Pause

The pause in posting for the past couple of days hasn't been entirely intentional. It just hasn't been a priority. I've still been enjoying my morning quiet time, coffee, and sitting with the morning sounds of nature. This morning provided the additional treat of deer at the treeline. It has been a little while since I've seen any deer back there so that was cool. Maybe I should put a salt lick out there.

There really isn't much to our simple life, here. I have been starting to get to my daily yardwork earlier and then having the hotter part of the day to relax in the shade and comfort of the deck. I think I'm not going to get to see most of my flowers until I'm home from my Mexico trip. I am hoping for some nice June showers while I'm gone to keep everything well watered. It's kind of weird how nature seems to take care of itself until we interject ourselves into it and then there is either not enough rain or too much rain or whatever!

In keeping with the simple life, it's time to put a little morning water into some garden beds and get to work in the yard. Be at peace with nature and with one another. Reach out to an old friend or a family member today and tell them you love them. 

Touch the ground. Feel the energy of the earth.
Breathe in the air. Sense the spirit of nature.
Listen to the sounds of the world around you. While I can hear the manmade sounds coming from the nearby highway, most of the noise I hear is from the birds and bugs of nature. They tell me I belong here.

Pause.

John

"...your body is a temple..."

If I didn't know better I'd think I was building a freakin' mega-temple! 
I started the month of May at my heaviest yet (270 pounds, 122.5kg) -- about the size of a freakin' temple! 
Ugh!
Always a struggle.

Anyway I got busy and managed to lose some weight pretty quickly, had a few bad days and regained half of what I had lost, am now back on track and at minus 12 pounds (5.5kg) for the first three weeks of the month. I've been updating weekly on my other blog, Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy). 
You can follow my struggles on that blog or on Twitter. I'm @magicianary.

If I keep up the pace, I'll be down to 250 (113.5kg) by the time I get to Mexico in a couple of weeks. Not exactly beachbody material, but that won't stop me from enjoying some time on the beach. I'm just happy to be back on track!

So this morning's scale inspired good mood has me thinking about Paul's admonishment in 1 Corinthians 6:19 
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,...)

There are actually several places that Paul uses this comparison and in different contexts. This morning I am remembering an old preacher that once told me, "John, if I would have known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."
Looking around at active older people you don't see fat people living well into their 90s. Maybe there is something to that. 

Today's meditation is focusing on this temple of mine and how I might continue to do a little renovation to bring it back to its intended glory. 

How is your health?
How is your body holding up?
Is your temple in good condition?
...Or in need of some renovation?

John

Sometimes we miss things; sometimes we miss people.

Wow.
I'm a little unsettled this morning. Overnight I received a message (timestamped 2:47am). I just read it. It was pointed and critical and was from someone that I missed, someone that I didn't really see.

Sometimes we get pretty focused on one thing and the actions we take to accomplish that task or goal impact others in ways that we are unaware of. Not always a good thing. That was the case with this person. The things I did (or didn't do) took place several months ago. I can only assume that the ripple effect has reached a critical point or that something happened at 2am that triggered the need to reach out (lash out) and express themselves.

I'm not going to beat myself up over this. If you don't know, you don't know.
But I am going to sit with it for a little while. I think that would be a good thing.
And I may be more careful about collateral damage.

John

The Quiet Life

I know the quiet life isn't for everyone. Many people would be bored with my humble existence, but it suits me quite well. It's Friday night and I'm on the deck with a good cigar, a cold drink, and the sound of a light rain falling outside. I suppose we could be out listening to music or maybe we could have gone out for dinner, but we stayed home like boring (or maybe satisfied) old people.

I finally got one of my two lawn mowers back from the shop today. The delivery driver commented that I needed a much larger zero turn mower for the amount of lawn I mow -- one that would easily cost about 4 times as much as the mower I have. I told him I'm retired so it doesn't really matter how long it takes me.
He responded by telling me that he's retired too, but can't just sit around so he does delivery for the shop.

Well, by the time he got there with my mower I had already planted two berry plants, hung a bee house, potted marigolds, two small ferns, and potato vines, and planted petunias in the front flower bed. Now I was going to finally get started mowing my field. And in spite of having plenty to do -- I can just sit around! It's what I am doing now.
I didn't get much mowing done because of the gentle rain that has been falling most of the day, but sunshine is forecast for the weekend so I'll be back at it tomorrow. And I still have two small trees to plant.

Since I couldn't work in the yard this afternoon, we picked up a few more plants for Chris's big flower pots. She will get to those in the coming days. She'll be spending the day with friends at the lake tomorrow and I'll be enjoying some Pandora Classic Rock Radio in my earbuds as I mow the field that hasn't been cut since last fall. I should probably catch up on a few Spanish lessons, too.

All is well.
Retirement does not suck.

John

Friday flowers

I'm going to do a little planting and repotting today. That will be my meditation and time for centering.

Yesterday I bought some plants -- tomatoes for the garden, a blackberry and a raspberry bush, a sweet potato vine, four coleus plants and a small flat of petunias. I bought a few marigold varieties to plant in pots for the deck rail to help keep away the pesky insects. I also bought a flowering crabapple tree and a redbud tree. I put up a wire cage for the pole beans and cucumbers and re-potted the four tomato (two cherry, a big beef, and heirloom) plants. 

I don't know if I would call digging in the garden fun. I do enjoy it, but it's probably more therapeutic than fun. There is something about the earth connection that seems to bring the body's energy and vibration frequency back to what it is supposed to be. 

And the results can be so very rewarding. Truthfully, I am as satisfied watching the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds at our flowers as I am at eating tomatoes or other produce from our garden. Our perennials are beginning to grow again and Chris just planted this year's zinnias and cosmos in the downspout flower beds. I am really looking forward to the added color around the house. 

"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees." --John Muir

John

The coleus in a repurposed plastic container (my weak attempt at crafts)

Thursdays are for Thanksgiving

Actually, all days are for thanksgiving and I am finding that gratitude is so good for the spirit and outlook on life. I suppose that I could find plenty to complain about if I set that as a daily goal, but how much better to be thankful and appreciative of life?

In the bible, Paul writes:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  --1 Thessalonians 16-18

Today I woke up well rested and feeling much better than I did yesterday.  I am relatively healthy (and minus 10 pounds for the month) and enjoying my coffee and quiet time from the comfort of the screened in deck. The hummingbirds are at the feeder and the continuing territorial battle for one of the bird houses continues between the bluebirds and the sparrows.
My Achillies tendon is finally starting to feel better and I am hesitant to mow today for fear of aggravating it again. I think I'll give it another day. Maybe by then I'll have my rider back from the shop and can do it the easy way -- sitting on my butt!

In any case, I am grateful for today. 
I don't expect much in the way of people interaction, maybe a trip to the store for some plants and garden stuff.
Not much in the way of people interaction is always something to be thankful for.

My gratitude journal prompt for today was -- How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?
I feel rested.
One of the greatest benefits of retirement is that I wake up when I'm finished sleeping. 
And yes! I am extremely grateful for an early retirement and a comfortable one.

What is something that you are thankful for?
What fuels your attitude of gratitude today?
Maybe it's something as simple as a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. 
Think about it. Meditate on it for a little while. Enjoy the moment like a bird with a french fry!

John


 

Mind Over Matter

Today's morning meditation is a little personal and self healing.
I woke up a few hours ago feeling chilled and achy, but I am aware that this is no doubt a reaction to the three vaccines I got yesterday -- COVID booster, shingles, and tetanus. I went back to bed, covered up, and slept for a couple of more hours.

Now I'm up and spending my morning time inside. I have a sweat suit on, am covered up with a throw, and have a space heater on in a small room. I'm actually feeling quite cozy right now. 

Because I'm old, I was thinking of an image from the old television show, Kung Fu. Kwai Chang Caine teaches another man how to survive their hot box punishment by using mind of matter techniques/

https://youtu.be/cW5bShSt9tg

I do believe that the mind holds great power over the physical world. 
My meditation text for today:

"Your body can stand almost anything.
It's your mind you have to convince." --Unknown

John

Are our differences too great?

Maybe.
Or maybe they seem too great because we no longer see our similarities.
And I think that's exactly the way the powers that be want it -- Focus on the differences so that we can't get along.
If we can't see past the manipulation, we are -- well, easier to manipulate.

I don't know if there is a national solution to the great divide that has come about in our (the US) political system or not. The powers that control the narrative want it to be exactly the way it is. Maybe the change has to happen in individuals, or in finding like minded individuals to challenge the current representation.

What I do know is that I need to work on myself.

Today's meditation text:

If we have no charity and no tolerance, we shall never settle our differences. -- Mahatma Gandii

John

Finding peace

It is a difficult thing to find peace in a world that worships strife. While I understand that fear and strife sells, and why media outlets and advertisers on media outlets love stories that appeal to the most base side of humanity, I still fail to see why we (as a people) are so devoted to giving airtime and headspace to things and people that rob us of joy and contribute to the chaos of life rather than affording much needed moments of peace to each of us.

Oftentimes we tend to direct our focus to the things that distract us rather than the desires of our hearts. 
When trail riding, you don't focus on the trees, rocks, or obstacles - you focus on the trail. When motorcycle riding the winding roads of the Ozarks, you don't watch the ditches or shoulder drops - you keep your focus on your lane of the road ahead of you. 
Fear keeps our focus on what can go wrong. Peace and confidence (and often success) come from focusing on the task at hand.

Today's meditative verses come from Paul's letter to the Philippians. In his closing he reminds them to keep their thoughts on gratitude, God, and good, honorable things. 
He writes:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your minds and your hearts in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me -- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

May your thoughts bring you peace on this day.
Guard your thoughts. Focus on what is good and honorable and worthy of your time.
And rejoice!

John

Making a quiet space...

I get it. It isn't always possible to isolate yourself for a quiet time -- at least not in the conventional ways. This morning finds me making due with being away from home. I assume the hotel coffee is like typical hotel coffee (not good). I thought I'd venture across the highway to the Dunkin Donuts for coffee. It turned out to be a drive-thru/walk-up only with no tables or chairs, even outside.
Sacrebleu!

There was another restaurant in the plaza across the parking lot with tables and chairs on their patio so I sat there and enjoyed my coffee for a little while. I'm back at the hotel now (still avoiding the coffee) and sitting at a table in the breakfast area. There is a TV on and there has been a steady flow of guests down for breakfast.

The thing is -- I can tune out the distractions rather easily. 
I know that it is difficult for some people to tune things out. I think that many people tend to focus on the things they are trying to tune out rather than focusing on what they want to think about. A quiet place isn't always necessary for a quiet time. If you have earbuds (especially noise cancelling ones) a little soft instrumental music or nature sounds might do the trick. Otherwise, I find that focusing on my breath and breathing to be good for isolation in not so isolated places.

Square breathing is a good relaxing and focusing practice. Find a comfortable seated position (or laying down if you are using it as a pre-sleep calming device). I use a five count, but parts of it can be difficult. A four count might be a better place to begin. 
Still yourself and breathe in deeply on a five (four) count. 
Hold for a five (four) count.
Exhale for a five (four) count.
Pause for a five (four) count.
Repeat.
In my head, it sounds like this:
In - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Hold - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Out - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Pause - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

The hold and the pause are the most difficult parts and might take more focus.
If you are using it for a pre-sleep ritual, try four or five cycles before shifting to a more simple deep inhale/pause/slow exhale/pause pattern to sleep.

Three cycles at a five count is around one minute and can easily be used as a moment to pause and refocus anytime throughout the day. 

If you are using a meditative reading or verse to contemplate -- read the verse first, square breathe for a couple of minutes, shift to a more simple breathing pattern and contemplate.
It won't seem like much, but a simple five minute practice is a good place to begin. A couple of minutes of breathing practice and three minutes of thought might seem like a long time. You might want to use a timer. You might not need one. Using those three minutes to think about nothing is also a good practice. You might just listen to your heart or sounds of nature -- or nothing.

Breathing is something we do all day, every day, and never really give it a thought.  Practiced breathing can help us to breathe better -- even when we are not thinking about it.
Give it a try.
Let me know what you think.

John