Category:Practical Inspiration
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 follow our routines? Are our daily rhythms impacted by what is going on in our natural world? Does it matter? Well on a day like today, mid-April when rather than a warm, sunny (or possibly rainy) Spring day we instead have an uncharacteristic snowstorm, it seems a simple proof in the experience of “this contrast” that we are impacted. And, although I am still enjoying my life on this snowy spring Sunday, doing laundry, cleaning, getting caught up, somehow this snowy, slushy 30 degree day somehow doesn’t feel quite right, and it is impacting the rhythm of my day. Instead of going to the grocery store, running errands, getting gas, drinking lemonade, and eating a cool salad, I’m under a blankee on the couch drinking tea, eating soup and writing this blog. Being honest, my spirit is somewhat dampened, but I’m doing my best to redirect my attention towards that which I’m grateful for so it doesn’t bring me down too...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 with ourselves, and others are often centered in the mind. Our workplaces buzz with the mind and although, we also have a heart, a body and a spirit through which we can perceive the moments of our lives, the mind is commonly the primary “radio channel” to which we attune. (Sometimes playing a song we like, often not.) Everyone’s mind’s sends thoughts endlessly into our awareness. As you know, these thoughts can be very useful, are necessary and can accomplish great things, however left un-attended, they can also rob the quality from our lives. They also link directly to the emotions we then feel and vice versa, which can create positive emotion with positive thoughts and negative emotion with negative thoughts. (again visa versa) One step further, as mind/body/spirit beings, they can also impact our body in a positive or negative way depending upon the thoughts we are thinking and feelings we are feeling. (For example, I can always tell when I’m thinking or...Break the Chain
February 14, 2013 Twin Citians join global movement One Billion Rising to break the chain of violence against women and girls. See below video link Share...
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 fruit, which interestingly I like, but have a heck of a time eating consistently. So, welcome to my new breakfast habit in motion. Having set a goal to lose 10 pounds at a slow and steady pace over the next 12 weeks, but more so to have more living foods in my diet, my new TLS Slim site, where I am both learning about health, finding recipes, journaling and tracking my daily food, water, & exercise, advised me to eat 5-6 cups of vegetables, 2 servings of fruit, minimum 8 glasses of water, 3-4 oz protein per meal and 3-4 tablespoons of good fat to achieve my goals. What I’ve discovered as I’ve been incorporating this incremental health improvement into my life is 1) when I stick to it, I noticeably feel a notch better. 2) when I allow myself to keep moving towards it without self-judgment and acknowledging my progress, I feel my commitment growing -because rather than condemnation for missed action steps, I...
Rich Week Poor Week
40 Things. What if you were told one day that you could only have 40 things in your day-to-day life for a week? What would you choose: clothes, socks, underwear, pot, plate, keys, car, TV, computer, lipstick, purse, bucket? Only one trash can? (Would that mean extra steps every time you needed to throw something away? Would that matter?) How would you choose? What would be the purpose of limiting yourself to these items? Is it possible that doing such an outrageous activity could enrich your life somehow, rather than restrict it? Well, meet Michelle, Anna and Lindsay, three young Twin Cities women who did just that. One week of 40 items, aka Poor Week and one week of “sky’s the limit,” termed Rich Week (for simplification purposes only, as in fact the name didn’t sit quite right.) And, ironically as both a paradox and an aha, challenging and rewarding, they found “rich and poor in both weeks.” So, let’s look at a few specifics and greatest take aways that may also serve as an inspiration for you to create your own personal growth adventure. Specific number one about Poor Week: 1) Examples of forsaken items on their individual lists of 40 items included no music, no TV, no computer (except for work), no jewelry, no perfume, no items of attachment, no texting, and unintentionally no cleaning because no one put broom on their list. 2) Examples of what was on their lists were: one pair of socks, one outfit, one book, a bowl, a pan, a pen (what would be more important, a microwave or a pen?), a...About Dawn Vogel
Dawn Vogel is founder of Luminous Concepts Productions. She is passionate about elevating health and human potential, advancing consciousness in practical ways and bettering our world. Working with people in practices, businesses or causes who are elevating people, her vision is to strengthen individuals and groups of individuals to strengthen those they serve through Luminous Concepts Productions. She creates photography & video stories that inspire, promote, educate and help people better reach their people.