I am making a list of “new” things to do when my daughter visits on the 18th. For one I found a neat petting zoo farm which I have never been to. She loves goats and miniature donkeys. I am also looking for outside summer concerts near by.
Having visitors can often be a nice motivator for trying out new things in our home communities, Robin Ann! I hope that you have a wonderful time with your daughter.
I am always stymied by this question . . .
I’ve spent my whole life trying new things,
as well as doing okay maintaining the things I’m already doing.
I could try to do better
or renew a practice I’ve fallen back on,
but that’s not ”something new.”.
Sometimes
I feel like I need to downsize what I already do . . .
that my brain,
heart, and soul
are crammed with cares and goals and concerns . . .
sometimes
I picture myself
lying in a meadow full of wildflowers and honey bees,
arms crossed behind my head,
gazing up at the living sky
watching birds and clouds go about the business of living,
not thinking of the weeds that need to be pulled in my gardens
or dishes in the sink
waiting to be washed,
a chair to be painted,
or cats to be fed,
or all of the multitude of tasks expecting to be taken care of.
“Something new”
might be
to stop putting things off,
quit postponing . . .
just get up and do the damn work
so I can lie in that meadow
or my own back yard
without guilt. ♥
Let us know how you like it, Yram.
I had to look up Imperfect Foods because when I read your post
I had no idea what you were talking about. 🤷♀️
Anything that makes life less stressful sounds great!
And I love getting a good deal on a bell pepper
just because of it has a funny shape. 🥰
i am going to try being aware of old stories / patterns in my bodymind and letting them go, to be open to a much larger truth/ reality/ experience, options and possibility. Tara Brach had two recent podcasts that I find helpful/ inspiring. Lots to work with!
Also celebrating, embracing, enjoying these gorgeous summer moments, days, evenings, in spite of everything! … 🙂
Yes, I too have these tired old stories, KC.
So I think about what do they mean now.
And I think about how free I could be if I could/would just release them.
They are the past. What a waste to let them define me now.
I love Tara Brach. Were you referring to her Wednesday evening talks?
Lots to think about, KC.
Much is good for me too,
and releasing my self limiting stories could free up some joy for me
Thanks for inspiring me!
Mary, Oh my gosh. What a challenge and journey, to be aware of and to practice letting go of our tired old stories! So good that you are on this journey as well, as I am guessing many of us are.
I listen to Tara Brach on Spotify. Recent talks are ‘Stories that Imprison our Heart – part 1 an part 2’. I imagine they are on her website as well, as she is very generous in posting most of her talks and meditations online, for free. Incredible generosity, and so helpful!
Joseph, I take that as a compliment, hearing that you are listening to and enjoying Tara B’s latest talks. I am so inspired by your generous sharing of the decisions and challenges you face each day, choosing sobriety. Also the joy and delights! Thank you for all your insights and daily sharing. Best for a beautiful day! … Warmly, KC
I already have a plan for this: My sweetheart and I are doing our 18 dates for 18 years, one for every year we’ve been married. Today is our actual anniversary. For our date we’re going to bike out to a marina and hope to be able to rent a tandem kayak for our first-ever kayaking adventure on the waters of the south end of Puget Sound. If the kayaks are all rented out it’s a bike ride in the sun and some time by the water, which is also a date.
If the kayaking isn’t my new thing, there’s always improv practice Wednesday night with my troupe. Improv consists of new things every single time. I expect us to run through some skit forms I haven’t played before as we prepare for our next show. Laughs guaranteed!
I’m not sure about something new, but I would like to get back to my practices in a more regular way. This week, while busy, would be a good place to start.
I’ve had this last week off work and have been re-establishing my yoga and meditation practices. Hoping/planning to carry that into my days when I get back to work tomorrow. Wishing you well in reconnecting with things you want to make a regular part of your life.
I have signed up for an online grief circle with the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. I have heard that it is helpful to be able to grieve in community in these tumultuous times– a different and more empowering experience than feeling alone in our grief. So I am curious to try this out!
I looked this up Elizabeth and saw there was a group meeting on this ThursdayJuly 10th.
I will reflect on whether or not this is for me.
I have a limit as to how much I am able to engage
in discussion about my grief over what’s going on in this country and the world.
It brings up so much anger and rage in me.
And for me these are very scary emotions.
Thanks for bringing this up, Elizabeth.
I just might try it out
Good luck with deciding if this is for you, Mary! I plan to be at the group on July 10th, and it would be lovely to see you there if you decide that it is for you. I agree that it is kind of scary to open up all of those emotions, but I do also trust that if the facilitators are good (which I believe that they will be), that getting in touch with these emotions in a community setting could truly be empowering.
this week. I’m focused on letting gratefulness and intention lead me so I’m ready, open and prepared to experience the pathway Reclaim Joy next week, which will be a brand new experience for me.
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I am making a list of “new” things to do when my daughter visits on the 18th. For one I found a neat petting zoo farm which I have never been to. She loves goats and miniature donkeys. I am also looking for outside summer concerts near by.
Having visitors can often be a nice motivator for trying out new things in our home communities, Robin Ann! I hope that you have a wonderful time with your daughter.
I love goats too, Robin Ann!
Love their voices!😊
I am always stymied by this question . . .
I’ve spent my whole life trying new things,
as well as doing okay maintaining the things I’m already doing.
I could try to do better
or renew a practice I’ve fallen back on,
but that’s not ”something new.”.
Sometimes
I feel like I need to downsize what I already do . . .
that my brain,
heart, and soul
are crammed with cares and goals and concerns . . .
sometimes
I picture myself
lying in a meadow full of wildflowers and honey bees,
arms crossed behind my head,
gazing up at the living sky
watching birds and clouds go about the business of living,
not thinking of the weeds that need to be pulled in my gardens
or dishes in the sink
waiting to be washed,
a chair to be painted,
or cats to be fed,
or all of the multitude of tasks expecting to be taken care of.
“Something new”
might be
to stop putting things off,
quit postponing . . .
just get up and do the damn work
so I can lie in that meadow
or my own back yard
without guilt. ♥
You make a good point, Sparrow.
It sounds like you are doing plenty.
Maybe the new thing could be doing less?
Maybe,
dear Mary . . .
I was wondering the same thing. ♥
So was I. Sounds as if it would be new to lie in a meadow ignoring other things you could be doing and just looking at the shapes in the clouds!
Indeed,
dear Barb . . . 🙂
A friend reminded me to seek out ways to make my carepartnership less stressful. He suggested looking in Imperfect foods. So I will look into it.
Let us know how you like it, Yram.
I had to look up Imperfect Foods because when I read your post
I had no idea what you were talking about. 🤷♀️
Anything that makes life less stressful sounds great!
And I love getting a good deal on a bell pepper
just because of it has a funny shape. 🥰
I am going to a new yoga class Wednesday.
New teacher, new place…all new.
I also am planning to check out a new farmers market this weekend.
🕊️ & ♥️
i am going to try being aware of old stories / patterns in my bodymind and letting them go, to be open to a much larger truth/ reality/ experience, options and possibility. Tara Brach had two recent podcasts that I find helpful/ inspiring. Lots to work with!
Also celebrating, embracing, enjoying these gorgeous summer moments, days, evenings, in spite of everything! … 🙂
Yes, I too have these tired old stories, KC.
So I think about what do they mean now.
And I think about how free I could be if I could/would just release them.
They are the past. What a waste to let them define me now.
I love Tara Brach. Were you referring to her Wednesday evening talks?
Lots to think about, KC.
Much is good for me too,
and releasing my self limiting stories could free up some joy for me
Thanks for inspiring me!
Mary, Oh my gosh. What a challenge and journey, to be aware of and to practice letting go of our tired old stories! So good that you are on this journey as well, as I am guessing many of us are.
I listen to Tara Brach on Spotify. Recent talks are ‘Stories that Imprison our Heart – part 1 an part 2’. I imagine they are on her website as well, as she is very generous in posting most of her talks and meditations online, for free. Incredible generosity, and so helpful!
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Warmly, KC
I too enjoyed lates couple of Tara Brach installments KC.
Joseph, I take that as a compliment, hearing that you are listening to and enjoying Tara B’s latest talks. I am so inspired by your generous sharing of the decisions and challenges you face each day, choosing sobriety. Also the joy and delights! Thank you for all your insights and daily sharing. Best for a beautiful day! … Warmly, KC
I will have to look into these, Joseph.
I could try setting an intention every morning this week (versus just when I feel like it).
I was doing that, Drea.
And then I completely forgot about it.
If you do this, Drea, I’d love to know how it goes for you.
🌷🌷🌷
Thank you Mary. To stay accountable, today’s intention is to recover. How about yours?
Hmmm- will need to think about this, as I have no ideas now🤷♀️
Nothing comes to mind but I will stay willing!
Your willingness,
dear Carol,
made me think of a line from a song by Lowell George
of ‘Little Feat’ . . .
“Well, I’ve been kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in, but I’m still on my feet
And I’m still willin’ ” 🙂
I had never heard that song but went on youtube and listened to it. Brought a smile to my face. Thanks, Sparrow
I love your willingness, Carol!
That seems to go along with noticing possibilities.
I already have a plan for this: My sweetheart and I are doing our 18 dates for 18 years, one for every year we’ve been married. Today is our actual anniversary. For our date we’re going to bike out to a marina and hope to be able to rent a tandem kayak for our first-ever kayaking adventure on the waters of the south end of Puget Sound. If the kayaks are all rented out it’s a bike ride in the sun and some time by the water, which is also a date.
If the kayaking isn’t my new thing, there’s always improv practice Wednesday night with my troupe. Improv consists of new things every single time. I expect us to run through some skit forms I haven’t played before as we prepare for our next show. Laughs guaranteed!
I hope that you had a great anniversary, Barb! That sounds like a really fun way to celebrate ♥️
Happy Anniversary! Sounds like a lovely date… hope you guys got to kayak!
Happy 18th anniversary Barb to you and your husband.
Happy Anniversary!
May this anniversary,
dear Barb,
be the best so far. ♥
Congrats on the 18-year adventure. I hope you have many more lifetimes together.
Happy Anniversary Barb to you & your husband.🥂🪅🎉
I’m not sure about something new, but I would like to get back to my practices in a more regular way. This week, while busy, would be a good place to start.
I too,
dear Charlie,
need reminders
when I veer off the trail . . . ♥
I’ve had this last week off work and have been re-establishing my yoga and meditation practices. Hoping/planning to carry that into my days when I get back to work tomorrow. Wishing you well in reconnecting with things you want to make a regular part of your life.
I have signed up for an online grief circle with the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. I have heard that it is helpful to be able to grieve in community in these tumultuous times– a different and more empowering experience than feeling alone in our grief. So I am curious to try this out!
I looked this up Elizabeth and saw there was a group meeting on this ThursdayJuly 10th.
I will reflect on whether or not this is for me.
I have a limit as to how much I am able to engage
in discussion about my grief over what’s going on in this country and the world.
It brings up so much anger and rage in me.
And for me these are very scary emotions.
Thanks for bringing this up, Elizabeth.
I just might try it out
Good luck with deciding if this is for you, Mary! I plan to be at the group on July 10th, and it would be lovely to see you there if you decide that it is for you. I agree that it is kind of scary to open up all of those emotions, but I do also trust that if the facilitators are good (which I believe that they will be), that getting in touch with these emotions in a community setting could truly be empowering.
Thank you for sharing this. I have a cousin who’s now a certified grief educator and I’m sending the link to her.
I could use some of that myself, Elizabeth. 🙏
this week. I’m focused on letting gratefulness and intention lead me so I’m ready, open and prepared to experience the pathway Reclaim Joy next week, which will be a brand new experience for me.
I could try to get up earlier tomorrow, so that I can do my workout before the day starts. I think it will do me good!
Good morning gratefulness family. I can try adding my gym workout to my calendar so that it’s an appointment and it doesn’t get skipped!
I am planning on visiting the Tampa Theater – I have not been there before, looking forward to it.
Wishing everyone a good Monday and start of the week 🙂