Meditation & the Monkey Mind

For the last couple of months, I have tried to be faithful in making time to meditate each day. It's not always easy, but it's important to me so I make it a priority.

I can't begin to tell you how often the conversations I've had go something like, "I've tried to meditate, but I can't make my mind stop." So, during this morning's meditation, my monkey mind (this is what I call my mind when it won't rest) decided to write a blog post.  It went something like this:

Deep breaths, in thru the nose, out thru the mouth, close eyes, listen to sounds around you, scan your body to notice how it's feeling, I think I need to write about how this can be difficult (monkey mind), breathe... breathe, I think I can title it (monkey mind) breathe...breathe.  I wonder how long it takes to get a doctorate degree, because the training can be that long to master this (monkey mind) breathe.  

You get the idea.  It's not always easy.  But I will tell you, it's so worth it.  I find I am calmer, less judgmental, happier. But I consider this a journey.

Miles Markey, son of Liz & Jason Markey
photo courtesy of Liz Markey

I use an app called Headspace.  Andy, the "guide" through these meditations has a very calming Brit accent and his voice makes it easy for me to start meditating. Plus, he's kinda cute! And the app is free to test drive it!

So let me quickly point out a few things I've learned about meditation, and hopefully you'll think about giving it a try.

• It doesn't need to be 30 minutes.  It can honestly be as little as 5 minutes when you're in a hurry, but I would start with a 10 minute session.
• You don't have to sit on the floor in a lotus position. You can sit in any chair.
• Your mind will wander. A lot. Consider this training. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon if you haven't trained for it. Same thing here.
• Many times, you start telling yourself that your mind is too busy to do it. But then you give yourself permission to have a monkey mind, it pays off when you stick with it.  Those often turn out to be my best meditations.
• You can do it almost anywhere. Of course, it's better if the cat isn't trying to sit in your lap, or the dog isn't trying to lick your face but if it happens, you roll with it.  

All this is offered with a wish that your Christmas and New Year's celebrations bring you peace, in spite of all the chaos of the holidays. And whether or not you make resolutions, consider making peace and tranquility a high priority for 2016.  For each person who works at finding peace in their own lives, our world will be a little better for it.

Merry Christmas!!

Words...That's it ... Just Words

We have some of the best conversations at our lunch table.  One teacher walked by and said, "It's always so enjoyable to walk past your table and just get the snippets of what you guys might be talking about.  Always entertaining!"  That it is!

So this week, we talked about words. How there are just some words that drive you crazy.  Some words that you can just do without hearing for the rest of your life.  Some that just inspire, or make you feel giggly. Some words that are just plain fun.

Like spelunking. Doesn't that sound like fun?  "Hey boss, can I have a day off to go spelunking?"  Sounds like a great day off. Or how about doppleganger? 

But then there are words you cringe every time you hear them. One of my lunch buddies doesn't like the word phlegm.  Right?  Even the way it's spelled. Kinda makes you feel phelgmy just spelling it.  Or how about mucus? Ewwwww!  Another says she doesn't like the word bulbous.  I guess I can see that. Kinda makes you think of a big ol' nose, Karl Malden style.

Photo courtesy CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Here's one...cutlet  Not sure how that one made the "don't like" list, cuz I just think it's a cute word. Kinda petite-ish. But one of the girls doesn't like it.

A few years ago, I wrote another post about words.  These were not words that necessarily create pictures in your mind, but will definitely elicit some sort of feelings as you read the words.

All of this sure makes you think about the power of words, doesn't it?  About the times we say things that might be meant one way but are taken another?  About how you may say to a kid, "quit your crying" but all they hear is, "I don't want to hear what you have to say."  Or how there can be a national debate on whether certain lives matter or whether all lives matter.  Yep, words are powerful...and fun...and gross.  But definitely powerful.

Hope I gave you some powerful thought today.  Go out and make someone's day with a kind word!

A New Life - Part 2

As much as I wanted to stay current with updates, things/life gets in the way and before I know it a month has gone by.  But things are still going great. I'm down 20 lbs in 2 months. The one remaining med I'm on has been changed to reflect my decreasing blood pressure readings. Doctor assures me I will not be on this forever.

I also see a wellness nurse at each visit. Besides checking my weight, we talk about any concerns I have, recipes, temptations. The latest mantra is "ride the wave." I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that I will never eat another of CT's Butter Krisps or Leanne's Potato Chip/ Chocolate Chip cookies, but I'm going to ride the wave as long as it lasts. This lifestyle works for me.

I pulled the bike out of the back of the garage and try to ride most nights after work. Short rides. I'm so out of shape it's pitiful. But everyone knows that you have to take baby steps before you master something. And that's what it'll be! Tonight, I realized that working out or riding the bike is almost addictive. Yeah, those that know me will get this real confused look on their face about now.

And self talk...I've had plenty of conversations with myself over the last month and realized how important that is in this process.

And recipes? Oh my...life is good in this paleo/primitive lifestyle. Especially in the fall. I made this Butternut Squash Lasagna (with my marinara sauce) that was outstanding.

Photo and recipe courtesy of stupideasypaleo.com

My PG has decided to join me (at least partially) in this journey, so I've made these sandwich rolls, but instead of buying English muffin rings, I'm just put the batter in a 9x13 pan and cut up the "bread" into a dozen pieces. Tada!! He gets his "bread."

Photo and recipe from againstallgrain.com

As I mentioned in my last post, I will advocate this lifestyle because I know it works. I've shared Dr. Kaskel's book with a number of people I work with because I believe what he has to say. I joke with one of my coworkers about how we will both be evangelists about this lifestyle. And each and every day, I thank the Universe for having whatever it is in me to continue this lifestyle.

Next things floating around this brain o'mine?  Yoga and journaling.  Until next time...

Back in the Land of the Living

Well, I know I don't have a ton of readers who wonder if I fell off the earth, but those I do have have already pinged me about my whereabouts.  I can't believe a month flew by without me posting anything.  And to tell the truth, I haven't been to a whole lot of blogs lately.  This weekend will change that.  Time to catch up!!

So what have I been doing?  Well, last weekend was spent with my sister and her friend, scrapping at her friend, Jean's house.  We left Friday midday and it takes about 2 1/2 hours to cross the state to Elizabeth, which is just east of Galena.  No snow near Chicago when we left.  That changed big time during our trip. 

Long to short here: Driveway is long and steep, sister has front wheel drive vehicle, snow was very wet and huge flakes, we got stuck.  No boots, no traction on my gym shoes to allow me to get out and push.  We made some ruts.  Once we got into the house, there was no leaving for the weekend. (Not that there were any plans to...after all, it was a scrapping weekend.)


Not yet stuck, tracks heading up the driveway



Stuck...one of a few places

Friday night sunset was stunning.  I'm seeing it as reward for us getting the vehicle up to the garage.

 Saturday was a dreary day outside, so it allowed me to concentrate on getting some pages done.  Here's some that are complete:

And some that need a little work:



Yeah, first born girl always gets the photo package from Van Gogh!!
Sorry, Colleen!

 And then there's some I can't show you yet. 

Jean knows how to build a fire.  Another bonus!!

And Sunday, we were blessed with a most beautiful sunrise. 

And later that morning, a beautiful panoramic view of snow-covered farmland. 

Wow...this is the upside to trees losing their leaves.  You get a different view of the beauty of nature. 

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit my #2 grandson's school for a Pre-K School Sing.  After they sang, I went back to the classroom to meet his teacher and to enjoy all the things his classroom offers him.  I left with a very happy heart!!

Things have been pretty busy at work, and it looks like the next 2-3 months will be all that and more.  I am truly blessed to have a great boss and to work with a lot of great people.  And as we play musical chairs in my little work world, it should be interesting to see how things wash out. 

But my PG and I are heading out see Jeanne Robertson tonight.  I first found out about her through my Texas Sisters.  A former Miss Congeniality at the Miss America pageant.  Humor based on real life.  My kinda speaker!!  Here's a short youTube that shows you her stuff. 

I've been working on some mindfulness exercises offered by Lisa Wilson through her Wild Elephant Project over at LifeUnity.  I know I'm not alone in needing to be reminded to be mindful in everything I do.  And yes, it's difficult.  But just going thru her exercises is a great reminder. 

Okay, I've rambled on enough.  Time for me to put away all my scrapbook stuff from last weekend, visit some blogs, cut my PG's hair so he looks purty for tonight, and get some laundry folded and put away. 

I promise to work harder at getting a post in every few days.  

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Are you a worrier?  Do you worry about how your kids are doing in school?  About your health?  About how you are going to pay the bills?  Oh, the list can go on and on, can't it?  So now that you've answered what it is you worry about, let me ask you this... How's that workin' for you??

"Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow."

I used to worry more when I was younger.  Not a lot, but more than I do now.  Most of the time, it had to do with me being a perfectionist.  I am always harder on myself than anyone else could or would ever be.  I finally learned to ask myself this question when I realized I was worrying about something: "If I died tomorrow, is this what they would put on your gravestone?"  Somehow, as morbid as it sounds, that put everything in perspective for me.  Think about that question.  I would love my epitaph to be something like this:  Mom, Grandma, Sister, Lover, Friend - She excelled in those roles, the most important in her life. 

The only thing worry does for me is to give me a better idea of what's important to me.  Worrying about my kids doesn't prove to them I love them.  But showing them I have confidence in their decisions does.  Worrying about my health doesn't change the issue.  Talking about, and doing, what I need to do to change it does.  I know what I'm saying can sound cavalier to some.  I think some people are hardwired to worry.  But if you really think about what you accomplish by worrying, you'll realize you can take away its power.  You'll no longer say, "I can't help it.  I worry."

So for all those worriers out there, I'm going to offer the wise words of Leo Buscaglia,

"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow,
it only saps today of its joy."

What about you?  Do you worry? 

Two Raisins

I participated in a mindfulness study a couple of years ago.  Women with breast cancer were invited to this study to see whether practicing mindfulness regularly would make a difference in immune system activity.  We were taught how to meditate, a little yoga, and other mindful exercises.

On the first night, as these dozen women sat in a circle, we briefly shared our journeys that led us to become participants in this study.  Once we got to know a little about each other, it was time to begin with a little exercise I've since nicknamed, "Two Raisins."  The leader placed two raisins in our hands, and she would then coach us in "mindfully experiencing" these raisins. But as she placed those raisins in MY hand, I looked at them, looked up and looked right into the eyes of the girl directly across from me.  The one sitting right next to the leader.  Gina.  And when I looked into her eyes I saw the same thing my eyes must have been telling her.  Neither of us liked raisins!!  She mouthed "I hate raisins".  We both smiled.

At the break, Gina and I sat and talked.  We talked about life with breast cancer and she shared what her life had been like dealing with metastatic breast cancer.  We talked about our families.  We connected.  I loved her smile.  I loved her outlook on life's obstacles.  I loved hearing how she reestablished her relationship with her dad because of her cancer. I got angry with her sister (even though I'd never met her) when her sister was a little too blunt about survival rates for her type of cancer.  We just connected. 

When the study was completed 8 weeks later, we kept in contact via e-mail.  Not often.  Mostly as an update on what she was next going thru for treatment.  Tried to get together a couple of times, but the timing just didn't work out. 

As I was watching TV last night, I saw a commercial that reminded me of Gina.  And I realized it had been a while since I'd received an update.  Checked my last sent email, and it was last November.  Hmmmm... she'd never gone that long before.  I googled her name.  And found her obituary.  My heart felt crushed.

You know that expression that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime?  I met Gina for a reason.  And I think I know what that reason is.  When I think of her, I think of serenity.  I think of peace.  And I smile.

God bless your family, Gina.  You certainly showed your daughters how to live a full life, no matter how short it might be.  And thank you for coming into my life.  It may have been brief, but it sure was a joy to know you.