the mental healing but help us reach deep into our most essential being and find that peace and serenity that makes us reach out to help others with our intelligence, creativity and compassion. We are all here together for a reason- we have accepted our gift with a thankful and grateful heart. For me, it has taken many many years, and often I have thought I woudn't make it. I kept searching always fearful that it was going to be taken away before I could reach it. But, I should have realized, that it is never too late, as long as we keep searching. Peace to all of you. s
I'm not going to come up with any great mind boggling quotes here, or insighful scriptual verses, although I love to read them when others post them. I can never seem to come up with the one I am looking for when I want it, so, what I am putting here is a belief that I have had for as long as I can remember- and we are going back well over forty years here.
I believe that all of us, and yes, I mean every single one of us, has been given a unique gift and that gift is ours from birth. Now being a person of deep faith and also intensely spiritual, I believe that we get that gift from GOD and that it comes with our souls at birth.
Now here is the tricky part- we don't have to use it. We can ignore it, we can pretty much return it by saying - I don't need this, I can do it better my way or we can laugh and wonder what in the world we are supposed to do with this gift that we realize is there, but are either afraid to use or don't want to take the responsibility that it entails. Then there are the rest of us.. we are the lucky ones, even if we sometimes don't feel so lucky. For all of you in this class that may be reading this, you have a real responsibility that comes with your gift. You are sent out to help and serve others. That doesn't make us the same though. Since our gifts are unique, each of us has our gift tailored specifically to our needs and talents. Some of you have served or are serving in the military and are then going on to serve as nutritionists, personal trainers, health coaches, nurses and many of us are taking our own roads to well-being for ourselves and the people we will meet. We will be looking deep inside ourselves and making the most of what we have..even though many of us have already been put to the test to see what we are really made of... and we have conquered and come out on the other side.
I believe this class will help us reach past the physical wellness factor, and even past the mental healing but help us reach deep into our most essential being and find that peace and serenity that makes us reach out to help others with our intelligence, creativity and compassion. We are all here together for a reason- we have accepted our gift with a thankful and grateful heart. For me, it has taken many many years, and often I have thought I woudn't make it. I kept searching always fearful that it was going to be taken away before I could reach it. But, I should have realized, that it is never too late, as long as we keep searching. Peace to all of you. s
Friday, April 26, 2013
Welcome Prof Beth and Classmates!
This is my first blog- since two weeks ago I didn't even know what a blog was! I would love to get some color and "spice" on here, but since it took so much just to set it up, I am happy just to have it.
I am very intrigued by this class- it turns out that it is nothing like I had imagined at all. It is a required course for me, but one I would have chosed no matter what.
Today I finally got to go out and "play in the dirt". I can't even begin to explain what that means to me. When I am down on the ground clearing out an area to plant and pulling out weeds from the clumps of earth I have shovelled it is almost a spiritual experience for me. The earth is so rich and dark brown from all the leaves and compost I have been pouring into it for the past several years. There are no chemicals there at all, I would rather just pull the weeds by hand. Today, I moved some flowers and planted spinach plants and tiny baby onion seedlings. They were do delicate and small- it's hard to believe that they will grow into such beautiful orbs! AAAAAAAhh enough about that!
My son called me today to ask if it was normal for his son to pick up a blueberry and announce it was an orb? Or if he should tell his teacher that he wanted to go to Mt Rushmore and see George Washington because that was his favorite head? Or should he be able to do simple subtraction? Well, probably it would be.... if he wasn't 2 and 1/2!! That's that little boy in the picture with me.. scary smart.
And I thought it was crazy when my daughter told me that he little one came in and told her that one of her many LaLaLoopsies behavior was "despicable" right now!! Oh my, these two are going to give their teachers a run for the money!
S.
This is my first blog- since two weeks ago I didn't even know what a blog was! I would love to get some color and "spice" on here, but since it took so much just to set it up, I am happy just to have it.
I am very intrigued by this class- it turns out that it is nothing like I had imagined at all. It is a required course for me, but one I would have chosed no matter what.
Today I finally got to go out and "play in the dirt". I can't even begin to explain what that means to me. When I am down on the ground clearing out an area to plant and pulling out weeds from the clumps of earth I have shovelled it is almost a spiritual experience for me. The earth is so rich and dark brown from all the leaves and compost I have been pouring into it for the past several years. There are no chemicals there at all, I would rather just pull the weeds by hand. Today, I moved some flowers and planted spinach plants and tiny baby onion seedlings. They were do delicate and small- it's hard to believe that they will grow into such beautiful orbs! AAAAAAAhh enough about that!
My son called me today to ask if it was normal for his son to pick up a blueberry and announce it was an orb? Or if he should tell his teacher that he wanted to go to Mt Rushmore and see George Washington because that was his favorite head? Or should he be able to do simple subtraction? Well, probably it would be.... if he wasn't 2 and 1/2!! That's that little boy in the picture with me.. scary smart.
And I thought it was crazy when my daughter told me that he little one came in and told her that one of her many LaLaLoopsies behavior was "despicable" right now!! Oh my, these two are going to give their teachers a run for the money!
S.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Journey On
Journey On was such a delight to the senses! The graphics were so mesmerizing I kept seeing Kokopelli dancing through with his flute! Then in the tradition of Spirit Medicine by Wolf Moondance, the "flames" began to dance in colors. The ancestors were alive and happy this evening.
Finally to be able to concentrate I had to close my eyes and do it again. Surprise- I had the same reaction both times. I could "see" the graphics in my mind, and surprisingly enough, my arms and hands did indeed get warm and heavy. Before listening, the thoughts passing through my mind were that there was no way I would be awake enough for seminar- don't think that will be a problem now. s
Finally to be able to concentrate I had to close my eyes and do it again. Surprise- I had the same reaction both times. I could "see" the graphics in my mind, and surprisingly enough, my arms and hands did indeed get warm and heavy. Before listening, the thoughts passing through my mind were that there was no way I would be awake enough for seminar- don't think that will be a problem now. s
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