Less online time which will be easier in nicer weather for me.
My children’s Dad (68 yrs old) is in the ICU down near Cape Cod . Apparently has been drinking too much among other health issues (needed blood transfusion). He always suffered depression in the winter months when we were married. We know that he is stable now but has kidney failure. It is very stressful for the three of us to learn this suddenly. Although I am no longer married to him I appreciated his support when my daughter was unwell and so i will offer my support now in hopes he will be on the road to better health. My son drove down to check on him this morning. Prayers appreciated. Thank you 🙏
My prayers will be with your children´s dad. May he recover soon from this difficult health situation and may he be able to find support to be on a better road to health from now on. For this I pray, Prayers are with you and your children also.
There are so many ways
to change up my day,
rattle my cage,
and give a little shock to the system . . .
small things,
of course,
because I live a small life.
I stayed home today
instead of going to town for my food shop,
which not only saved gas,
but freed up time
for possibility.
Since it rained
the garden was left to enjoy the moisture,
while I soaked my hands and arms
up to the elbow in sudsy water
and a sink full of dishes.
Paid attention
to all of the details involved
in cleaning the kitchen counter . . .
took out the compost,
threw out flower seeds from ten years ago,
chased a fly,
scrubbed my cutting boards,
and took a dead plant out onto the porch.
It was lovely
to see the counters clean again . . .
now I have room to lay out breakfast in the morning.
Oh,
for joy.
Doing this
opens up possibilities
for another day. ♥
Stop spending time at the computer used for distraction and numb the mind and emotions after too much mental or emotional stress. It was unavoidable, while it seems now that things are not as heavy as they used to be since long, so adapting to this allows for creating space for things i love like playing music, singing, meditating, for stillness and for doing some tasks which I tried to meet several hours already and it was far beyond my comfort zone, while I was happy to have opened space for possibility.
As the season has changed, I am going to try to spend more time outside. Even if it’s just in my little back yard or a quick walk around the neighborhood.
I try to always stay open to possibilities. Checking myself when I habitually respond negatively to something.
I can be slower about turning on my electronic device when I first wake up. I can take a breath and accept the gift of peace Having done that I can be released from those things that are not mine to carry.
I could take time for silent meditation before my guided meditation. I’ve been using Insight Timer to meditate for probably 10 years now, but for a little while at the yoga studio, we had a teacher from a local meditation center come and give some classes. We sat in pure silence together, and I remember it always went by a lot faster than I thought it would. I did try it on my own for a little while, but it didn’t last long. I know that meditation offers a lot of possibility, guided or not, but I think perhaps I should try sitting with my Self for a few minutes in the morning before opening the app.
Also, thanks to each of you who sent well wishes for me to feel better. Pretty sure it is allergy-related because there is a LOT going on where I live as far as tree pollen, and I did teach under the trees at the Whitewater Center this past weekend. My throat isn’t swollen anymore, but the medicine the doc prescribed has brought up a lot of gunk, so it’s a good thing I got subs for today’s classes as well. I did get my voice back, but happy to know that my husband’s comment made Joseph laugh. I actually just laughed out loud myself thinking about it 😂Virginia Slims – hahahahahhaha!
Most mornings, I take time to balance my chakras. This morning as I closed my energy field, I found myself saying the AA 3rd step prayer. I am not an alcoholic but I was married to one and found the AA twelve steps very helpful to me. For me, this prayer is about willingness and it definitely creates a space for possibility.
“God, I offer myself to Thee, to build with me and do with me what you will.Relieve me of the bondage of self so that I may better do your will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them would bear witness to those I would help of your power, your love and your way of life. May I do Thy will always.”
Drea, how thoughtful and kind. I love how natural you are. I also see so much more when I just slow down and appreciate the glory. So much good every where . Thank you ☺️
I have been a slave to a calendar for years, feeling like it is the only way I can be productive. Otherwise I get sidetracked, off course or just overwhelmed and do nothing. Now that I’m retired I am realizing I no longer (if I ever did) have to live by this map, on this road. I can venture off and take some scenic roads and bypasses and all will be well. It’s very hard to change this routine because it paid off big time. In the course of it all I learned to self-impose deadlines, rewards and consequences for meeting or not meeting challenges or even just life. I was very productive. But I missed a lot and it wasn’t very much fun. So recently I have been allowing myself, challenging myself at least one deviation from the planned routine for the day. But even that seems like a plan. So just saying “YES” to someone’s suggestion to do something “not on my plan” (like just now – my husband suggested we go out to breakfast – here we go!) (But when will I ever use those bananas that are going dark on my kitchen counter that were going to be banana muffins this morning – guess I could make them later today?)
That’s what I’d do! Although I remember the time I thought I would just chuck them in the freezer and later realized it’s a big help if you peel them first.
The last few weeks I have been purging and eliminating items in my house. Someone suggested that I may be eliminating what I love for the sake of downsizing. The opposite has happened. I have found what I love.
I’m on day 14 of a shopping fast! Similarly to Joseph, it’s my way of realizing the power of marketing and soft addiction. I want to stretch this into some minimizing and really observing the power of my dollars and energy.
I really want to do this! I make the pledge, but going to the grocery store seems a necessity. And once I’m there – UGH! I need help and ideas for making it work. Online shopping is just too easy!
I am still buying groceries. This is about unnecessary shopping, eating out, etc. I still need food and toilet paper. I tend to buy impulsively. This fast is a reset for a budget.
“To live without roads seemed one way not to get lost” Naomi Shihab Nye
In the modern world in which we live, there are so many choices for the same goods packaged, marketed slightly different, available. All vying for their share of the circulating numbers. Big business wants and provides so many roads to the masses so they will become lost, confused as to which product purchase will provide the next dopamine hit, as advertised. The small change to pause and realize I have enough, I am enough, this world in which we live is enough, provides to me the possibility not to be duped by the purveyors of false happiness. Peace, Love & Light.
I had a teacher once,
dear Joseph,
who told us
to watch the commercials–
really WATCH them.
When I did
I was able to see through them
and the manipulation they use
to make us want to buy their products,
right down to their color choices in the presentation.
I have to say
I’m pretty much immune to them now . . .
like you,
I have enough
and am enough
without the bells and whistles. ♥
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Less online time which will be easier in nicer weather for me.
My children’s Dad (68 yrs old) is in the ICU down near Cape Cod . Apparently has been drinking too much among other health issues (needed blood transfusion). He always suffered depression in the winter months when we were married. We know that he is stable now but has kidney failure. It is very stressful for the three of us to learn this suddenly. Although I am no longer married to him I appreciated his support when my daughter was unwell and so i will offer my support now in hopes he will be on the road to better health. My son drove down to check on him this morning. Prayers appreciated. Thank you 🙏
My prayers will be with your children´s dad. May he recover soon from this difficult health situation and may he be able to find support to be on a better road to health from now on. For this I pray, Prayers are with you and your children also.
May he be well 🙏🏼
Prayers and healing thoughts for your ex husband.
I am also holding him in my heart
I hold your ex-husband in my heart,
dear Robin Ann . . .
connections run deep. ♥
Healing thoughts and vibes for you ex and father of your children Robin Ann.
There are so many ways
to change up my day,
rattle my cage,
and give a little shock to the system . . .
small things,
of course,
because I live a small life.
I stayed home today
instead of going to town for my food shop,
which not only saved gas,
but freed up time
for possibility.
Since it rained
the garden was left to enjoy the moisture,
while I soaked my hands and arms
up to the elbow in sudsy water
and a sink full of dishes.
Paid attention
to all of the details involved
in cleaning the kitchen counter . . .
took out the compost,
threw out flower seeds from ten years ago,
chased a fly,
scrubbed my cutting boards,
and took a dead plant out onto the porch.
It was lovely
to see the counters clean again . . .
now I have room to lay out breakfast in the morning.
Oh,
for joy.
Doing this
opens up possibilities
for another day. ♥
Beautiful poem!
🙏🏼
Always nice to have uncluttered counters for cooking, dear Sparrow.
Don’t I know it,
dear Joseph! 🙂
Stop spending time at the computer used for distraction and numb the mind and emotions after too much mental or emotional stress. It was unavoidable, while it seems now that things are not as heavy as they used to be since long, so adapting to this allows for creating space for things i love like playing music, singing, meditating, for stillness and for doing some tasks which I tried to meet several hours already and it was far beyond my comfort zone, while I was happy to have opened space for possibility.
As the season has changed, I am going to try to spend more time outside. Even if it’s just in my little back yard or a quick walk around the neighborhood.
I try to always stay open to possibilities. Checking myself when I habitually respond negatively to something.
I can be slower about turning on my electronic device when I first wake up. I can take a breath and accept the gift of peace Having done that I can be released from those things that are not mine to carry.
I could take time for silent meditation before my guided meditation. I’ve been using Insight Timer to meditate for probably 10 years now, but for a little while at the yoga studio, we had a teacher from a local meditation center come and give some classes. We sat in pure silence together, and I remember it always went by a lot faster than I thought it would. I did try it on my own for a little while, but it didn’t last long. I know that meditation offers a lot of possibility, guided or not, but I think perhaps I should try sitting with my Self for a few minutes in the morning before opening the app.
Me too,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
too often
I add it in
as a second thought. ♥
Also, thanks to each of you who sent well wishes for me to feel better. Pretty sure it is allergy-related because there is a LOT going on where I live as far as tree pollen, and I did teach under the trees at the Whitewater Center this past weekend. My throat isn’t swollen anymore, but the medicine the doc prescribed has brought up a lot of gunk, so it’s a good thing I got subs for today’s classes as well. I did get my voice back, but happy to know that my husband’s comment made Joseph laugh. I actually just laughed out loud myself thinking about it 😂Virginia Slims – hahahahahhaha!
I’m so happy,
dear SunnyPatti,
that you are feeling better . . .
it pays
to be kind to yourself. ♥
Most mornings, I take time to balance my chakras. This morning as I closed my energy field, I found myself saying the AA 3rd step prayer. I am not an alcoholic but I was married to one and found the AA twelve steps very helpful to me. For me, this prayer is about willingness and it definitely creates a space for possibility.
“God, I offer myself to Thee, to build with me and do with me what you will.Relieve me of the bondage of self so that I may better do your will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them would bear witness to those I would help of your power, your love and your way of life. May I do Thy will always.”
Surrender . . .
you speak a lot about this,
dear Carol Ann.
Thank you. ♥
If I slow down physically and mentally, I may notice things I hadn’t seen before.
Drea, how thoughtful and kind. I love how natural you are. I also see so much more when I just slow down and appreciate the glory. So much good every where . Thank you ☺️
I have been a slave to a calendar for years, feeling like it is the only way I can be productive. Otherwise I get sidetracked, off course or just overwhelmed and do nothing. Now that I’m retired I am realizing I no longer (if I ever did) have to live by this map, on this road. I can venture off and take some scenic roads and bypasses and all will be well. It’s very hard to change this routine because it paid off big time. In the course of it all I learned to self-impose deadlines, rewards and consequences for meeting or not meeting challenges or even just life. I was very productive. But I missed a lot and it wasn’t very much fun. So recently I have been allowing myself, challenging myself at least one deviation from the planned routine for the day. But even that seems like a plan. So just saying “YES” to someone’s suggestion to do something “not on my plan” (like just now – my husband suggested we go out to breakfast – here we go!) (But when will I ever use those bananas that are going dark on my kitchen counter that were going to be banana muffins this morning – guess I could make them later today?)
Katrina, Or you could put them in the freezer for another day!
That’s what I’d do! Although I remember the time I thought I would just chuck them in the freezer and later realized it’s a big help if you peel them first.
My lovely wife Cheryl does the same. I do not eat bananas; the texture of the fruit has always disagreed with my mouth.
🙂
Oh, banana muffins sound great! I bet those bananas will be just right whenever you decide to use them.
The last few weeks I have been purging and eliminating items in my house. Someone suggested that I may be eliminating what I love for the sake of downsizing. The opposite has happened. I have found what I love.
Good to revisit things that once brought us a modicum of pleasure and wonder, dear Yram. Thank you.
Let go 24/7 ride the razors edge of no roads .
Yes, just like I do when I travel to a spot. No plan, just ride the waves.
Joyfully said,
dear Antoinette. ♥
Love this!
The main bright spot to not walking at the mall these days is that I have more quiet time to myself.
Change is change, whether small or large…
https://nationaltoday.com/national-nurses-day/ – thank you for all that you do
https://nationaltoday.com/national-interpreter-appreciation-day/ – another important one and sadly with technology and AI, a job that might go away for a human
Totally agree, Michele. The butterfly affect is real. Even small changes can make a huge difference.
I’m on day 14 of a shopping fast! Similarly to Joseph, it’s my way of realizing the power of marketing and soft addiction. I want to stretch this into some minimizing and really observing the power of my dollars and energy.
I really want to do this! I make the pledge, but going to the grocery store seems a necessity. And once I’m there – UGH! I need help and ideas for making it work. Online shopping is just too easy!
I am still buying groceries. This is about unnecessary shopping, eating out, etc. I still need food and toilet paper. I tend to buy impulsively. This fast is a reset for a budget.
“To live without roads seemed one way not to get lost” Naomi Shihab Nye
In the modern world in which we live, there are so many choices for the same goods packaged, marketed slightly different, available. All vying for their share of the circulating numbers. Big business wants and provides so many roads to the masses so they will become lost, confused as to which product purchase will provide the next dopamine hit, as advertised. The small change to pause and realize I have enough, I am enough, this world in which we live is enough, provides to me the possibility not to be duped by the purveyors of false happiness. Peace, Love & Light.
I had a teacher once,
dear Joseph,
who told us
to watch the commercials–
really WATCH them.
When I did
I was able to see through them
and the manipulation they use
to make us want to buy their products,
right down to their color choices in the presentation.
I have to say
I’m pretty much immune to them now . . .
like you,
I have enough
and am enough
without the bells and whistles. ♥
Amen