I remember first seeing Richard Carlson's book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff..." and how he said he would wake up at 5:00 in the morning before the rest of his family so that he could relax, meditate, and just be with himself. I saw this about 10 years ago, way before I was married, and … Continue reading Filling Your Cup in the Morning
Month: March 2020
We Are All in This Together
I remember the morning of Thanksgiving in 2001, I was a junior in high school, visiting a friend in NYC (one of my first times walking the streets of Manhattan!). Whenever we passed anyone, I would greet them with "Happy Thanksgiving." I felt excited to be able to greet people for a universal holiday that … Continue reading We Are All in This Together
Cherishing the Outdoors During Social Distancing
I'm very grateful that social distancing is happening during the rebirth of spring. The world is in crisis, but the trees are glowing in their greenery and flowers of red, orange, and pink are blossoming abundantly. It truly raises my spirits in this difficult time. The past few days my tot and I have been … Continue reading Cherishing the Outdoors During Social Distancing
Pause on the Treadmill
Another aspect of having a national day commemorating the Sabbath is that when the wheels of one's community stop turning, it is easier for one to rest. I sense this now with many of us working from home and the change of pace with social distancing. There is the stress of all being on top … Continue reading Pause on the Treadmill
The Sabbath: Recognizing Our Creativity Comes from G-d
Shabbat is about communal mindfulness and living in the present moment, and it is also about recognizing G-d as the Creator of the world. Perhaps it is the awe that people feel when pondering this notion of G-d as Creator that stops them in their tracks and leads them into that mindful, present state. In … Continue reading The Sabbath: Recognizing Our Creativity Comes from G-d
The Sabbath: A National Day of Mindfulness
This afternoon, spending time with my toddler daughter in nature, I started humming to myself. I made up a tune inspired by the greenery and flowers that surrounded me in the beautiful spring weather. I felt so present, so peaceful. And I thought about how these magical moments that I come upon feel like Shabbat: … Continue reading The Sabbath: A National Day of Mindfulness
Outdoor Workouts Abound As Gyms Close
I miss the gym, but I am enjoying seeing more people on the street—jogging, going for walks. It's lovely, especially with spring blossoming around us. I'm also enjoying my outdoor jogs, which I hadn't done for quite a while. When you work out outdoors, you get the endorphins of the exercise, as well as the … Continue reading Outdoor Workouts Abound As Gyms Close
Mindfulness In These Times
When I was in labor, when the pain medication wore off and I was still waiting for my epidural, I meditated as hard as I could. I focused on each moment as if my life depended on it, I geared up mentally to endure the pain that would come with each upcoming contraction. For those … Continue reading Mindfulness In These Times
Opening Ourselves Up, Tapping into Our Reserves
This morning my conditioner ran out. I was about to play slip and slide to retrieve the new one, and then I realized just because pumping it didn't yield anymore, didn't mean it was all gone. I opened up the top and banged it against my palm. I had enough after all! We feel like … Continue reading Opening Ourselves Up, Tapping into Our Reserves
The Home is a Pressure Cooker
Being at home 24/7 with my husband (and our child) hasn't improved our communication skills or peace in the home. To help deal with the frustration, I remind myself that being in such a close, intimate relationship with someone is super hard. And I am lucky to be with someone who respects me and deeply … Continue reading The Home is a Pressure Cooker