A Poets View

Learn to be silent
Let your
quiet mind
listen and absorb.

Pythagoras (580 B.C. - 500 B.C.)

Each and every day over sixty thousand thoughts race through our minds.  Normally these same thoughts clutter our minds with thoughts of grocery lists, chores, sexual fantasies, bills, etc…  Trying to delve into the gap between these thoughts is virtually impossible since there is no time available.  Although, this is exactly what needs to take place in order to meditate and find quiet time.

It is considered strange for anyone to actually seek out alone time.  Did you ever notice that people think it some type of honor to be busy all the time?  When they boast that they don’t have enough time in the day to do everything they feel as if that is a positive rather than a negative.  People who enjoy moments of solitude are thought of as different, anti-social and just plain weird.  However these are the people who have found peace and inspiration in being quiet or alone.

Some may think that the practice of meditation or being quiet is exclusive of those spiritual seekers and thinkers who spend their lives in contemplation.  However in order for any of us to be in touch with our authentic selves we all need to find some solitude.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can practice meditation on a daily basis.

1. Notice your breathing.  Slowly breathe in and out for a few minutes each day.  This can be done while watching tv, reading or just sitting and relaxing.  This will help in connecting to your inner self.

2. Allow yourself time each day to sit alone in a room and listen to your thoughts.  Study each thought and the thoughts that follow in order to gain and understanding of your thought patterns.  This will allow you to transcend your hyper thought patterns.

3. Read a book on meditation.  There are literally thousands of books, DVD’s and music that can help you with your quiet time.

4. Take a walk in nature.  This can be an exceptional activity.  A walk through nature quiets the mind and grounds you to earth - your roots.  Listening to the birds, the wind, the leaves rustling are all a natural force leading you to your inner self.

I know we all have busy lives and that’s the problem.  However practicing any or all of the four mentioned exercises above even for a few minutes a day will drastically improve your life both physically and mentally.

A Planned Parenthood in Indiana is offering gift certificates for all of their health care services to include abortions and condoms.  They are offering the certificates in increments of $25.00  Their reasoning behind the offer is that in these ailing economic times that women will forgo getting health care in order to pay for more pressing matters such as putting food on the table and taking care of their families.  Many women don’t have health insurance because they cannot afford it so receiving a gift certificate for health care services would be very helpful.

Now of course, religious organizations and many others are outraged at this program.   They claim it is morally wrong that women be given money to as they put it “kill their child.”  It’s the same old argument against abortions.  Opponents also claim that it is especially disturbing to “give abortions as gifts” on the day Jesus was born.  My comment on that is simply stop using your religious beliefs to try and control everything and anything you do not like.  

I think it’s a great idea.  I know many people who would love to receive a gift certificate to pay for health care.  I see it as a service for people who would not otherwise seek preventative care.   This would also allow children from poor families to receive care.  These gift certificates would truly help so many people.  Although this is only available in Indiana right now I think it should be addressed as a national program and be available to people year round.   Your thoughts?

Photo courtesy of http://www.heidi-klum.biz

I read a story on the Victoria Secret fashion models who were quoted as saying that they can eat anything they want as long as they exercise.  Of course they are on a strict carb and sugar free diet.  Some people I’ve talked with about this regimen do not believe they can lose weight and eat what they want.  I have to disagree.  Now I am certainly no runway model but I do know from experience that working out is what sheds the pounds.  Dieting alone has never worked.  However when I eat well and even throw in a donut or cookie once in a while and walk regularly I lose weight.  The Victoria Secret models unlike your average waif on the runway do not look like they are starving themselves.  They are lean yet healthy and that is the way it should be.   Some models you see nowadays on the runway look like actual skeletons.  Where is the beauty?  And, more importantly how do the clothes stay on their bodies?  At least with the Victoria Secret gals you are seeing beautiful women who actually do eat and know how to take care of themselves.  Heide Klum is the perfect example.

Even though I was only in Hong Kong this last trip for about a week I had my daily routine.  Unlike at home where I would sleep in and get up around 10:00 a.m. while in Hong Kong my day would start at 7:00 a.m.  I’d leave the hotel around 7:45 and take the Star Ferry over to Kowloon.  At that time of the morning it was usually crowded with people going to work.  When I arrived in Kowloon I would walk over to the waterfront promenade which was only about a three minute walk.  At 8:00 a.m. each morning there are Tai Chi classes held which encourage tourists to join in and take the class, all free of charge.  Well, I tried the class and although it was much fun I do have balance issues at times so I wasn’t very good.  However I was able to take some video which you can see above.  My camera is not high quality so you can only get a glimpse of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island in the background.I really marvel at the expertise and conditioned athleticism of the Tai Chi Masters.  It is such a serene and tranquil scene and along with the traditional Chinese music I was simply mesmerized to say the least.  Even though I only participated once, I visited and watched the performance every morning.  These classes are also held on Hong Kong island.  Even though this last trip I was staying on Hong Kong island my preference was taking the Star Ferry and experiencing the class from my favorite spot on Kowloon which is the promenade along the waterfront.   It was the perfect start to each day.  I can’t wait to experience it again.

This is a shout out to all bloggers out there my friend has started a new fro-yo blog.  It includes reviews, tips and basically everything you want to to know about fro-yo.  Check her out at http://froyogirl.blogspot.com/

Thanks.

Walking for me has become a most enjoyable exercise regimen. When I began walking I walked at a much slower pace but as time wore on my pace automatically increased. I normally walk the same route which is along ocean beach. I think the area in which you choose to walk has a definite impact on your walking speed. If you walk, for example in a neighborhood where there are many retail stores it is tempting to stop, look and listen. Your pace also decreases as a result. However walking in a nature setting whether it be a park, a beach or something similar your pace increases and the health benefits of breathing in the fresh air from these natural surroundings is greatly beneficial.It’s like anything else. Once you are comfortable your speed automatically increases. Pick a spot you enjoy and begin by walking three times a week. Don’t time it, but rather walk at your own pace until you are tired. Do only what you are able to do. I have never timed my walks by the clock or miles. Depending on how I feel that particular day I will walk as long as I have the energy and not feeling tired. By doing this you build your strength and speed. Before you know it you’ll be walking daily anywhere from 2 to 5 miles. The most important thing is listening to your body. If you keep that in mind, you can never go wrong. 

It is not about dieting but rather eating healthy. For years I drank three cups of coffee per day combined with 3 to four sodas per day and basically ate anything and everything I wanted during the day. I was the epitome of a couch potato. As a result the pounds increased and I felt sluggish with absolutely no energy at all. After a while and some health problems I realized I needed to change to feel good again. I immediately stopped the coffee and sodas, cold turkey. Yes, it was difficult the first week then I was fine. I replaced the caffeine with water. Anywhere from 48 to 64 oz per day. Of course the occasional glass of wine always helps. I then decided that the donuts, chips, cookies etc… were doing nothing for me other than making my couch potato existence a little worse everyday. So, I cut all sweets and replaced those sweets with fresh fruits, yogurt and cottage cheese with fruit. Now when I need to “snack” the fruit fills me. I also avoid all salty and trans fat items like chips. Although, those Sun Chips are pretty darn good.  They don’t have any trans fat so I do reward myself with a bag every now and then.

I’ve also incorporated eating vegetables at every meal. Leafy greens such as spinach, bok choy, chard and the like are a staple for me now. They’re great to combine in salads and also with beans, chicken or fish dishes as well as even pastas.Eating whole grain or wheat bread is the way to go when choosing sandwiches. Fiber is key to losing weight and cleaning out your system. I now eat fiber cereals every morning along with fruit such as oranges, bananas or pears which by the way have a high fiber content. I eat anywhere from 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day. When choosing cereals make sure to read the labels on the box and check for fiber content.

As far as exercising it’s important to do what you enjoy because the key to exercise is consistency. If you are doing something you don’t enjoy you won’t continue doing it. Find what works for you. I personally enjoy walking and as a result have begun walking anywhere from a mile to 5 miles three to four times a week.. It depends on how I feel, what I have to do during the day etc… but I always get in at least a mile whenever I walk. Lifting weights also helps tone the muscles and lose weight. I have a pair of dumbbells at home which I use daily. All of these things combined, healthy eating and exercise will help you lose weight and gain optimum health. It’s all a matter of choice and we are all different. Choose what you enjoy and the pounds not only will shed but you will feel like a different person in no time. Take this from a former couch potato. I’ve gone down two sizes in a matter of a few months and I feel great. I have energy and my life has changed considerably. It’s in your choices and mindset. Make the change and without dieting but eating right.  You’ll see the difference in no time.