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
Tag: mindfulness
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
Wisdom Grows with Age, the Ageless Soul
I took a moment during my busy day working at the preschool and thought about how much I have grown. Gave myself credit for the work I have done in being more self-compassionate and less full of self-doubt and judgment. I still have a long way to go, but I have improved over the years. … Continue reading Wisdom Grows with Age, the Ageless Soul
Hello, Blogosphere
Hello, Blogosphere A world I hold close and dearWhere I can openly express my fear, Without people looking at me queer.For if I tell it to a friendPerhaps that relationship would endIf they really knew what was behindMy cheerful face—a weary mind.And when I blog, I am unique, The words spoken are those only I … Continue reading Hello, Blogosphere
The Secret to Peace of Mind: The Breath
Do you control your breath or does it control you? The answer is: both. Breath is a unique biological function in that it occurs involuntarily, but can be manipulated through conscious effort. As part of my decade-long pursuit of greater peace of mind, I have engaged in mindfulness meditation exercises focusing on the breath. This … Continue reading The Secret to Peace of Mind: The Breath
Mindful Nuggets 