Tuesday's Earworm

An enjoyable song, courtesy of Jason Mraz.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A

Intent

At a presentation held few weeks ago, this thought provoking quote was used, and it has stuck with me ever since.


"The way we do anything is the way we do everything."


Wow - it's certainly cause for pause.   It's made me look at my actions and the intent behind them.  How do I do things (the little things and the big things)?  How do I treat people, handle challenges and deal with my daily 'stuff'?


If you'd like to read the entire piece, click the link below.

http://www.portalstopeace.com/All%20Quotes%20Categorized/Wisdom%20&%20Knowledge/The%20Way%20we%20Do%20Anything/The%20Way%20we%20do%20Anything.htm

Bob's Lesson in Patience

This is Bob. His entire name is actually Camellia japonica ‘Bob Hope’.

Last year, I carefully replanted Bob to this new location in the garden. All through the winter I worried about him getting through the cold with all his leaves and limbs attached. I was surprised and thrilled to see that he's full of flower buds this Spring.

Look at those buds! They're gorgeous and there are so many of them.

So - now I wait (impatiently) for the buds to open up. Every day I walk by him and encourage and cajole..... cheer-lead and try to persuade...... “Come on Bob, open up those buds and show me your flowers.” 

You can imagine the response.

I'm not at the point of showing him a picture, but if I did, it would look like this. 

Here is where Bob's lesson in patience comes in. I know  I've done everything I can (chosen the new spot carefully, watered faithfully all summer, used fertilizer, covered him up in winter, etc), and now it's up to nature.  Just because I want Bob to bloom now won't make it happen.  Bob cannot be forced to blossom. No matter what I say or do, Bob's gonna bloom when he's good and ready – when the time is right. And when it does happen, the flowers will be beautiful.

I'm laughing as I write this, but I'm reminded of other times in my life that I try to force things to happen when I want them to. And, when they don't, I fret and worry.

Bob's teaching me a great lesson in patience and 'letting go'. When I've done everything I can, and there's no more I can do, worrying and fretting will not affect the outcome.  I've got to let go.  In some cases, my agenda and schedule just don't matter.

So, I'm going to practice patience and 'letting go' this week.... of course I will start with some 'small stuff' and I will prepare and do what ever I can to achieve my goal, but once that's done, I'm going to remember Bob's lesson. I'm going to practice being patient; 'let go' of the desire to have the outcome happen 'now', and allow things to happen naturally.... and I guess we'll see what happens...... maybe the result will be even better than I'd expected.

Spring has Sprung

In celebration of the first day of Spring (Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere), here are some random thoughts and a couple of photos taken in Vancouver, BC March 20/11.

This is my favorite time of year. There's a bit more daylight, the temperature is little warmer, the air seems cleansed and the songbirds have returned. I've always felt that it is a time of renewal, and fresh starts.

Spring is sprung,
the grass is riz,
I wonder where the boidies is.
They say the boid is on the wing.
But that's absoid.
The wing is on the boid.

Writer unknown


I invite you to take a few moments and reflect on the things you like most about Spring. Is it the fresh air after a rain shower, or the joy of planning and planting a garden? Maybe it's the fact that there's now a bit more daylight every day; feeling the warmth of gentle sunshine on your face; the sound of birdsong; the discovery of vivid, light green tree buds that seem to appear overnight?

What is it about this time of year makes you feel good?


Here are some Spring rituals from around the world
http://www.copdandsomuchmore.com/springworld.html

Choice

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Wayne Dyer speak, and during his inspiring presentation, he quoted from this poem by Portia Nelson. The words and message have stayed with me for days.

THERE'S A HOLE IN MY SIDEWALK
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson


Chapter One
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost .... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.


Chapter Two
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend that I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in this same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.


Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit ... but, my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.


Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.


Chapter Five
I walk down another street.

An Expression of Joy

A father and son show us a genuine expression of joy..... their joy of dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4fPHt0FjEU

Correction - that's Beachcombing

Just got a note to correct my spelling.
Ooops.
As a West Coast gal, I really should know how to spell beachcombing.
Apologies to Nick and the gang.

Beach Combing

It's a beautiful, warm, sunny day, and the ocean is beckoning. Pack up what you need, and let's go to the beach.

As you arrive at the shore, there's a gentle breeze against your face. From here you can already hear the rush of the waves, the roar of the surf, and seagulls calling to each other.

Take off your shoes. Feel the sand under your feet - it is the perfect temperature, and you feel comfortable. Stand there for a moment and notice how your feet sink into the in the dry, warm sand. Now look down at your feet and wiggle your toes and watch the sand slide off the tops of your feet and in between your toes. Do that a couple more times, digging your toes into the sand, and then lifting them up and watching the sand slide off of them. Ahhhhh, it feels like a mini foot massage.

Look up and towards the water. See where the water meets the sand? Notice how the waves come up the beach towards you, and how smooth the sand's surface is when the water recedes. Watch the waves for a few moments, as they move in and out.....and listen. What do you hear? The ocean has it's own rhythm. Listen closely to the sounds of the waves. It might be a gentle lapping, wooshing sound or more of a roar. What ever it is, just notice it. Take a deep breath and now there's a hint of salt in the air.

As you continue to breath, you find yourself slowly walking towards the water. You walk until you've reach the point where the waves meet the sand. Stop here and notice how different the texture of the sand is now. It's firm and wet, and when you look down you notice that your feet leave an impression. Turn right and begin walking along the tidal line of the beach. Take another deep breath. There's moisture in the air, and the sound of the surf is a little louder. What else to you hear now? More sea birds perhaps? Are there other people enjoying the surf today?

Continue walking and beach combing. You discover an interesting sea-shell or stone, or even sea-glass on the sand, out in front of you. Bend down and pick it up – hold it in your hand and take a look at it. Brush the sand away – you might even want to wash the sand off in the surf. It's glistening now, and the colors seem so vibrant and rich. Notice any other details about it. The shape, the texture, the weight of it in your hand. Turn it over in your palm and look at it from this other side. What do you discover?

Place the treasure in your pocket, or keep holding it in your hand as you continue on your walk. Walk for as long as you'd like.

Notice how good you feel and how relaxed you are after taking a few moments to enjoy the simple pleasure of walking along the beach on such a glorious day.

Earworm of the Day

earworm [ˈɪəˌwɜːm] noun
Def:  (Music / Pop Music) Informal an irritatingly catchy tune

Here's a fun video of Feist performing “1, 2, 3, 4” (with a twist)

Click the link below and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ9WiuJPnNA&feature=related

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter makes us feel good, and the bonus is that it's also good for our health.  Not an original idea or thought – but one that's great to revisit.

Alright, since it's Friday, let's have some fun.  Take a look back at your week and think of one thing that made you laugh or smile; one thing that you thought was humorous or funny. If there's more than one, that's great. Think of as many as you can. Take your time. It doesn't have to be a knee slapper, it could be a simple little moment or a turn of phrase or event. Spend some time there, and you could even find yourself smiling or even chuckling now, as you remember it.

If that's a challenge.... create something humorous right now. What makes you laugh or smile? Do you have a favourite joke? Is there a comedian that makes you laugh if you hear or see their routine? If slap-stick humour or clips of cute animals tickles you, there's an endless amount of video on Youtube available. Go find it now.

Here's some interesting info about laughter (as per a health website):

*Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
*Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
*Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
*Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Read more here: http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

How about incorporating at least one good laugh into your day? Start this weekend and take it into next week. Imagine how much easier Monday will feel when it begins with a laugh.

Biggest Thrill

Someone recently asked me an interesting question. What is my biggest thrill?

The question's really got me thinking. There are a few definitions..... In this case, I like it as a verb – here's a definition from www.thefreedictionary.com


Thrill (verb)

1. To cause to feel a sudden intense sensation; excite greatly.

2. To give great pleasure to; delight.

3. To cause to quiver, tremble, or vibrate.


As I contemplate the question – I keep thinking back to the way I felt as a small child, back to a moment I discovered something new. What I discovered doesn't matter – but the sensation of discovery does. Continuing to think back to that time, I imagine seeing my little face, smiling and lit up with delight and wonder. That open and genuine wonder of a child. I hear that little girl giggling with excitement and she's jumping for joy. I recall the warmth of having experienced something for the 1st time. It felt good from my head to my toes; like I had won some sort of prize.


So - what's your biggest thrill? Take a moment today and ask yourself that question. You may find yourself drifting back to childhood, or it could be something you experienced more recently. Notice what it is, and how you recognize the feeling of being thrilled - enjoy it. Imagine yourself experiencing the feeling, right there, doing what ever it is, seeing what's around you, and hearing what you'd hear; notice the sensations and how you feel inside. Take a deep breath and really be there.


Give yourself the gift of staying there for a few more breaths and notice how that feeling stays with you. Embrace it.