20 lbs in 12 Weeks in Words
Okay, so it snuck up on me like it does for untold numbers of people across the globe, I gained weight. Not that weight gain is necessarily a bad thing, however it is clear from looking at my changed body, that the extra delicious meals with a variety of desserts and late night ice cream and movies with my new boyfriend this past winter did not turn to muscle. So, although on the outside, you may look at me and say “why do you need to lose weight?”, I assure you, I am beyond my best weight for my body and my health. But, more importantly, although we have been eating pretty … [Read more...]
Tending Our “Gardens” or Snowfalls? of Life
Spring is one of my favorite times of year as it is for many. Yes, because of more sunlight, warmth, greenery, fresh air, fruits, & vegies, new blossoming buds innately bursting back into life, but also because my own life blossoms. Could it be that this time of year is really a time of renewal for nature and humans? Are we connected to the innate rhythms of seasons and cycles ? Does being conscious of this connection and in harmony with them help us to improve the quality of our lives, our families, our communities, our world? Are we already doing so or do we forget and simply … [Read more...]
The Power of Contrast
Because it is fresh as potent growth experience for me, I decided to write about the concept of contrast. As a noun, contrast is defined as: ”The state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association.” As a verb, “Differ strikingly.” So, why am I thinking about it? Well, I gotta say: 1) After recently fasting for 19 days between sunrise and sunset, (described in previous post) now that I can remain hydrated and energized with food during the day, I find a deeper level of gratitude for the alertness and … [Read more...]
Penultimate Day of Fasting
“…prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests.” Abdu’l-Baha “Fasting is the cause of awakening man. The heart becomes tender and the spirituality of man increases.” I have been fasting for 17 days (18 including today) now between sunrise and sunset, and with 19 days as the target, I have 1 day to go. As a Baha’i’, since 2004, this is my 9th fasting cycle. “As has been the case with other revealed religions, the Bahá'í Faith sees great value in the practice of fasting as a discipline for the soul. … [Read more...]
What are YOU thinking?
Looking around with an attentive eye it is easy to see the power of the mind in action. Whether reflecting upon the broader role of the mind in creating a skyscraper, roadway or bridge; leading innovations in technology, science, business, education or the arts; or the role it plays in our daily lives to help us learn, make decisions, interact and navigate life, it is clear that the human mind is powerful. Upon waking to greet each day, our minds lead us (often without thinking) through our morning routine, get us to work, and in most cases become the focus of our work. Our interactions … [Read more...]
Waking Up Through Sound
Sound is vibrational in nature, as is light. In fact, it is said that the entire physical universe is made up of pure energy and vibration and that we too as humans are vibrational beings. “The Hindus have a saying, "Nada Brahma", which means, all is sound, or all of creation is sound. They suggest that the primordial sound of manifest creation is the sound of "Aum", or Om, and that if we were to attune to the creative spirit, we would hear this sound. The Judeo-Christian culture might say, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1)," … [Read more...]
Crowding Out
On a scale of 1-10, I rate the "diet/nutrition" part of my health choices at a 7. However, depending upon to whom I compare myself, I may rank higher or lower. And....because, I'm continually moving towards learning from others (be it through contrast or sameness), but comparing myself to myself, I stick with 7, in process to moving to 8, where I will then reevaluate and determine my next move. Incrementally, which works better for me, I am adding more servings of vegetables to my daily diet, keeping carbs to a minimum, eating gluten only for worthy exceptions and doing my best to add … [Read more...]
