As I type up my mother's notebooks of Torah thoughts and lessons, I noticed that I make more typos when I am rushing. Meaning, I am looking at the words that are to come instead of focusing on the current word. Obviously, I need to be looking at the future words to go faster, but … Continue reading Lessons in Mindfulness from Typing and Strumming
Tag: mindfulness
Empathy Is Key
They say a smile is magical. When you share it you lose nothing, but the other gains hope, encouragement, and comfort. I’d like to add to this that a smiley, friendly, empathetic remark is priceless. Last week when our water was off due to a block-wide water leak, I went back after my morning workout … Continue reading Empathy Is Key
Water Shut Off
Yesterday was special for another reason besides getting my own swim lane. Our water was shut off in the morning due to a water pipe leak next door. It reminded not to take water or showers for granted. I was also reminded not to take towels for granted, since I forgot mine when I went … Continue reading Water Shut Off
Swimming Success
This morning, unlike the previous two days, I got my own lane. Not only that, there was only one other person in the pool and some of the time I was the ONLY one! I loved having my own lane: being able to swim in the center of the lane, directly over the blue tile … Continue reading Swimming Success
What We Tell Ourselves Matters
Yesterday was a religious fast day. Fasting is supposed to spur repentance but my focus was getting through it (i.e. successfully not eating or drinking despite the cravings, weakness, etc.). Since I’m nursing and it was a minor fast, I gave myself permission to break the fast midday. My rabbi said it was fine. My … Continue reading What We Tell Ourselves Matters
You Play Ukulele?
I played ukulele outside during my lunch break yesterday, the warm sun shining down on me. Hadn’t played outside since I bought this new instrument two weeks ago. It was delightful. Something else happened that was a different kind of magical at the end. A man from our community with special needs came up to … Continue reading You Play Ukulele?
New Year, New Outlook: Lessons from Swimming
Last week on New Year’s Eve I had to share a swimming lane for the first time. It was especially busy. I was fortunate that someone kindly offered that I could share their lane—gym policy, but still not an easy thing to do (on either end!). It worked out fine. I stayed next to the … Continue reading New Year, New Outlook: Lessons from Swimming
Being Your Own Person AND Your Mother's Daughter
Ever since I was a pre-teen, people told me I was so much like my mother. I looked like her. I talked like her. I laughed like her. I was nice like her. I always greeted these comments with a mixture of pride as well as abashment. I was honored to resemble my mother, whom … Continue reading Being Your Own Person AND Your Mother's Daughter
Give the Gift of Presence
With the commercialized holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas coming up, it makes me wonder, "Why does it have to be so focused on the material?" Maybe this is my budget talking, but I prefer non-material presence. Ideas include: 10-minute massage30-minute heart-to-heart phone callAn hour of free childcare! These options save on money and clutter and, … Continue reading Give the Gift of Presence
A Photoshopped World, A Tormented Soul
This morning my mom made an innocent comment that the way my daughter was wearing her hair made her look like Audrey Hepburn. I felt uncomfortable with this, because growing up and to this day I struggle with social comparison, including with celebrities. I still remember learning in my late teens that magazines are photoshopped. … Continue reading A Photoshopped World, A Tormented Soul
