“Isn’t it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?”
Zig Ziglar
Holiday
meditation
The Duke’s Wise Words
“Talk low, talk slow and don’t talk too much.”
John Wayne
Let It Be
“The difference between a flower and a weed is a judgement.”
Wayne Dyer
Reptile Representation
“Who would you be without your suffering*?”
Byron Katie
*suffering = anxious, sad, worried, angry, resentful…
Frivolity
We have a natural tendency to be preoccupied with things and competition (Mine is better than yours, I make more than you, I’m good at this, what are you good at?)
But there comes a time when this comes to a natural conclusion (perhaps a little after adulthood), and can be replaced by something deeper: Finding your essence identity (spiritual dimension).
The material and form identities still exist, but they should no longer give you a sense of who you are.
Lighten up. It’s just form. You never cease being you and there’s no need to get excited or stressed about the forms that happen in your life.
(Eckhart Tolle)
Get Messy
Mirror
Hey there, preening girl!
“beauty” is destined to flee
“Real You” will remain
About this poem: as I age and raise teenage daughters, I realize the stage where I was distracted by the issue of physical appearance played a “hyped up” role in identity. All that time and energy directed toward something I was really not in control of could have been invested in cello playing, writing or reading a good book.
I’m also keenly aware that I still care more than I would like to – I exercise now with the goal of building and keeping muscle/strength but aesthetics still has some play in my intentions.
Our culture idolizes the young, which is silly because being young is fleeting and not based on wisdom or experience. It’s just dumb luck.
Happiness Vs. Joy
The older I get, the more I realize that joy is infinitely more rewarding than periodic happiness.
Sunday Suggestion
I’ve been pushing myself lately to be as productive as possible at work and at home: teaching, preparing for National Board Certification, participating in a video coaching study, painting, working on two books and publishing this blog daily. 🙂 Exercising in the morning actually makes me feel more energetic so that is how I start the day. The days end with cooking dinner and cleaning up.
But I’ve been feeling…unsettled….a bit anxious, even. If I don’t get to all my tasks, I feel down on myself. I’ve been feeling like the proverbial hamster on her wheel: running and getting nowhere.
A few days ago, I was waylaid by the flu. I gave a talk Thursday night to parents for Curriculum Night and then collapsed when I got home.
Of course, I was majorly bummed and nearly distraught: I don’t have time to be sick!
Bedbound, I realized the grace in being forced to slow down. Obviously, my body is trying to tell me something. Unable to clean the house, paint (properly), write or workout is a good exercise in just being. Illness has forced me to get more sleep and in stillness, I’ve watched the monsoons each night in all their glory: thunder, lightning and rain.
So, today, my Sunday Suggestion is to slow down. Maybe whittle a task or two off your “To Do List”
Say “no” more often. Ask for help. Take a walk instead of checking email. Hang out with positive, quality people. Plan a day to do nothing but enjoy yourself.
It might diminish the anxiety. It might help you find your center. It’s already working for me.
Kismet 