Blessings and Health

In these intervening months since my last post, the unexpected deaths of two close relatives gave me the opportunity to fully experience the meaning of both “blessings” and “health.”

My most beloved aunt, and a dear beloved cousin, both with cancers under control, suddenly came out of remission. Poof – years turned into days, days turned into hours, and then from dust to dust as the saying goes.

While it did not feel like a blessing to watch relatives leave this dimension, there is much to be learned from the process.

I learned that gracefully letting your loved ones go leaves more opportunity to share a connection than does hanging on with fear and panic.

I learned that people die as they live. In this case, both lived and died with grace, concern for others and perhaps a new power to claim what they needed for themselves. Ill health can create a streamlined focus on one’s own needs, joys and creative outlet, which are often superseded in favor of others’ needs throughout a lifetime of service.

I learned that the dying often are more at peace with the process than those of us who are temporarily left behind.

I learned that when they are straddling the dimensions, physical touching (such as stroking the hair) that once brought pleasure, may jolt them back to material reality from a visit they were having with loved ones who were welcoming them on the other side.

I learned that ill health in yourself or others can bring out a greater appreciation for each moment, for things that bring joy. The first bumblebee of spring — noted absentmindedly in previous springs — turns into a miracle of rebirth.

I learned that New-Agey Wisdom spouted by well-meaning friends (not to mention “it was bound to happen sooner or later” type comments) are less comforting than simple chestnuts such as “I am sorry, I know you will miss him.”

What is health?

Health pretty much has the meaning we give it during our life here on Earth. We can bemoan every issue, every ache or pain. Or we can embrace the day with joy no matter what.

And what of Blessings? Just take a look around …

     So much swirling about my head … so little time to get it organized!

            Most of us love the exhilaration of the holiday season, yet sometimes we have to choose between the extra activities and our daily routines. While I am slowly (very slowly) sorting through my many thoughts to present in this space during the coming year, I will share some timely ideas adapted from a recent Waiora newsletter.

     Waiora sells nutritional supplements, hence their plug for more supplements during the holidays. In truth, it’s good advice. My family doubles our supplements during the holidays and have stayed healthy, without so much as a trace of a cold, for several years now.  

EnJoy More — Stress

  Less for the Holidays

     For many people, the holidays bring a lot more than peace and cheer; the pressure of shopping for gifts, baking and cooking, visiting and entertaining can also bring fatigue, stress and depression. In addition to the financial burden we put on our wallets, stop and think for a moment what we are doing to our health!

     Here are some practical tips to help you minimize stress and stay healthy.  

1. Plan ahead and stick to a budget. Set aside specific days for shopping an visiting friends. Before you go shopping, decide how much you can spend on gifts and other items. Then delight yourself with knowing how much your family and friends will enjoy the special items you selected just for them.
2. Set boundaries.  At the end of each year, plan ahead and decide how much visiting and entertaining you can realistically enjoy, then stick to your limit. People will understand if you cannot do certain things. Say yes to those activities that you really want to do. Express your gratitude at being invited to things you choose not to attend. Perhaps plan to host or visit certain friends and family every two or even three years, so you can be fully present and joyful at each event.
3. Stick to your healthy habits. Be sure to get the sleep you need, continue with your exercise routine, take some time for yourself, and eat healthy food. Remember … some indulgence is okay! Savor those indulgent moments. 
4. Seek support. If holidays are overwhelming to you – you’re not alone. There are people and groups you can reach out to such as religious organizations, friends and family, even professional help. 
5. Set differences aside. Be the light you want to see! Try to accept family and friends for who they are, even if they do not live up to your expectations. Accept what you perceive as imperfections in yourself and your family. Remember, if you are feeling tired or stressed, others may feel the same pressure. If something irritates you, how important could it be? Just smile and let it go.
6. Supplement, Supplement, Supplement!  We all know that the stress of the holidays can get the best of us. That’s why it is important to take nutritional supplements just in case we are not eating as well as we should and to keep our immune systems strong to avoid those pesky colds and flus that seem to arrive just in time for the holidays.

     One key to minimizing holiday stress and depression is knowing that the holidays can trigger these things. Accept that things are not always going to go as planned.

     By taking proactive steps to minimize stress and stay healthy, you can find more blessings and spread more joy during this holiday season.     

 Making my way, slowly, through a myriad of technical options and necessities, I discovered that this space is “widget-ready.”

Back in the day, a widget was “no thing” — the point of the word was that it represented not a thing at all.  An “un-named article considered for the purpose of hypothetical example.”

Now, apparently, a widget is a real thing that is ready and waiting to be installed here, undoubtedly for some marvelous purpose. Which bolsters the concept of non-attachment, an important subject we shall address in due time.  

In this case, it will not benefit me to hang on to the concept that a widget is not a thing. Refusing to accept a change in perception about the meaning of this word might prevent me from taking advantage of a great design or tool that will improve appearance or function.

For now, back to the drawing board. The widget-ready drawing board, of course …

                                         Linda

By knowing that we are blessed … by seeing the beauty around us and feeling gratitude in every moment, we can experience abundant joy and energy. Vibrant health can be ours by detoxifying our minds and bodies, and filling our hearts with contentment and gratitude.  

Sounds simple. And it can be, once we sift through the programming in our brains and make a few shifts in consciousness and lifestyle.

I am so excited to finally have the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with the world! Will you join the conversation?

First, I must blaze my non-tech-savvy trail through the myriad of internet necessities and options in order to create and organize this space. Stay tuned, and thanks for waiting!

Blessings and health,

                                Linda