My week was mainly peaceful and restful. I got some paperwork done and some office work organized, but other than that worked out (got to have my butt kicked by Frank 3 times), pedicure complete, and caught up on some reading. Of course, that means I ordered about a dozen more books that will be piled up for me to read at some point. I have two shelves of books that I have not even started and yet I am still buying books. Ah well, some day! I don't know about you, but I have several books that I have started and need to put down for a while and then pick up again. Most of these are either spiritual and/or self help/inspirational type books. To me that means I am not ready for the message and need more time to digest. What do you think? Do read many books at the same time?
I did go to a coaching dinner/seminar the other evening and had a wonderful time catching up with people. The food was nothing to write home about, but the speakers were good and sitting with coaching colleagues is fantastic. I have let coaching slide and I really need to focus more on it as I find so much joy in coaching. What brings you joy?
A new experience yesterday as friends and I went to the Bethesda Salt Cave. If you've never been it's quite a calming experience unless you are a person that can not sit still and/or meditate for 45 minutes. The room is encased in Himalayan salt crystals and the lights are dimmed. They have zero-gravity chairs (no I was not upside down) and provide blankets and pillows. No Electronics allowed and that alone was worth it. I know I took a nap although I swear I listened the all the music. The Salt Cave is supposed to be very therapeutic for several ailments. I found it very relaxing although I did feel a slight headache when it was done. I slept great last night so I'm not sure if it's because I did some extra exercising yesterday or the relaxation of the salt cave. For those in the area if you want to know more about it here is a link: http://bethesdasaltcave.com/
I finished reading: "Daily Love - Growing Into Grace" by Mastin Kipp. It's the story of how Mastin went from a 21 year old executive to drug addiction to unemployment to changing his life and being the founder of The Daily Love.com. How he made mistakes along the way and grew spiritually. Very honest portrayal of how he found love. Here is a link to the website if you are interested in knowing more: http://thedailylove.com/
Where do you find peace/center/balance? Do you exercise? Meditate? Yoga? Walking? Blogging? I would love to hear what you do and how you came across it? What are your experiences? Do you listen to your mind and/or body when it needs to rest? I did that this morning. I woke up at my new normal time and thought I'm still tired and turned over and slept for another hour. Then I was ready to get up. I find myself trying to be much more aware of the people around me and what they are feeling, thinking and growing through. I want to be there for those that need someone, but not intrusive.
Happy Birthday to my mom as she turns 81 this week. Her short term memory is almost gone. She can't remember that my dad visits every day. The other day she was surprised to see him. She did remember that her cousin came to see her. I sent her a card and will see her in less than two weeks. Then she'll have a month of me visiting every day. Of course, my trip gives me an excuse to keep an eye on dad.
I must admit I was sitting in a chair the other day reading, watching TV and doing something on the computer when this thought flashed in my head: Is this what my life is going to be like from now on? I literally sat back in the chair and I felt my eyes open wide. I then took a deep breath and thought enjoy it for a while, you need to be doing what you are doing. You are good for now. Well, imagine that conversation in my head - it was like a party in there - LOL! Do you listen to those conversations in your head?
I had a conversation yesterday with friends about what people are willing to put out in social media. I am still shocked sometimes about people airing words/pictures/etc that may cause pain to others. We all have skeletons in the closet, but do we really need the world to know? Or another thought is that their own pain is so deep they just need to get it out. I am hoping they are not doing it purposely t harm the other person. Perhaps I am just more sensitive about trying not to hurt someone else that I cringe when I see certain things posted. I am really trying to be sensitive to both sides, but phew its hard sometimes.
In the past couple of days I was in a conversation about the "F" word. It has become almost commonplace to hear it in every day language and it is something again that makes me cringe. Don't get wrong, when I am mad/angry I will spout it like a marine. Then immediately think OOPS and apologize. It seems to me lately that it just rolls off the tongue of the young and I think do you know what that means? Do you know any other words? I get completely turned off when I'm watching a movie and every other word is "F" this and "F" that or on TV when everything is bleeped. I know it's just a word, but words especially this word I think can cause pain. I think people sound completely uneducated and crude when using it for everything. What do you think? Am I cringing for nothing?
I am going to finish here for today. I hope you have a wonderful week. Enjoy the weather while you can. We have a house full of company this week so it will be fun around here. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"IT IS ONE THING TO BE GIFTED AND QUITE ANOTHER THING TO BE WORTHY OF ONE'S OWN GIFT." Nadia Boulanger
"TO BE INTERESTED IN THE CHANGING SEASONS IS A HAPPIER STATE OF MIND THAN TO BE HOPELESSLY IN LOVE WITH SPRING." George Santayana
"GOODNESS IS EASIER TO RECOGNIZE THAN TO DEFINE." W. H. Auden
Referrals are always appreciated.