| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 10:09:16 AM
Hello Farmgirls! I feel a little shy chatting without eye contact -- but Mary Jane's mag and words touch my true farmgirl roots so deeply, I've gotta jump on the wagon. 
Organic was not a word I knew - it was just how we lived on the two acre self-sufficient farm where I grew up. It was what was done. Clean out the cow and horse barn, the chicken coop and the pigeon aviary -- and dump the stuff where it did some good. Take the scraps from the garden produce and feed the animals. Save every little scrap for whatever else it might be good for.
It was a way of life.
I've gone through many cycles since then, but always, always I've had something growing - in a pot if need be - but something I could cut and bring to the table. It was an essential way of my life. This kept me grounded through medical school and other endeavors.
And then - when I started seeing patients in the clinic - I became increasingly aware that the LACK of this sort of life was the root of so much of what ails people! Fast forward. I've devoted my life, now, to the discussion and teaching of the most basic of health practices - which when properly executed starts to feel like a spiritual practice. Paying attention. Slowing down. Avoiding poisons (in their MANY forms!) Eating true to nature. And - my most recent book: "Mindful Eating". So simple. So sane. And so helpful. (see www.maryannwallace.com)
I hope to hear from you. I hope to have an impact for true health that returns us to our roots. Let me know what you think! Joy to you!
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Aug 13 2010 : 10:20:17 AM
Speaking of eating seasonally --- If you garden, I’m sure you’ve encountered at some point in your illustrious efforts a full-bore attack of zucchini glut. I’ve been struggling of late with keeping my attitude of gratitude for abundance in the face of ever growing hordes of ever-enlarging zucchini.
You know what I mean.
Leaving completely out of this conversation the question as to whether I have a sufficient supply of good natured friends willing to divest me of this so-called bounty, I will steer us along the lines of a few good discoveries I’ve made about how to work up all this good stuff. (See? Am I displaying a great attitude or what?)
We often have zucchini for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner! In one exemplary day recently, we had zucchini bread for breakfast, sautéed zucchini with zucchini flowers and basil and zucchini pickles for lunch with zucchini cookies for dessert, dried zucchini rounds for a mid afternoon snack and zucchini frittatas for dinner. That wasn’t all we had – but you get the idea.
I have, thus far, steamed, sautéed, minced, mashed, baked, broiled, boiled, dried, breaded, lasagna’d, omelette’d, cookie’d, cake’d and mixed zucchini with every imaginable combination and spice. Even zucchini juice is tasty. And – of course – we all know that a requisite in every Christmas basket from those such as us is a nice (un)frozen loaf of zucchini bread.
And then I found the standard recipe for dilly beans in one of Rodale's time honored ancient texts. My beans and I are getting along fine, thank you. But the zucchini. That’s where I’m in a pickle! Hmmm. Why not? It just so happens the renegade dill volunteering all over the garden and associated pathways are also rampant. Replace beans with squash and call them Dill Zucchini.
It worked! So – here’s the recipe only slightly modified with gratitude to those who have gone before us, bearing the fruit of their labors:
Dill Zucchini
4 pounds zucchini 1 garlic clove per pint jar
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper per pint jar 5 cups vinegar
½ tsp. whole mustard seed per pint jar 5 cups water
½ tsp. dill seed per pint jar ½ cup salt
Wash and cut zucchini into slices to fill pint jars. Pack slices into clean, hot jars; add pepper, mustard seed, dill seed, and garlic.
Combine vinegar, water, and salt; heat to boiling. Pour boiling liquid over the zucchini, filling jars but leaving ¼-inch headspace. Seal and process in a steam bath for 5 minutes.
Yum - What a dill!
I blog at http://living-in-harmony2.blogspot.com/
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Aug 08 2010 : 8:31:34 PM
Bless you, Darlene - and a big Bingo. On so many fronts. We really must get back to the basic simplicity of healthy eating, knowing where our food comes from, supporting our neighbors in health, life and industry --- and not going the big box anything. Drugs. Insurance designed to keep off those most in need. All for profit. "Health care" ---- means something. Something very different than what it has become. Oh, the soap box I could get on (and am resisting).
I want, instead, just to share the focus of keeping it simple and sane. Grow healthy food. Eat healthy food. Have honest relations. With others -- and One's Self.
And -- so sorry for all you went through, too. It's unkind on many fronts.
blog at http://living-in-harmony2.blogspot.com/
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Aug 08 2010 : 5:03:02 PM
I am sooo happy you joined us. I have been a nurse for 42 years and the changes I've seen throughout the years are mostly not for the better. The Doctor is almost forced to order every test there is so he doesn't get sued for missing something. Greed has caused the ambulance chasers to force the doctors hand. Then there's the insurance companies who charge enormous premiums to cover for malpractice which in turn translates into higher cost of office visits and on and on.
Polypharmacy is alive and well. I have personally given 24 pills at one time to a patient. This same patient doesn't feel well but wants all her pills. They then wonder why they have costipation, loose bms, palpitations, heartburn, headaches, dizzyness, dry mouth, tingling in their feet and hands, excess sweating, losing their hair, chest pain and on and on. This in most cases causes the Doctor to order more pills or tests.
As a nurse it is far and few between that a Doctor will even listen to a nurse who suggests eliminating a few meds to see if the condition resolves itself. My health deteriorated the longer I worked. Show me a nurse who is not hypertensive, who has a good back and isn't overweight or thin as a skeleton. I never got a break. If you got lunch , without someone calling you back, it was a miracle. Eating whatever you could grab was usually what we ate. Not usually healthy. Put that together with double shifts and no peace and health issues abound.
I haven't worked since last December. I stopped feeling like I was going to have a stroke. I can sleep without any problems and I took myself off my strong BP med and then I went to my Doctor who said your Bp is fine stay off the med. I don't advocate for anyone reading this to do this without first seeing your Doctor. It was when I kept feeling like I was going to pass out that as a nurse I knew how to evaluate and address the situation. Best of all I no longer have Fibromyalgia. Less poison better health.
Bless you for all you do to promote a healthier mind and body we all need it.
Blessings,
Darlene
Sister 1922
The road to a friends house is never to long! |
| loveladybugs |
Posted - Aug 08 2010 : 3:54:47 PM
Many Heartful Welcome Wishes May Ann, I have cured myself from Asthma with Young Living Peppermint Oil. I believe our health
starts out in the Colon. After witnessing people with health problems and curing myself from Asthma.
Have a dear friend who just moved to Oregon. Wish you were speaking in Michigan.
loveladybugs
Enjoy the simple things in life |
| Leilaht |
Posted - Aug 08 2010 : 08:31:59 AM
It is nice to see an allopath who actually understands that drugs aren't the answer! Most doctors are convinced that low-fat, sugar-free, grain loaded diet is the only way to be healthy. Unfortunately, they are killing their patients. Artificial sweeteners and transfats (margarine) are some of the deadliest things in processed foods. It always makes me wonder if they really want to cure their patients, or just treat them. Thank you for being you. Please continue helping people heal.
Liz
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25 |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 07:41:33 AM
Thank you, Melissa! This is so marvelous - your story you shared. Yes. It makes a difference - this business of what and how we eat. (Duh, huh? LOL)
And - I love this web site - as well as Mary Jane's mag. It provides such a grounding place of "yes" to me - reflecting much of my own heritage, lifestyle and world-view in a way that I feel safe with "sibs" of shared nature.
Smiles to you, too-
I blog at http://living-in-harmony2.blogspot.com/
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| Fiddlermom |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 4:16:09 PM
Welcome Mary Ann! So nice to have you here at the farm! It's so refreshing that with your education you realize that there's more that can be done for well being than a pill! I use herbs a lot. I make my own medicinal tinctures and they have been amazing! I treat a lot of conditions at home, but we will go see a doctor when needed.
Since August 2009, I've lost about 25lbs without even trying! I made very simple changes to my diet. I stopped eating refined sugar. I use evaporated cane juice crystals. (Organic of course!) I switched to coconut oil and olive oil for frying. The coconut oil is a solid at temps under 76, so I use it like a shortening so it makes great biscuits! I also drink raw milk and use homemade "real" butter. Just these changes and eating veggies and quality meats have made a huge difference in my health. (Also, the coconut oil is a wonderful skin moisturizer!) My whole family is getting "mindful" of what goes into their bodies! I look forward to reading more posts and your mindful eating book!
Blessings,
Melissa |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 2:49:13 PM
Hi Everyone -- some of you have asked about Mindful Eating classes in your area. Some good news: I'll be featured as a guest on Thursday (7/15) on Voice America for an hour long show on How to Break the Eating Habits that Sabotage You. It's free - and a chance to phone in questions. I'm happy to share this with you! 7 AM PDT, 10 AM EDT --
www.voiceamerica.com
http://living-in-harmony2.blogspot.com/
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| tea_lady_tammy |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 09:44:19 AM
Welcome Mary Ann,
so nice to have you join us here. YOu have some very interesting thoughts. I will have to read more carefully when I have a bit more time. Just wanted to welcome you.
blessings
Tammy
Tea is like being in the stars with God.
http://breathsoffaith.blogspot.com |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 11:06:07 AM
I'm back - thinking about the many ways we can be mindful, such as:
Using What You Have, Where You Are
Although this sharing is about a lovely recipe I created by using the produce I found in our own back yard here in Oregon in late spring, the principles apply to so many dimensions of life. My husband and I like to eat local, seasonal food because it is a healthy way to live. It supports our thesis that reducing trucking emissions is good for the planet and us all, and the food is often tastier and feels like “real food”. What’s not to like?
I’ll share the recipe for your pleasure, should your back yard be producing something similar.
Cress and Oregano Pesto
Grind in a blender:
3 cups of a mixture of garden cress, garlic scapes and oregano
½ cup olive oil
2 large cloves of garlic
roughly 2 T. butter
3-4 T. walnuts
½ cup Parmesan Cheese
½ t. salt
It’s that simple, and the premise is that you can use whatever you have for those 3 cups of green material. It is YUMMY good! Try some spread on a piece of toast, or – the usual – with pasta.
The moral? Use what you have, where you are. It’s good for us all.
I blog at http://living-in-harmony2.blogspot.com/
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 10:32:00 AM
In a radio interview yesterday (NW Passage, 4 pm - available on the web: KLCC - 89.7 FM), I was asked if Mindful Eating included being aware of where food is grown. I gave an emphatic "yes!"
Funny thing is that I don't usually even need to mention this in these classes. When we focus ever more deeply on the awareness of the food we eat, it seems we automatically start to ask certain questions and notice certain things. Like the LIFE of that which we take into our bodies. We start to notice -- if it is dead and full of poisons (designed to, of all things, keep it from "perishing" on the shelf!)we don't want it in our bodies.
Why shorten the shelf life of our own life for the sake of eating designer-color non-foods propped up with artificial chemicals?
And -- we notice if a food is dying a slow death because it's been trucked all over the 40 acres before it finally got to us. And we notice - the beautiful and abundant life and foodstuffs all around us! And THAT is what we start to get hungry for!
"Natural"
Peace to you ~
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| Ruthe |
Posted - Apr 08 2010 : 05:10:42 AM
What an interesting perception ~ that we often shove food in our mouths as a rebound effect to having a 'negative' or 'bad' feeling. I can certainly trace that understanding to my own mindless times of eating. When I'm feeling 'good', I eat well. When I'm feeling 'bad', I head right for the junk, which reinforces the 'bad' feeling even more! Never thought that I might be feeling badly because I'm 'feeling badly'! A pure cyclical rebound!! :) Fascinating!
Well, it seems we have something else in common. I am the full-time care-giver for my Mom, who lives with us and will be (hopefully) moving with us to Michigan. The move alone is daunting and when you add an aging parent into the process, it takes on a life of its own. Yes, the emotional aspects of all that are a lesson in mindfulness and patience and compassion and understanding and.....
There are days when I do a lot of weeping ~ over my own personal issues with all this as well as all the issues surrounding my Mom. Hauling my overactive mind back into submission is a challenge many times. If I were 'into' drugs, I'm sure I'd be on some by now!! :)
My husband used to drive truck over-the-road and often drove through Oregon. He LOVED it there and often talked about moving there...someday. If my life ever settles into some sort of functional routine, I'd love to attend one of your seminars in your home-state! Even a trip to Minnesota sounds good right now!!
Thanks again for sharing your insights and wisdom. It's always refreshing to hear your thoughts and perspective.
Blessings to you always!
Mindfully,
Ruthe
Live Life! Be Happy! Love Always! |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Apr 06 2010 : 10:27:07 AM
Wow! Good luck with your move, Ruthe -- my husband and I recently moved; and then promptly moved my parents to the area to help with their care. Argh. Yes - good opportunity to be "Mindful" -- and notice the wide range of possible emotions we have. LOL.
Which leads to -- one of the things I notice in teaching these Mindful Eating classes through the years is that a main reason people (we) eat when it is not food we need is this rebound effect we have from having had a negative, intense emotion -- which we then feel bad about. The self-degradation is more of a problem often than the original feeling! Learning self-acceptance in all the nuances of ourselves is truly part of the Joy of living! We then are filled with a warmth of contentment -- of just being ourSelves.
In response to our possibly getting together, I will be teaching a workshop in Minnesota at some point (it's in the process of getting organized) -- so that'll be somewhat closer. Meanwhile, I have a couple of workshops on the beautiful Oregon coast coming up! :) (www.maryannwallace.com)
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| Ruthe |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 05:42:22 AM
How wonderful to hear from you, Mary Ann, and Kris! I so love the ability to connect with like-minded 'sisters'! It is a huge lift to my day!!
I was born and raised, and at present, still live in NW Ohio, Mary Ann, but will soon be in Kalamazoo, MI. Not of my own choosing, but my husband's job promo is taking us there. Michigan is a beautiful state, so there are many things I am looking forward to there.
However...moving from one's roots and life-long connections is not an easy path. It has been an immense opportunity to practice mindfulness, though! :) It's amazing to find how simply one can live and be happy with much less 'stuff'!
I, too, catch myself drifting off into anxiety and stress whenever I look at all that STILL has to be sorted, pitched, given away and packed! But as you say, focusing on one task at a time creates peace and gives me a great sense of accomplishment over the completion of even tiny little endeavors.
I obviously need LOTS of practice on that since it has arisen in my life, but it works...when I am 'mindful'. :)
I would LOVE to connect with you, Mary Ann. I gather from your comments that you're a west coast dweller? If you think you might ever be near Michigan, I'll do what I can to find you! I suspect we'd have a lot to talk about!!
In the meantime...create an amazing and wonder-filled week! May the blessing of New Life be a constant part of your days!
Mindfully,
Ruthe
P.S. Kudos to you Kris!! Be gentle with yourself. You are doing GREAT!!! Life is not about perfection in anything we do. Life is about being 'mindful' of all that we do. I'd say you're well on that path!! :)
Live Life! Be Happy! Love Always! |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 5:42:21 PM
Ditto, Ruthe! ~ Kindred Spirit ~ So glad to hear/read your kind, soothing words. We obviously "get" the same picture. In what part of the US do you live? Maybe we can connect some day -
And, thank you, Kris! So obviously "on path". :)
I notice it is easiest to stay Mindful when I give myself permission to do one task at a time -- and to get started with it. I easily rev up to match the prevailing speed of the stream of life around me (and that's WITHOUT ever watching TV -- Lord, could you imagine??), and in so doing feel a bit of anxiety which translates into a restlessness. Wondering what I "should" be doing. Not able to focus on one thing because I'm too busy trying to figure out what that one thing should be. There are so many (too many) options to choose from!
I notice that when I just start - doing - one thing at a time and completely concentrate ON that one thing, the whole mind chatter slows down, too. By the end of - whatever it is (and it can be as simple as doing a load of laundry or as complex as really getting into re-weaving the bottom of that old rocking chair I love but can't sit in anymore), I really and truly feel better. More focused, because I AM more focused - less scattered, and more in love with Life again.
Which is a very good place to be and to be breathing from. :)
Love to you each - and Happy Easter!
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 07:38:54 AM
What a great post. And so very timely too. Thanks. I do not like "doctors". I only go if there is nothing else to be done. The last time I went I had some blood work done and the doctor I saw is more on the altrernative side. I do like her. She told me my cholesterol was a little high. Not much but a little. Of course she had to tell me I needed to be on cholesterol meds. I said no thank you. She then said I need to watch what I eat, excercise, and take fish oil. So I do. But I was glad she did not push the meds. I am not going to do that route as long as I can help it. I know what I need to do. I am not stupid. I just need to do it. I grow 90% of what we eat. We have goats for fresh milk. Chickens for eggs and meat. We just put a grass fed steer in the freezer not long ago. So I know all the right things to do. But I HATE to excercise! Just hate it. I will walk. I do work in the gardens most of the day during the seasons. I am active.
So I will keep checking in here to see what's going on. Thanks for all the great advice and help from all of you.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Ruthe |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 04:15:46 AM
Hi Mary Ann,
I loved reading your comments! You sound like a true kindred spirit!
While I am not a medical doctor, I have worked professionally in Alternative/Natural Health Care for over 30 years. Much of what you say certainly rings true for me, as I have shared similiar encouragement with hundreds of clients over the years.
I figured out, long ago, that even in the alternative/natural health care field, people can still be caught in 'mindlessness'. As long as we're constantly looking outside of ourselves for our 'salvation' and healing, we are, as you say, constantly trying to fill an inner void with outer 'stuff', albeit natural stuff.
I am not a buddhist either, but I do appreciate their focus on 'mindfulness', and have learned a lot from bringing that into my own life and awareness.
I think that being well is more a state of mind and heart, rather then which nutritional supplements, herbs or homeopathics one takes. Don't get me wrong...those natural remedies most definitely have their place and I would choose those over conventional medicine's drugs at all costs (when possible), but I know from experience that those, too, can become a crutch when people are still caught in the mindset of 'fixing what's wrong' without supporting what's 'right'! Does that make sense??
And to me, what's right, is all the things you talk about!!
My favorite comment to people when they ask, "What can I do to get well?" is - BREATHE! :) First and foremost...BREATHE! Beyond that, all that you suggest has been the drum I've beaten for many, many years!
When people are ready, they embrace it with open arms. When they're not quite there yet, it can sound too simple. "Isn't there a pill or something I can take?? :) "Yes!! The 'pill' of mindfulness!"
Thank you a thousand times over for being a part of MJF!!! I know you will touch hundreds of lives in a very positive and deeply meaningful way!! You are on the cutting-edge of the new face of health care!! All good and wonder-filled blessings be yours!!
Mindfully,
Ruthe
Live Life! Be Happy! Love Always! |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Mar 30 2010 : 09:51:09 AM
Thank you, Elaine! I checked out your blogspot, too - Wow! You've had quite the experience! So much we go through, eh? This traversing our years, here on planet Earth. Love your Spirit in it all.
And, thank you, Lilly, for your comments, too. Looks like you've been exposed to some great ideas along the way.
Which leads to: really, the conventional medical system doesn't have all the answers! As an MD, I am grateful for the in-depth training. I love knowing what I do. But -- it just isn't the end-all when it comes right down to basically clean, healthy living!
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, paying attention to our lives, noticing and choosing wisely what we eat and how we spend our time -- these things are the basis of good health -- NOT seeing the doctor! Truly, medical training is all about pathology. My fascination has been revolving around what and how do we optimize this Blessed Life we have?? I love encouraging people (all of us - I have to remember this, too) to quiet down, notice, feel gratitude for the amazing "stuff" right in front of us! This promotes health. It literally changes the chemistry of our mind and bodies! Is this great stuff or what?
My notes for today.
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| solilly |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 1:02:17 PM
You insite is still different then others. Of late I have seen a naturist who does eye readings and beleives in herbs and also the book of (eating for your blood type) For years I have been to a Chiropractor for neck and back problems. So please keep us informed as to the way your ideas can help. I am also very glad you have joined us girls. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
| Lainey |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 12:55:36 PM
Dr. Wallace,
So nice to meet you here! I just went to your site and those books and cds sound interesting! Especially the Basic Meditations and the Beyond Pain Relief and of course the 'Mindful Eating - Mindful Life'. I look forward to getting to know you!
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Mar 28 2010 : 12:15:34 PM
Just returned from a trip to the coast. Mindfulness. I noticed the pocks of houses lining a few of the formerly verdant hillsides. It reminds me of a cancerous growth. Life in its native state wiped clean to allow for houses -- and development to the tune of dollars in somebody's bank-book.
What does this have to do with Mindful Eating? I believe if we pay attention to what goes in our mouths and where it comes from, it inevitably brings us back to a sense of place. Of life in its place. Of gratitude for the living - as it is - and as it must be to continue to provide sustenance to us all long-term.
It worries me that so many seem blind to the ravages of life in their pursuit of growth and profit.
Ramblings of the mind, returned to home from recent travels ~
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 09:47:26 AM
I've been leading groups, lately, centering in on being Mindful. It's just another way to say "paying attention". Which is central to happiness. It cuts in so many directions, really. When we're paying attention to our "inner climate" we notice when we're feeling "off" before somebody's comments throws us off completely. -- And we know to take time out to regroup. When we're paying attention to the outer - we make less mistakes, and begin (amazingly) to feel more and more grateful. For the little things. For the every-thing! So much to be grateful for when we slow down to notice. Just notice.
What I've noticed in these Mindful Eating classes I teach is that, at the heart of most people's eating habits are the myriad ways they feel that have nothing to do with eating for the sake of calorie-intake. Meeting the unmet needs of so many other forms of emptiness and "hunger" - we are eating ourselves into a state of oblivion. To cover it all up.
So, on it goes. I hope you each are happily basking in the Spring energy of warmth, sun and daffodils!
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 09:50:51 AM
Oh so beautiful, Laurie - so beautiful. I smile just sinking into the "yes" as I read what you wrote.
I was contemplating this morning -- how being Mindful includes so many things. Including the attidude of our mind as we gaze about us. Sort of the filter through which we see things.
For example, I came to the computer just now from the kitchen. Breakfasting, cleaning, straightening -- and my gaze happened upon the film of dust accumulated on the stove hood. (Know what I mean? :))
I paused for a moment. It's a sunny day. Gorgeous. With daffodils smiling up from their sunny bonnets - and I feel in a generally good mood. So - today when I saw the dust, I simply -- (cheerfully!) -- grabbed my dust-fuzzy and swiped it off; thinking about how I was adding to the beauty and sense of order in the room. It all felt good. In place - in harmony. In keeping with my mood.
And I reflected on how on another day seeing that same dust would have simply added to my bushel basket of the heavies -- fueling my discouragement and propelling me to go plunk in a chair somewhere feeling basically overwhelmed by too much to do.
Amazing, huh?
Being mindful --- even of what clutters the mind through which we view the world.
Later, farmgirls! Joy to you ~
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
| laurzgot |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 8:07:02 PM
Welcome Mary Ann, It's so glad to see that you come to join us. Great ideas you have. I like to get my hands in the dirt and basically everything from scratch. Much, much healthier for one's mind and body. When I feel stressed to the limit I just take time to meditate and everything can just wait for about 15 to 30 minutes. Yes if you buy something to make you feel better or eat something it can get out of control. A person needs to be in control of oneself if at all possible. If one feels down just go outside and see all the wonderful things nature has and you will feel better is my motto.
Hugs,
Laurie
suburban countrygirl at heart |
| SunshineDoc |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 10:48:07 AM
Hi Cindy ~ wonderful things you are doing -- these few sentences you wrote are really the crux of much of what ails folks these days! To wit:
- much of advertising is designed to make us feel discontent (so we will buy something to make us feel better) -- this leads to a feeling of emptiness; not enough - the sensations of which can mimic hunger. Eating as nurturance is a common phenomenon!
- and - feeling "not enough" spurs a cyclic judgment circle. Of others. Of ourselves. Which -- you guessed it -- deepens the gaping sense of emptiness. More food.
- and then there is the just plain being too busy. I mean, let's face it! The Energizer Bunny is a national hero and multi-tasking has taken on the proportions of a religious activity! People are hired on the basis of that ability - and if it is possible to chow down a burger while continuing to work the desk all the better.
Not good for the human waistline, never mind the spirit! So -- this call to slow down, notice, appreciate, accept self as is -- love life in its nuances of Itself. Aaaah -- so good for us ALL.
Joy to you!
Being mindful is a way of life - and health.
Mary Ann Wallace, MD
www.maryannwallace.com |
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