traveling at the speed of enjoyment
in addition to thoughts on peace, other parts of wellness for me are physical in nature as well as found in changing my approach to time.
first of all, let it be said, i work in a petrie dish of germologic proportions (elementary school). it's not that i've never felt like i was getting sick but gratefully haven't gotten sick. when i don't feel up to par, i check my basics: sleep? water? food? sometimes all it takes is a nap to right my outlook on life.
when that's not enough, i reach for essential oils (clove, peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary for wellness, lavender for relaxation, citrus for alertness). i am completely spoiled in that i receive every-other week massage in exchange for private art lessons, but i can tell the difference that comes from regular cleansing of everyday stress and toxin buildup from my system.
when a germ is working on me, volcano level thai chili spices usually do the trick. then there is this little tonic i mix which tastes absolutely terrible but seems to work (apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginger, black pepper and a little coconut sugar to help get it down!) plus anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables (either my own or at vitality bowls--healthy never tasted so good).
i've learned to let myself follow the season. everything except for humanity hibernates at this time of year--we are the ones who push ourselves harder now than at any other time of year (silly humans!) a body wants to move and a regular exercise routine is key (Zumba!); so also is just going along with the cold and darkness a bit by pulling in from it all. if it's good for nature, it's probably good for me, right?
never underestimate the medicinal power of humor! a funny movie or comedy club night of improv leaves me so relaxed and happy it's ridiculous.
and, finally, overestimating how long things will take and under-booking myself. even just today i enjoyed the fruit of this by having time to spontaneously connect with a young man i hadn't seen since he was a child. i wasn't too busy to have coffee with him and it was such fun to converse as adults. i never regret being able to say, "sure, i have time..." such as the other day when a coffee time evolved into dinner or when i had allowed 2 hours for the post office line but it only took 20 minutes. psychologically i was happier feeling like i had an "extra hour and 40 minutes". i love being at my czech friends' home where it's ok to stay and visit, they just bring out bread and olives, look you in the eye and spend their time with you,--i love being on "czech time" because they are so very especially good at this and serve as my inspiration. if anything, i want my "status" badge, if you will, to read "not in a hurry, has time for people."
since life is short i also try not to do things i don't enjoy doing. this may seem selfish, but actually ends up giving me more time to give away; being present to someone is a gift and, anymore given our times, a very special gift at that.
going at the speed of enjoyment is sometimes fast, sometimes slow, that's the thing--it's not just about doing more or doing less--it flexes with ever-changing life, but to me it's always delightful.
first of all, let it be said, i work in a petrie dish of germologic proportions (elementary school). it's not that i've never felt like i was getting sick but gratefully haven't gotten sick. when i don't feel up to par, i check my basics: sleep? water? food? sometimes all it takes is a nap to right my outlook on life.
when that's not enough, i reach for essential oils (clove, peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary for wellness, lavender for relaxation, citrus for alertness). i am completely spoiled in that i receive every-other week massage in exchange for private art lessons, but i can tell the difference that comes from regular cleansing of everyday stress and toxin buildup from my system.
when a germ is working on me, volcano level thai chili spices usually do the trick. then there is this little tonic i mix which tastes absolutely terrible but seems to work (apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginger, black pepper and a little coconut sugar to help get it down!) plus anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables (either my own or at vitality bowls--healthy never tasted so good).
i've learned to let myself follow the season. everything except for humanity hibernates at this time of year--we are the ones who push ourselves harder now than at any other time of year (silly humans!) a body wants to move and a regular exercise routine is key (Zumba!); so also is just going along with the cold and darkness a bit by pulling in from it all. if it's good for nature, it's probably good for me, right?
never underestimate the medicinal power of humor! a funny movie or comedy club night of improv leaves me so relaxed and happy it's ridiculous.
and, finally, overestimating how long things will take and under-booking myself. even just today i enjoyed the fruit of this by having time to spontaneously connect with a young man i hadn't seen since he was a child. i wasn't too busy to have coffee with him and it was such fun to converse as adults. i never regret being able to say, "sure, i have time..." such as the other day when a coffee time evolved into dinner or when i had allowed 2 hours for the post office line but it only took 20 minutes. psychologically i was happier feeling like i had an "extra hour and 40 minutes". i love being at my czech friends' home where it's ok to stay and visit, they just bring out bread and olives, look you in the eye and spend their time with you,--i love being on "czech time" because they are so very especially good at this and serve as my inspiration. if anything, i want my "status" badge, if you will, to read "not in a hurry, has time for people."
since life is short i also try not to do things i don't enjoy doing. this may seem selfish, but actually ends up giving me more time to give away; being present to someone is a gift and, anymore given our times, a very special gift at that.
going at the speed of enjoyment is sometimes fast, sometimes slow, that's the thing--it's not just about doing more or doing less--it flexes with ever-changing life, but to me it's always delightful.
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