Friday, December 30, 2016

2016 was a helluva year!

     2016 was a great year for me. I realize there are many out there who think the year sucked, and I hold you in love and sincerely hope 2017 is a much better year for you.
     I went through my daily Win List and came up with these highlights:

  • Completed first season of tax prep, very enlightening, learned a lot
  • Dennis & I celebrated our 30-year anniversary with a lovely trip exploring Colorado
  • Completed book study classes on Big Magic and Slow Medicine
  • Led two retreats at Timber Creek (yoga, Slow Medicine)
  • My baby rocker was restored and refinished
  • Went to Ana Forrest workshops in Houston
  • My hip healed via year-long Slow Medicine journey (see earlier blog post)
  • Completed a Whole 30 program, with weight loss inspiring new clothing purchases (dropped the "X" from my size!)
  • Attended Symphony in the Flint Hills
  • Enjoyed a fabulous trip to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland with my excellent travel partner, Lanie
  • Attended a Royals game with galpals
  • Enjoyed Derek at home for a friend's wedding in August
  • Treated Derek, Eliot and Alissa to a Cubs/Rockies game in Denver, adding another stadium to my "see all the MLB ball parks" life goal (& Cubs won!)
  • Survived a physical, which confirmed my excellent health
  • Spent a great long weekend in Chicago with my dear friend Cricket, including a Cubs game at Wrigley Field
  • Dennis' Eagle job ended after nearly 26 years--yes, this is a good thing
  • I dug deeply into the MELT Method, working with friends to explore the techniques and heal connective tissue; this is another healing modality I plan to explore much more
  • Golfed w sons in FOCO in October, and discovered a great place for us to stay when visiting, The Solarium
  • Spent a lovely Thanksgiving holiday with Dennis' family
  • Made a huge life change and purchased an artificial Christmas tree (jury is still out)
  • Enjoyed a trip with galpals to Kansas City for a concert, Christmas lights on the Plaza & KCCSL
  • Enjoyed a super family Christmas in FOCO, made personalized stockings for Alissa & Paisley
  • Swam 126 miles (over 100 miles for the 19th year in a row)
  • And the most stellar event of 2016... THE CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we focus on the good, the good expands. I'm excited for 2017!
      Happy New Year!
            Leta

Monday, December 19, 2016

Helping an Ugly Situation

We may find ourselves sometimes seeing a loved one in a situation that appears to be not in their best interests. Interfering is generally not the best plan, as everyone is entitled to free-will choice, and no one likes his or her free will messed with. So I offer these words from Abraham-Hicks:
You will know when you are of value to anyone when you are able to think about the person and feel good at the same time. When you love others without worry, you are an advantage to them. When you enjoy them, you help them. When you expect them to succeed, you help them. In other words, when you see them as your own Inner Being sees them, then and only then is your association with them to their advantage.  
Your thoughts can add goodwill or negativity to the situation. Choose wisely!
          Leta



Tuesday, December 13, 2016

My Slow Medicine Journey

Slow Medicine. This is the title of a book by Dr. Michael Finkelstein. I highly recommend it as a guided in-depth exploration of one’s health, using the author’s 77 Questions for Skillful Living. Dr. Finkelstein, via his personal experience, discusses how Western medicine is great for acute injuries and minor illnesses, such as broken bones and sinus infections, but it has failed us in coping with chronic illnesses and long-term health issues, especially those related to lifestyle. He takes a “whole person” view of care and treatment, which is nearly impossible to find in today’s Western doctor population.

Please understand that I am not placing all the blame for our generally sad state of health on doctors. Much of it falls on lack of responsibility on the part of the patients as well. The general mentality is that folks really don’t want to change to get better, they want the doctor to fix it. It’s a lose-lose situation.

One of the maddening things I’ve noticed over my lifetime is that for many folks, if their doctor told them to jump off a cliff, they’d go do just that, no questions asked. The doctor knows best, and they close themselves off to other possibilities. Here’s a well-ignored fact: no doctor has ever healed anyone--we all, ultimately, heal ourselves. Our amazing bodies do the healing.

So why not simply work with our bodies, minds and spirits to heal ourselves? It takes too long. That’s “woowoo.” It’s not covered by insurance. I don’t want to change my diet or exercise or whatever. If I’m taking responsibility, I have no one to blame but myself. I can’t find anyone to support my efforts. On and on it goes.

Here’s a personal story of slow medicine. For several years I had an ache in my left hip, bearable, but fairly constant. I had unfortunately settled into the mentality of “I’m getting older, I’m gonna hurt somewhere.” Occasionally I would take an over-the-counter pain reliever. I maintained my usual activities of swimming, yoga, golf and walking, though the ache limited my walking to a mile at a time. I did not go to the doctor about it, because I knew he would look at my date of birth and say “arthritis.” (I’ve witnessed this too many times in my older-adult yoga student population.) I am extremely opposed to a doctor labeling me with a condition.

At the beginning of 2016, I decided that I’d had enough of the aching and embarked on finding a way to get rid of it. I started with my chiropractor, where I learned my sacrum was out of alignment, and we’ve cared for that with regular adjustments. Those started out weekly, and now I see her every 2-3 weeks. That was a beginning in taking care of the structural alignment problem. I also continued my regular monthly massage, focusing on the muscles around the hip.

There was a lot of following my intuition in this journey, as well as noting guidance offered to me along the way by others. One of my yoga students told me about Whole 30 (whole30.com), a diet-exploration plan that intrigued me. When I learned in May that another super-health-conscious friend had done the Whole 30 program, I was inspired to do it. It gave me valuable insight into how foods affect my body, with the added bonus that I had 25 fewer pounds for my hip to carry around. This same Whole 30 friend also told me about the Melt Method, a body movement system that works with the fascia, the connective tissue throughout our bodies. In September I began a daily regimen of using the Melt techniques, easy to do in about 20 minutes a day. That has been an incredibly important piece of the healing puzzle, and I can say that I rarely have hip pain anymore. I am up to walking two miles easily again.

However, after years of compensating for the hip pain, the muscles surrounding it, especially in my thigh, are still quite tight. Enter my amazing massage therapist again. I asked her to work on my IT band (muscle running along the outside of the thigh), and she applied kinesiology tape to that. It’s the stuff you see on the shoulders of basketball players. Who knew?!?! It has had a huge effect on my leg mobility, stiffness after sitting a while, and muscle tightness. I also learned that I can buy the tape online, and there are videos showing how to apply it to many parts of the body. Another piece of the healing puzzle falls into place. Holy cow, self-care, I love it.

This has been a year-long journey so far. I knew it would not be a quick fix. I’ve learned a lot of valuable information about myself along the way. I’ve made changes in what I eat. I’ve worked hard at maintaining an attitude of health as opposed to illness. No drugs or M.D.s were used in the process. Best of all, my hip rarely hurts anymore, and I’m convinced that if I continue using the techniques I’ve learned, that my muscles will relax. My body knows what to do if I support its innate healing capabilities. Yours does, too.
Knowing our vibrant health,
Leta

Monday, November 28, 2016

Let's Hope This is the Bottom

     As I have moved through the grieving process relative to the election, I have placed my focus on the statement, "Love is the only solution." When I'm tempted to drift off into negativity, I just keep repeating, "love, love, love, love." I firmly believe that those of us who are conscious enough to know this as truth have a responsibility to promote love in the world. Those who hate are unconscious.
     I had an exceedingly comforting realization yesterday. I am a recovering addict. As such, I have personally hit, and witnessed many others hit, the "bottom." The bottom is a hellish place. In fact, it is so awful that, finally, the addict decides that changing is now a better option than to continue the addictive behavior. While it's a miserable place to be, it's also a place of hope, a place of choosing to find a better way to live.
     I hope that collectively we (U.S.) have hit bottom. That the racist and religion-inspired hatred (yes, that's an addiction) is having its last hurrah. Yes, it's ugly, but I believe that's not how we want to be as humans, and we'll find a better way. In my own recovery, hitting bottom was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Let's hope that's the case for our country.
     Love, love, love, love,
            Leta

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

What a Roller Coaster Ride is this October!

     I usually LOVE October. It's birthday month for both my husband and me. The weather is generally awesome. Having grown up in the heavily-forested mountains of Pennsylvania, I am still in love with fall colors. And then there's the baseball playoffs. With the Cubs in the playoffs this year, I am in baseball nirvana. I'd usually not ever want to rush through my most beloved month.
     However, this year, October can't be over quickly enough, getting us to and past Election Day. I am nauseous sick of all of it, both on a state and national level. I am embarrassed as an American that a vile person such as Donald Trump could get a major-party nomination. President Obama is the highest-quality human being to hold that office in decades, and I'm sick of hearing him being bashed. And I didn't even have the stomach to watch the debates!
     I've decided for my sanity to remove myself from any more political readings, news, etc. and to concentrate on enjoying the rest of this month. That includes a retreat weekend that will truly get me "away from it all," hallelujah.
     GO, CUBBIES!
          Leta

Sunday, October 2, 2016

I Didn't Get Shot

     Does fear rule your life? This is a very powerful question to ponder. I believe we are way more influenced by fear in our daily living than we realize. As Albert Einstein stated, "The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe."
     I was golfing with a group of women I did not know well, and in casual conversation, I mentioned that I was going to Chicago for a long weekend vacation (including Cubs game at Wrigley). The first thing one of the women said was, "I hope you don't get shot." I was flabbergasted. If that's not living from fear, I don't know what is.
     I totally believe that the Universe is as friendly as we make it. Living in fear attracts scary things. Living in friendliness attracts friends and good experiences. I've traveled all over the world and had outstanding experiences everywhere. To have refused these adventures out of fear would have stripped my life of its extraordinary richness.
     Please don't think your fears don't matter. They matter to you, obviously, but they also matter in the bigger picture. It's folks living from fear that increase hate, distrust, and violence in our world, the "us vs. them" mentality. We go a long way toward helping our world by making the decision for "friendly."
     Your friend,
           Leta
 

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Living in Your Head or Your Heart?

     I highly recommend Dying to Be Me, a book by Anita Moorjani. She describes her near-death experience after dying (so it appeared to her family and doctors) from cancer and then returning to life, completely healed. She talks at length about what she learned from this happening. Here is a quote from page 147 of the book:
     When we live completely from the mind over a period of time, we lose touch with the infinite self, and then we begin to feel lost. This happens when we're in doing mode all the time, rather than being. The latter means living from the soul and is a state of allowing. It means letting ourselves be who and what we are without judgment. Being doesn't mean that we don't do anything. It's just that our actions stem from following our emotions and feelings while staying present in the moment. Doing, on the other hand, is future focused, with the mind creating a series of tasks that take us from here to there in order to achieve a particular outcome, regardless of our current emotional state.
     I have discovered that to determine whether my actions stem from "doing" or "being," I only need to look at the emotion behind my everyday decisions. Is it fear, or is it passion? If everything I do each day is driven by passion and a zest for living, then I'm "being," but if my actions are a result of fear, then I'm in "doing" mode.
     When we feel off track, we think there's something wrong with us--something we have to do or get in order to right ourselves--so we go searching outside for answers. We look to others in the hope that they'll fix us. We may feel better a a little while, but it's usually short-lived, and we eventually end up feeling worse. However, when we really start to tune in to who life intended us to be--and we're attuned to the emotions that motivate us--we connect with the soul of our magnificence. We feel clarity when we allow this connection and take our power back, and our lives start to work. 
           Being joyful,
               Leta

Monday, September 12, 2016

Thought for a New Day, New Week

     This comes from David Goldberg: "... consider that no amount of guilt can solve the past and no amount of anxiety can change the future."
     Relax, enjoy, be present.
            Leta

Friday, September 9, 2016

Paying Attention to our Bodies

     I was reading a Yoga for Healthy Aging column, and Jill Satterfield (yoga teacher) used this phrase: "the physical feeling of this is enough from the often-confused mental/emotional sense of this is enough." This really impacted me. Just last night I told a friend that I have this voice in my head that keeps saying, "You should do more." It drives me nuts.
     Our culture is SO about "not enough." We don't have enough, we don't do enough, we simply aren't enough. It drives me nuts. Because of this mentality surrounding us, as well as internal, family or other influences, we often override our body's sense of time-to-rest with the "often-confused" mentality to push ourselves more. This is not a good long-term plan--it leads to stress and all sorts of life complications. 
     Only we can decide when enough is enough, and then actually stop. This is a very valuable skill to cultivate. Ms. Satterfield closed with this: "listening to ourselves—body, heart and mind—is probably one of the most valuable supports we have in taking great care of ourselves."
     Self-care is not selfish!
              Leta 

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Bumper Sticker LOL

     I do love reading bumper stickers. They offer everything from great wisdom to total foolishness. Last night I saw a great one that made me laugh out loud.
     This being a presidential election year, you often see stickers touting the person's chosen candidate. They usually include some sort of red/white/blue, stars and stripes, etc. This one had that colorful decoration, but this is what it said: 2016: We're Screwed. Still makes me laugh!
     Hope you find something today that makes you LOL!
               Leta

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Nothing but Angels

This is the Daily Guide (meditation) from Science of Mind magazine for 8/24 written by Rev. Dr. David Ault. I like it so much, I'm offering it here just as written:
     We are perpetual students and the world is our classroom. Profound and necessary learning comes from situations we encounter outside our comfort zones. Within every dialogue, every interaction lie opportunities for us to willingly examine the varied range of subjective perceptions and emotional reactions erupting from us. These encounters are gifts for growth. As Neal Donald Walsh poignantly writes from the perspective of God in his "Conversations with God" book series, "I have sent you nothing but angels."
     Imagine that sentiment as a personal motto--that every individual you have encountered has been an angel on assignment to assist you toward your greater yet to be.
     The classroom of the world would take on a different energy. We would see our relationships as an outpouring of divine order. Holding a grudge, polishing our injustice button or investing in righteous indignation would not consume our energy. Instead, we would review the past and present timeline of our life with a depth of conscious understanding, regretting nothing.
     This freeing revelation is known as living in alignment. When I am aligned with the divine principle of Life, I have no resistance to any lesson, any teacher. When this happens, the gifts of life are free flowing. 
Look, there's an angel!
         Leta

Sunday, August 21, 2016

ADIP

     ADIP = Another Day in Paradise. Many folks use this phrase in a sarcastic sense, but I don't. I use it via initials every day in my journaling. This is paradise, should we choose to see it that way. It's merely a choice. The beloved spiritual teacher, Edwene Gaines, says, "Earth is the party planet, didn't you know?" I personally love to subscribe to and live that sentiment.
     Yesterday morning I went to a coffee shop in Fort Collins for a morning brew and to sit quietly and read. As I settled my stuff at the counter by the front window, I noticed slips of paper under the plexiglass countertop with sayings written on them. My eyes landed first on this: We see what we create. Amen and amen! I believe my life keeps getting better and better... ADIP (what I create) and that's what I continue to see... a life that keeps getting better. Another way I often state this is "I lead a charmed life."
     Does all this mean my life is perfect, I never get upset, that no one ever crosses me? Hell, no! Those bumps in the road are my opportunities to practice my creating abilities. Am I creating more suffering for myself in unpleasant situations, or am I choosing to bring myself back to paradise? Response times vary, trust me, but I'm learning.
     "Icing of the cake" of my coffee shop visit: a long-time Chicagoan saw me through the window in my Cubs gear (going to the Cubs-Rockies game) and came in to talk with me and cheer the Cubs on. We had a lovely, joyous conversation. What fun!
     I'm going back to that delightful coffee shop shortly.
             ADIP,
                Leta

Monday, August 15, 2016

Human as Spaceship

See Explanation.  Clicking on the picture will download
 the highest resolution version available.

This is "Human as Spaceship," the Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 15. (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html) Here's the Explanation: You are a spaceship soaring through the universe. So is your dog. We all carry with us trillions of microorganisms as we go through life. These multitudes of bacteria, fungi, and archaea have different DNA than you. Collectively called your microbiome, your shipmates outnumber your own cells. Your crew members form communities, help digest food, engage in battles against intruders, and sometimes commute on a liquid superhighway from one end of your body to the other. Much of what your microbiome does, however, remains unknown. You are the captain, but being nice to your crew may allow you to explore more of your local cosmos.

Pretty cool, huh? Want to explore the amazing microbiome that you are, and delve into its awesome ability to maintain itself? Check out the Slow Medicine Class & Retreat by clicking the tab above. It's going to be an amazing adventure. The sign-up deadline approaches, and there are only a couple of spots left. Join us--you'll be so glad you did!

         Leta

Friday, August 5, 2016

So Good to Be Home!

     I'm back from my trip. It was glorious. I went with the attitude that I won't likely ever pass through these countries again, so I'm going to enjoy all the eats and drinks they have to offer. And I did. And I paid for it. My hip ached the entire trip. While I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful food and outstanding beer, I was ecstatic to get back to my Whole30 way of eating as of this past Sunday. I am noticing great improvement in my left hip, very little irritation left. All very enlightening.
     One of many fine beers I enjoyed...



Life is good!
      Leta

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Off & Runnin' -or- There's No Place Like Home

     I did my last "major" Whole30 reintroduction with legumes on Sunday/Monday. I had some peanut butter and a couple servings of beans. Neither one had much of an effect that I noticed. I've become so in love with cashew and almond butters that I can pretty much ignore peanut butter. Occasional beans are no big deal--I never did eat them all that often.
     I'm leaving in a few days for a 15-day vacation in Europe. So I'm off & runnin' with taking my best choices on a major road trip. I'll have much to report when I get back home, and I'm sure, based on past travel experiences, that I will be ecstatic to be home to get back to my healthy (W30) eating.
     I experienced one of my favorite benefits of W30 on Monday morning. A friend went clothes shopping with me (she's a saint, I'm not a shopper) and I was treating myself to something new as a reward for completing W30. For the first time in 2+ decades, I was able to buy regular-sized clothes (Size L) in a regular (not plus size) store. No Xs involved!!! Major joy. And I LOVE the top I bought, can't wait to wear it on my trip.
     Thanks to all who have shared this journey with me and supported me along the way!
          Love, love, love,
               Leta

Saturday, July 9, 2016

The Build-Up was Better than the Actual Event

     Whole 30 reintroduction continues. Day 7, Thursday, was the day to give gluten a shot. I had a piece of blueberry coffee cake late morning, and at long last, after 37 days without, I had a beer in the evening. Neither one had an immediate effect. However, the sweetness of the coffee cake made me realize that I don't want to re-awaken sugar cravings. It was good, but not good enough to risk that. And, sad to say, as much as I thought I was missing beer, it really was just OK. Both items made me feel fat. And after a month of not feeling that feeling, I really do not like it. I'm not saying I'm giving up sweets or beer for life, but I will certainly consider indulging much more carefully in the future.
     On to Friday, whereupon in the evening, I had the 2nd beer (otherwise I ate W30 for the day). I also had a massage in the afternoon, which usually makes my body, and especially my left hip, quite happy. Alas, my left hip ached all night Friday night, so I have to acknowledge that gluten is a "thang" for me to avoid. Bummer, I must say, because that's probably been my favorite "food group."
     On Saturday, as I got moving through my day, my hip ache went away, thank goodness. This Whole 30 adventure has brought up the interesting internal discussion of what food is worth what. Before W30, beer and sweets, as shown by my behavior, was worth any aggravation, even though I never went crazy on either one. Now, post W30, neither is worth a night of aching, or several nights, or the physical limitations that come from a chronic ache.
      Next introduction is legumes on Day 10...


Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Whole 30 Re-Introduction Continues (Grains)

     On day 4 (Monday), I had non-gluten grains in the form of corn (corn chips) and rice. My left hip and leg were a bit sore on Tuesday and Tuesday night, but I'm not sure if it was the grains or the fact that I did way more walking on Monday than I usually do. I have been told in the past to avoid corn, and a while back, I stopped eating (almost daily) Fritos and noticed within a few days a big improvement in my body soreness level. So more experimentation is worthy relative to corn. Rice I can take or leave, so I'm not that concerned about its effect. I did not have any noticeable gastro-intestinal effects from the grains.
     I am also working on the consciousness of believing I'm fat no matter what I weigh. I have a wonderful support system to help me change that belief, and progress is being made.
     Next reintroduction is gluten on day 7, Thursday. I have purchased two cans of beer (rather than a whole six-pack, ain't that impressive!?!?) and will probably also give some form of dough a try.
     More to discover...
          Leta

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Whole 30 Postscript: Days 1-3

     My first re-introduction was non-gluten alcohol on day 1. That went just fine. I made up a new drink: 1 shot tequila, 1 lime wedge, 2 shots mango juice, coconut seltzer water. Refreshing! I had two of those Friday evening and had no ill or unusual effects from the tequila.
     I decided to go hog-wild and weigh myself on day 3, just out of curiosity. Please note that I have been heavy (some charts would say "obese") most of my life, so I have this self-image that I'm fat no matter what I weigh. My clothes have become too large over the course of the Whole 30, so I was hoping for a 10-pound loss if I was wildly lucky. OMG, I lost 20 (TWENTY!!) pounds!!! I haven't seen the scale needle stop at this number for 27 years! I was flabbergasted, because, given my self-image as fat, I had no conception that the loss could be that big. Let's just say that did make my day. And it will probably be a LOOOONG time before I weigh myself again, as I don't generally think it's a good thing for me to do. 20 pounds, no wonder I'm feeling better!
     I don't know if there has ever been a time in my life where I did not eat out at a restaurant for a whole month, but that was the case for me in June. My husband and I went out to a Thai restaurant on Sunday night (day 3). I had a chicken/veggie/cashew stir-fry, sticking with pretty clean food and no rice. It was really nice to dine out.
     Next up on my reintroduction is non-gluten grains, such as rice, oatmeal, or corn, on day 4.
         Lighter & healthier still,
                Leta

Friday, July 1, 2016

Whole 30: Days 28-30

     I did it! Made the Whole 30! I feel awesome in every way. Most importantly, I've learned a lot about food and how I am able to eat to support my well-being. I do not intend to stay "Whole 30 perfect," but most of the foods I avoided this month are no longer "calling to me." Except beer, of course (big smile)--it is, after all, summer, and I'm going to Ireland in July!

Day 28: B: HFVJ, 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties
              L: apple w almond butter
              D: chicken salad, squash, applesauce
Day 29: B: HFVJ, cashews & macadamia nuts
              L: tuna salad w lettuce wraps
              D: chicken chowder, 1 mango, blackberries
Day 30: B: HFVJ, 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties
              L: apple & celery w cashew butter, macadamia nuts
              D: Thai chicken, cherries

     Looking ahead to the W30 reintroducion schedule, on Friday (today) I get to have non-gluten alcohol, in this case tequila (beer comes later because it contains gluten). I'll report on how that goes.
     Grateful for great health,
              Leta

Monday, June 27, 2016

Whole 30: Days 25-27

     I did it--first time ever--went to a major league baseball game and did not have a beer. I went to a Royals game as well as doing other stuff in the Kansas City area (a 3-hour drive from home), and packed my food for the whole day in a cooler. I ate my lunch in the parking lot before the game, my own little tail-gater. Fortunately, it was not a terribly hot day--that would have made beer-resistance much harder. I also scored quite a few W30-compliant food items at Trader Joe's at reasonable prices. I wish we had that store in Wichita!
     I stress again how valuable it has been to plan 3-4 days ahead what I'm going to eat. This will help me stay close to the W30 plan after day 30. And two big sources of sugar in my past--Clif Bars (almost daily) and salad dressing (several salads a week), have been replaced by W30 foods that I like much better.

Day 25: B: HFVJ, 1 banana, blackberries
             L: green salad w salmon & pecans
             D: shepherd's pie, cherries
Day 26: (game day)
             B: HFVJ, 2 sausage patties
             L: chicken salad, cherries
             D: cashews & macadamia nuts, 1 apple w cashew butter
Day 27: B: HFVJ, 2 eggs, 2 strips bacon, sw potato, cooked in ghee
             L: green salad, mango
             D: shepherd's pie, applesauce

     I'm passing up a dinner outing this week on Day 30, as I checked the menu and there's nothing there that I can hope to adjust to fit W30, and I'm NOT blowing it on the last day! I am however, going to a musical event this week that encourages picnic suppers, and that's easy for me by now.
     Three days to go...it really has gone by quickly. And I feel SO great!
         Whole & healthy,
                Leta

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Whole 30: Days 22-24

     Less than a week to go. My golf outing where I brought my own W30 lunch proved to not be a problem at all, because it was so hot and humid that by the time we were done playing, I was so miserably hot, I was nauseous, and didn't eat anything at all. Granted, I might have killed for a really cold beer, but I convinced myself that they did not have any of my favorites, so it wasn't worth wrecking my W30. A beer at that point would not have been a smart choice anyway.

Day 22: B: HFVJ (home-made fruit/vegetable juice), pecans & cashews
              L: chicken salad, olives, grapes
              D: veggie salad w/ grilled salmon
Day 23: B: HFVJ, 2 eggs, 2 strips bacon, sw potato, cooked in ghee
              L: tuna salad, 1 banana, cashews & pecans
              D: chili, cherries
Day 24: B: HFVJ, 2 eggs, 2 strips bacon, sw potato, cooked in ghee
              L: apple w cashew butter, macadamia nuts
              D: shepherd's pie, cherries

     Something I'm quite curious about... since I've been on W30, I have been in several situations where mosquitoes were hugely abundant and other folks were getting chewed up, but I was not (and I had not applied bug repellent). Usually mosquitoes are all over me. I don't want to jinx this bonus, but could it be what I'm (not) eating?
     I said in an earlier post that I'm not really fond of cooking. It's dangerous! While making W30 Shepherd's Pie last night, I burned the length of a finger to the point of blistering. I tell you this not to tout my stupid move, but to let you know about healing. I put ice on it, of course, but once I was done cooking, I split a leaf of an aloe vera plant and bandaged that to my finger and left it on for the night. Not only did the burning ache go away, this morning the blister was completely dried up! It barely hurts at all. Morals of story: don't place hand on hot stove, and have an aloe vera plant handy!
     Lovin' life!
              Leta


Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Whole 30: Days 19-21

     I'm over 2/3 of the way, still feeling great. This feels mostly easy, but it seems like I'm seeing WAY more ice cream ads lately. I can see that it is critically important for me to really feel how great I feel, so as not to fall back into poor habits. I must confess that the re-introduction phase makes me a little nervous at this point, since with as hot as it is outside, I am REALLY looking forward to a cold beer!

Day 19: B: HFVJ (home-made fruit/veg juice), mixed berries, cashews
              L: eggs, sausage, potatoes, cooked in ghee
              D: salmon, green beans, grapes
Day 20: B: HFVJ, pecans, blackberries, 1 strip bacon
              L: potato soup, asparagus, grapes
              D: chicken salad, 1 tomato, 1 apple
Day 21: B: HFVJ, eggs/sausage/sw potato, cooked in ghee
              L: apple w almond butter, cashews
              D: chili, blackberries & grapes

Not much else to report. An outing in the next three days complicates things a bit. More on that in the next post.
      Lovin' life!
          Leta

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Whole 30: Days 16-18

     18 days done, 12 to go. Still feeling great. One of the joys of summer is a fresh tomato, especially in BLT form. I used lettuce leaves for my bread, and found Whole30-approved bacon, and enjoyed that glorious summer treat tonight. So good, and I didn't miss the bread at all.
     I also made W30-approved sausage patties, and they are great. I needed something I could eat for breakfast on the go, and these will work great.
     One of the rules of W30 is that you do not, under any circumstances, weigh yourself during the 30 days. This is not a problem for me, as I don't ever weigh myself anyway. I refuse to let a number determine how I feel about myself. However, that said, I went pants shopping today (a rare event), and confidently pulled a smaller size off the rack, and they FIT!!! Gotta love that.

Day 16: B: HFVJ, 1 egg, 1 pork strip
             L: apple w cashew butter
             D: chicken salad in lettuce wrap, olives, blueberries & raspberries
Day 17: B: HFVJ, sweet potato, 2 eggs/ghee
             L: potato soup, 1 apple
             D: Thai chicken
Day 18: B: HFVJ, 1/2 banana, blackberries
             L: potato soup, 1 sausage patty
             D: BLT, grapes

     I'm not really fond of cooking. However, it's fun to try some new recipes, and to know that I'm supporting how great I feel and learning to make stuff that I'll continue to eat after the 30 days are up.
     I am so grateful to not be craving, especially sugar. I am satisfied with a moderate amount of food, and that's simply a miracle. I am grateful to discover new healthy things to eat. The freedom relative to food that W30 promises is coming true for me. My left hip continues to feel good, with the muscles beginning to loosen up that have been compensating for years. The W30 effort has been so worth it!
     Lovin' life,
          Leta

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Whole 30: Days 13-15

     I'm half-way there!!! I feel great! I must admit that I am very tired of salad, so I need to get creative and come up with some different simple lunches. My sweet husband has been very supportive, and I am super-appreciative of that since he does a lot of our cooking. Planning meals in 3-day sets is working well.
    Wow, I'm learning how much money I spent on beer! Probably about $50 per month, and that's just a one-beer-a-day habit. I've been spending unused beer money on golf, a much healthier habit. However, don't get the idea I'm giving up beer! I'm headed to Ireland in July and I'll definitely have beer there!
     Today (Day 15), I swam laps, taught yoga, and played 9 holes of golf. Despite all that activity, my hip doesn't hurt at all. That is so huge, and a great motivator.

Day 13: B: Cashews, HFVJ (home-made fruit vegetable juice)
             L: Salad w applesauce dressing, olives, raspberries
             D: Chicken salad, lettuce (for wraps), apple
Day 14: B: HFVJ, sweet potato, 2 eggs/ghee, applesauce
             L: chicken salad, apple w cashew butter
             D: pork chop, asparagus
Day 15: B: HFVJ, cashews & macadamia nuts
             L: salad/applesauce dressing, olives, raspberries & banana
             D: tomato-based potato soup

      Reaching half-way is a big milestone, and I expect the last 15 days will zoom by.
      Celebrating health,
              Leta

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Whole 30: Days 10-12

     I heard myself say on Day 10, "I didn't know it was possible to feel this good again." That's from being on W30. And, now that I know for sure, I report that I have had a case of shingles the entire time I've been on W30. So no matter how good the change of eating feels, I still have something going on that does not feel good. Fortunately, it's a mild case. I'm very curious about the timing of these two events (W30 & shingles), part of my body's cleansing process? I'll likely never know. Imagine how good W30 eating and no shingles will feel!

     Also, in the words-you-use-to-describe-something-matters category... I at last found "bacon" that is uncured and has no sugar in it. This product is known (at least around here) as "fresh pork ends." Sliced like bacon, looks like bacon, not "bacon." I haven't cooked it yet, will report when I do.

Day 10: B: HFVJ, pecans
              L: sweet potato, 2 eggs/ghee
              D: chicken/veggie stir fry in lettuce wraps, Sunshine Sauce, cherries
Day 11: B: HFVJ, apple w cashew butter
              L: berries, 1 hard-boiled egg, pecans (our electricity was out!)
              D: tuna salad, cucumber slices**
Day 12: B: HFVJ
              L: sweet potato, 2 eggs/ghee
              D: ground beef patty, broccoli, Sunshine Sauce

     ** This was my first time eating away from home since I've been on W30. I took this as a picnic supper to the Symphony in the Flint Hills. It worked great. It was a hot day where they were serving one of my favorite beers, so that was challenging. But I made it through just fine.
     Another key point relative to how good I feel... I noticed when I was walking a couple of days ago that my hips were swinging when I walked, like they are supposed to. My left hip had been achy for so long, and so "frozen," that I hadn't realized my hips weren't moving normally. What a treat to feel that natural movement again, without ache or pain! Now if the shingles will just go away!
     With the next report, I'll be HALF-way!!!!
               Leta


Thursday, June 9, 2016

Whole 30: Days 7-9

     I've hit the "I'm not hungry" point, I believe because I'm simply bored with all the W30-compliant foods I have around the house, of which there truly is quite a variety. My food addiction is rearing its ugly head in the form of "this or that would be way more fun to eat." W30 talks about craving vs. hunger, asking "Am I hungry enough to eat ________ (something dull like steamed fish and brussels spouts)?" If my answer is no, it's not hunger, it's a craving. Craving it is. Reminder to self: cravings and boredom won't kill me.
     There was a great quote by Hesiod in my daily reading: "If you add a little to a little, and then do it again, soon that little shall be much." One meal at a time...
    Day 7: B: macadamia nuts, HFVJ
                L: guacamole, veggies, almond butter on celery sticks
                D: ground beef sauted w asst'd veggies & potato, in tomato sauce, cherries
    Day 8: B: 3 eggs/ghee, HFVJ
                L: macadamia nuts, berries
                D: chicken/veggie/cashew stir fry w Sunshine Sauce (W30 recipe)
    Day 9: B: sweet potato/ghee, HFVJ
                L: veggie/olive salad, apple w cashew butter
                D: ground beef sauted w asst'd veggies & potato, in tomato sauce

    Key points: I am sleeping much better. Night sweats are lessening, and I've not had the nights with a couple hours lying awake which I had often before starting W30. I did, as anticipated from reading the W30 book, have my first food dream, this one about pigging out on a donut (which I rarely eat anyway!). Freaked me out till I became conscious!
    Also, I have almost NO hip ache anymore, which is outstanding. The chronic hip ache was one of my main motivators in doing W30--while chiropractic and massage were improving it, I believe there is a food-related component (inflammation), and that appears to be the case. No doubt more shall be revealed. And I'm finding that my skin doesn't look or feel as dry.
     I am blessed to have a great group of friends who have agreed to support me on this adventure. I am grateful!
     On to Day 10...
         Leta

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Whole 30: Days 4-6

     So far, so good. Black coffee is really OK. (For background, read the blog entry for Days 1-3.)
     I received The Whole 30 book on the 4th day and it has been invaluable, even though I'm only 40-some pages in. Loads of support and information. (Thanks to my good friend and Whole 30 veteran, Sonya, who answered my text question regarding an ingredient while I was still at the store!)

Day 4: B: 2 eggs/ghee, HFVJ
            L: salad (veg/berries/nuts), applesauce-based dressing, celery w/ cashew butter
            D: chicken salad, sweet potato/ghee, cherries
Day 5: B: Raw cashews, HFVJ
            L: 2 eggs, 1/3# burger, 1/2 avacado, bit of onion
            D: Chicken in tomato sauce, sweet potato/ghee, cherries
Day 6: B: Raw macadamia nuts, HFVJ
            L: Salad (veg/half avacado/berries/cashews)
            D: Chicken salad, sweet potato/ghee, cherries

     Key points: I know about myself that being truly hungry freaks me out on a very deep level. I experienced this the morning of Day 4 before I could eat. Even to the point of sweating profusely. All is well now. I'm finding it's important to keep myself busy so I don't sit around and think about what I'm NOT eating. I played golf on Sunday to get myself out of the house. I do sometimes feel totally worn out, but it passes. There's a great section in The Whole 30 about meal planning, and I'm now doing that several days ahead, which greatly helps with the potential hunger-freakage. Overall I feel good, and I feel good about doing this for my body and spirit.
     I've not been a pop drinker for many years, maybe have a couple root beers a year. I've been a fan of seltzer water for a long time, so I'm glad that's an approved drink.
     Regarding hot flashes/night sweats, they are back, the jury is still out on that. I think my whole body is in a state of "what the hell!??!" and is adjusting beautifully, though maybe not comfortably for me.
     Onward, Day 7.
            Leta


Saturday, June 4, 2016

A Compulsive Eater does Whole 30: Days 1-3

     I am using the month of June to follow the Whole 30 eating plan. For each 3-day period, I am going to post a blog, 1) to keep myself on plan and accountable, and 2) so that I have a record of what took place & what I ate, along with assorted points of interest. For instance, nearly all canned tuna has soy in it too. I am also a food addict, which makes this "coming extra-clean" even more challenging for me. I have ordered the Whole 30 book, but I'm starting out with website basic info as I don't have the book yet.

     Day 1: breakfast: 2 eggs/ghee, HFVJ (home-made fruit veg juice)
                lunch: guacamole, veggies, cherries, mixed raw nuts
                dinner: chicken salad, sweet potato/ghee, seltzer water
     Day 2: breakfast: 2 eggs/ghee, HFVJ
                lunch: salad (veg/fruit/nuts), homemade dressing made w applesauce
                dinner: chicken salad, sweet potato/ghee, seltzer water, cherries
     Day 3: B: 1 hard-boiled egg, mixed raw nuts, HFVJ
                L: asparagus, sweet potato/ghee, a few nuts
                D: tuna salad, avacado, cherries, a few nuts, seltzer water

     Key points: I can live with black coffee, but I miss my organic cream. I cannot, however, live without coffee. So far, I haven't been really hungry between meals, thank goodness. I have been very prone to hot flashes that wake me up in the night with major sweating. The first night I had four, the second night I had one, the third night I had none! That alone is worth the effort!! Day 3 was a Friday, when I usually look forward to a sweet treat and evening beer. So it was challenging not to have those. Shopping for approved foods has been challenging... every pkg of bacon I looked at, checking several stores, even uncured bacon, has sugar in it. It's kind of depressing how "unclean" most food in some sort of packaging is.
     Onward, Day 4, to the Farmers Market.
         Leta

Sunday, May 22, 2016

It's SO worth the effort!

     Today's quote is from Louise Hay: "Cluttered closets mean a cluttered mind. As you clean the closet, say to yourself, 'I am cleaning out the closets of my mind.'"
     I doubt that many of us wake up some morning and, with joyous delight, say, "Today I'm going to clean my closet!" Or some other area that has become cluttered with oh-so-important stuff. We generally don't realize the drag on our spirits that clutter (even "organized" clutter) creates, until it overwhelms us and inspires action. Then the clearing of clutter feels so good.
     I know someone who has made it his mission to get rid of one thing every day. Even as I look around the room I am sitting in, I could easily do that. I'm sure I could do it in every room in this house.
     Not only do we get "weighed down" by clutter, it serves as a blockade preventing other good from entering our lives. Getting rid of clutter keeps the circulation of good moving. You need only go to estate or garage sales to know that one person's castoff is another's treasure.
     Do you really need that _______? Set it free and feel the energy move within you.
     Off to release something,
            Leta

Sunday, May 15, 2016

I love my life.

     I was on a group phone call recently with friends, and the statement "I love my life" was brought up as a topic of conversation. Specifically, the question was raised whether we could state that phrase and truly mean it.
     It was easy for me. I have been saying "I love my life" with great conviction for years. I use that phrase pretty much every morning in my prayers. Saying I love my life simply brings me more to love.
     What does it mean to me to love my life? It certainly doesn't mean everything is swimmingly perfect all the time. In general I am mostly joyful, but I do experience the full range of emotions, and I am grateful for that. I have wonderful people in my life who are loving and supportive. My life is abundant to the fullest extent of that term, not just speaking of money. I love baseball! I love the varied work I do, and I especially love the freedom and flexibility I have to travel. I get to teach and practice yoga and expand my spiritual nature. I enjoy being on Playground Earth at this time. I am comfortable in my own skin.
     But then there's house-cleaning, laundry, inattentive drivers, cancelled flights, flat tires, colds and viruses, poor customer service, broken appliances... myriad potential annoyances. They, too, are a part of the life I love, because I'm grateful that I have the strength, resiliency and resources to deal with them.
     Do you love your life?
              Leta

Monday, May 9, 2016

Unexpected Treasures

     I love it when Nature/God/The Universe (whatever you care to name the whole and holy life energy of which we are a part) gives me a treasure. Actually, the treasures are flowing my way continuously, so I guess I'm really talking about when I notice them and allow them to delight me.
     This morning I drove to Sedgwick County Park to walk, just for a change of scenery. I am strengthening my legs for longer distance walking due to upcoming travel, so I want to figure out some longer routes than my neighborhood streets offer.
     I was walking around one of the ponds at the park and came along two families of geese, one with two babies and the other with six. I'm not generally really fond of geese (droppings, a nasty encounter on the golf course), but the goslings are fluffy fur-balls and quite cute little treasures.
     There was also a stiff breeze from the south, which served to cool me off. Some may refer to that as our annoying "Kansas wind," but it was a treat for me this morning.
     Look about, pay attention, notice the treasures, allow yourself to be delighted. It makes life ever so much more fun!
                Leta


Sunday, May 1, 2016

Create a Pot of Flowers

     It's May Day, spring, the perfect time to create a pot of flowers.
     Research studies are looking into the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and the effects are not good. (I can give you additional info if you'd like.) So get up and move, do something, like buy a pot, potting soil and flowers and create a lovely flowering display for your porch or deck. Or, even better, deliver it to someone as a surprise.
     Planting my flower pots is one of my favorite springtime activities. I roamed quite a bit yesterday among several garden stores. I couldn't find my "usual" flowers, inspiring me to do some different combinations (see previous post on "Do One Thing Differently Today"). I also bought some glow-in-the-dark spray paint to try it on a pot or two and see how that works. Goofy fun.
     A pot of flowers is a joy all summer, plus you get up and move to water it. You may even find a new hobby, and who knows on what adventures that will lead you!?!
     Happy planting,
        Leta

Monday, April 18, 2016

Do One Thing Differently Today

     We humans are such creatures of habit. This came home to me ever more powerfully, having just completed 13 weeks of tax work, wherein I set for myself a rigid schedule to keep it all together during 50-hour, 6-day work-weeks. I swam on certain days, and had other assorted tasks that I specifically scheduled so as not to fall behind.
     I realized that I was becoming more and more of an automaton based on the day of the week. So I started making an effort to do something differently each day, an exercise that encouraged me to pay more attention to my life. One tiny example is, when using a spray bottle, to use your non-dominant hand to squeeze the trigger. Another example is driving a different route. Go to a new place for lunch. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Stop and smell the iris. Make a new habit of doing something different each day. It's a fun way to pay attention to this awesome life we are given.
     LOVING the rain here in Wichita,
          Leta Renee

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Doing Nothing

     Spanish proverb: How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward.
     I am such a dedicated napper that I must have been of Hispanic ethnicity in a previous life. I love my siestas, and I consider napping a hobby.
     When I ran across this proverb, I thought, "That's me!" Yet as I ponder this saying further, I realize that I'm not so clear about doing nothing, just the rest afterward part.
     What is "doing nothing" anyway? Is it meditating? Is it reading? Is it laying around watching baseball (one of my favorite activities)? Is it sitting and watching the world go by? Is it watching paint dry or grass grow? Is it chatting with someone you love over a beer or a cup of coffee? Is napping "doing nothing"? How about leisurely blogging?
     I'm thinking as I write this that "doing nothing" is a very personal thing.
     Time to rest!
        Leta

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Contentment

     My yoga classes have just finished a deep look at santosa, or contentment, one of the principles that the 8-limb system of yoga encourages us to live by.
     What does contentment mean to you? It's a worthwhile question to consider. As we piece together minutes, hours and days of contentment, we create a happy life. There's a key point in what I just wrote... contentment is a present-moment practice. We choose it, it doesn't drop on us from the sky, it's something we bring forth from within. Alas, it cannot be bought or acquired through others, though many try.
     How do I feel content?  By spending time at places I love and with people I love. Taking care of myself, for instance by massage, rest time, chiropractic, creating, exercising, traveling. Practicing yoga, of course. Noticing the beauty of our magnificent planet. Laughter. Faith. Tears. Fun.
     Contentment does not mean I'm always happy or in a good mood, but it's the calm undercurrent when I am experiencing some drama. It means I am satisfied that I am enough, I have enough, I do enough. It is comfortable being in my own skin, in my own life. It truly is a gift to practice contentment.
     Contentedly,
        Leta

Sunday, March 27, 2016

The REAL Reason Men Get Married...

... is so there is someone who will clean the science projects out of the refrigerator for them.
                  LOL,
                     Leta

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Continuing with the Mother Earth theme

     I'm reading a very interesting book about taking responsibility for one's own health. There are a lot of questions in it. The question that fits this blog post theme is, "Do you take walks, garden, or have other regular contact with Nature?"
     At the moment, Sunday is my only day off. I want to be lazy and watch non-stop basketball. However, I made myself go out and do more garden clean-up. I really do love gardening, it's just getting myself motivated to go outside. And guess what? I feel better. Fresh air, green grass, bright sunshine on my skin, loads of weeds in the trash, a feeling of accomplishment, an appreciation for the wide variety of growing things in our little spot of Mother Earth.
     Let's remember how good it feels to be in the sunshine, breathe fresh air, and move about in Nature. Our health and happiness depend on it!
         Breathe!
             Leta

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Mother Earth

     I am blessed on my workdays that about 15 minutes of my drive to and from work take me through the glorious fertile farmlands of the midwest. In the past few weeks, it has gone from brown soil with the seeds preparing to burst to the rich emerald green of sprouted wheat. But this isn't the only beauty. These wheat fields stretch on for miles of relatively flat ground, leaving huge expanses of sky for the most awesome sunrises and sunsets one might imagine. Mother Earth truly is the finest artist!
     I am blessed to notice these things and appreciate them. It makes for a great start to a workday and comforting drive home. Can you find something of beauty on your way to and from work? Can you find something big and awe-inspiring to be curious about? Can you simply enjoy a full breath of truly fresh air? Mother Earth is full of treasures for us!
     Loving nature,
          Leta

Sunday, February 28, 2016

What do you love about where you live?

     My husband and I have been talking lately about the things we love about living in Wichita. With all the political unrest in our state, it's a nice change of focus.
     Just off the top of my head, I love that it's easy to get around (if you don't think so, go drive around say, Houston, for a few days). We have great art and theater, lots of variety. Downtown along the river has transformed into a thing of beauty. We have a lot of great locally-owned restaurants. Folks smile a lot here. Botanica is amazing, as is our Sedgwick County Zoo. It's comfortable to live here.
     This is a fun exercise. Wherever you live, it surely has lots going for it, if only you'll notice. If not, maybe it's time to move, but remember, if you do that, you're taking you with you.
      Enjoying where I live,
              Leta

Monday, February 22, 2016

How does it feel?

It's Monday. "Monday" most likely inspires some sort of feeling within your body. Check that out... is it a joyous "Wow, another new week of fun!" or "Shit! It's Monday already!"??? I expect that with just reading those two options, you can see that the first one feels better than the second. This is an example of an extremely important concept...
From Buddha: "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like the shadow that never leaves."
I encourage you to pay attention to your thoughts and how they make you feel. If you don't like the feeling, change the thought. You can do that.
I'm choosing joy this Monday. I'm ready to go!
       Leta

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Lovin' life, be still...

I'm back. I haven't written in a while, because...
I took a more-than-full-time, temporary job doing taxes, in Clearwater. So not only is there the work, but there's also the half-hour-one-way drive to that fair town.
I'm really enjoying it. I'm learning a lot! And I'm getting to meet lots of great folks who live and work in the area. It's a neat small town. I also teach yoga there, and I love my students!

My quote for this writing is from Lao Tzu: "Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river." My job has put me into a beginner's role again, because though I'm a numbers-nerd, there is virtually an infinite amount to learn about our federal and Kansas tax systems. I'm also challenged by the long hours, as I am still teaching my four weekly yoga classes, too.

Some things I'm practicing to sustain this effort (other than counting down the days to April 15!) are staying in the present day, and what is right in front of me, rather than how I'll make it working yet another Saturday. I'm not trying to do too much in my off-time. I'm getting plenty of rest (my husband will vouch for this!). I'm doing something creative for myself--teaching myself to crochet again. It's great to do that on my lunch break, to give my brain a break from numbers.

Overall I feel strong in my ability to learn and do the job (mountain) and stay centered comfortably as each day flows (river). And every day I am finding more in my life to appreciate. I am happy and grateful!
          Celebrating LOVE every day,
                  Leta

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Profound Words

     I'm including in this post two quotes from President Obama's 2016 State of the Union Address. While so many folks think the world is going to hell, these two statements show me how far we've come just in my lifetime on the slow journey toward world peace. I was born in 1955, and my early years were spent very much in a climate of war, and "bomb the hell out of them."
     This is different. President Obama quotes Pope Francis:
His Holiness, Pope Francis, told this body from the very spot I’m standing on tonight that “to imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place.” 
     And in his optimistic closing, the President said:
That’s the America I know. That’s the country we love. Clear- eyed, big-hearted, undaunted by challenge, optimistic that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. That’s what makes me so hopeful about our future.
     For us to have a President that uses the phrases "unarmed truth" and "unconditional love"... holy cow!! Ultimately I believe that's the direction in which we all want to move, whether or not we use those particular words. I agree with President Obama, we have extraordinary reason to be so hopeful and excited about our future!
     Lovingly,
          Leta

Saturday, January 9, 2016

In Heaven

     I am extraordinarily blessed at this moment to be at retreat at Timber Creek Retreat House in Drexel, Missouri. Practicing yoga, relaxing, meditating, nourishing, communing, enjoying!
     This is our reading from our initial meditation upon arrival on Friday night (author unknown at the moment):
I welcome the new year that lies before me.
I regard each day as a perfect lifetime unto itself and I vow to enjoy it to the fullest.
I easily embrace change, for it is the nature of the Infinite to eclipse Itself as and through my existence.
I stand on the boundary of the life I have known and boldly step into the newness of my becoming.
I take deliberate action in the direction of my dream, knowing Spirit meets me right where I am, revealing more of my innate wisdom and power and propelling me forward in my unfolding.
With expectancy and delight, I advance toward the vision of my perfect life fulfilled, opening to myriad opportunities to experience vibrant health, deep love, unlimited wealth, and creative self-expression.
I release my word to the Law of Love, knowing as I speak it, it is already manifest.
My life begins anew this day. And so it is.
     Knowing for you all the blessings of Life in 2016!
              Leta


Monday, January 4, 2016

Daily

     I appreciate these words from the Rev. Margaret Stortz:
"I think it is a holy commission for us to begin to awaken to our true natures. It is also probably the way that we will begin to see real peace on Earth. Certainly it is worth all our best efforts to bring love into the world as a daily occurrence." 
     What might you do today to bring extra loving-kindness into your life, remembering that a kindness shown is also a kindness received? It's easy to start with a bright smile. Kindness isn't serious, it's playful!
      In fun-filled kindness,
          Leta