jar·gon
Pronunciation: \ˈjär-gən, -ˌgän\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French jargun,
Date: 14th century
1. (a) : confused unintelligible language (b): a strange, outlandish, or barbarous language or dialect (c) : a hybrid language or dialect simplified in vocabulary and grammar and used for communication between peoples of different speech
2. the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group
3. obscure and often pretentious language marked by circumlocutions and long words
If you look up phobias ~ irrational fears ~ there are hundreds of officially recognized categories. Fear of clowns ~ Coulrophobia. Fear of being out of mobile phone contact ~ Nomophobia. Fear of phobias ~ Phobophobia.
However, no category for "Fear about son deploying to Middle East." There are, much to my discomfort, dozens of family support sites and organizations. Yet, I am not ready to jump in just yet.
So, I am turning to what I know. Jargon ~ Slogans ~ Self Talk ~ and writing blogs with miscellaneous defined words.
First up is "mindfullnes." This practice of staying in the moment is a tool I will need to use as Jacob prepares to deploy on October 18th. Recovery folk might say "no future tripping," or "one day (one moment if necessary) at a time." Those given to quote the Bible may choose "do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble of its own."
I admit to using less effective tools as well. I've been calling Jacob just to hear his voice. I am getting a passport and have demanded that Kate and Jared do the same. I am talking to strangers ~ younger veterans in Starbucks.
This is not a journey I had planned for. I forbade my children to join the military. That didn't work out too well. I am not sure I can even attempt to plan now.
So, for today, I think I am thankful for small pox and anthrax vaccinations (yes, just two of many he has been given this week). I am grateful for cell phones that let me speak to him. I am thankful he was able to visit this summer.
When you see me if I am prone to irrational reactions to news from overseas or moments of tearfulness, please be patient and remind me to breathe.
What Worked for Me Today
Talking to Jacob and remembering that writing often helps.
Minutia
Blue Star Moms
www.bluestarmothers.org
On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization.
On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.
Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were an working part of homeland security during times our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times we have began to grow in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during at time of war
Our organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Chortle - Adventures with Animals
chor•tle
Pronunciation: \ chȯr-təl \
Function: verb
Etymology: blend of chuckle and snort; coined by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass
Date: 1871
1. to sing or chant exultantly
2. to laugh or chuckle in satisfaction or exultation
It began early one Tuesday morning when I was dropping off food before work at the house. On Tuesday evenings I go to the house in country and make dinner for the boys. (With Jacob in the Air Force and Jared 24, I guess at some point I need to stop saying “the boys.”) It’s a way for me to stay connected and they do it for the free food.
As I got out of the car I heard what sounded like a goat bleating. I quickly dismissed it, thinking it must simply be some odd bird upset in the early morning. But then I noticed that the dog door that leads from the mudroom/laundry room to the outside was nailed shut.
I woke Jared and he explained that we were now providing foster care for a goat. A friend of Jared’s had the goat in the bustling Willamina metropolis and was told by law enforcement that it wasn’t an approved domestic animal for the city limits. We, with 16 acres in the county, have no such restrictions. Worried about the dogs (Indie a large mixed bread and the ever annoying pug) not accessing the yard, I was assured by my son that this arrangement was only temporary.
By the following week my boys, along with the two brothers who own the goat, had acclimated the dogs to the goat – to some extent. As long as Marty the pug was not around the goat and Indie tolerated each other. Once, however, you added the pug, it became a circus of running, barking dogs and leaping, bleating goat. Great exercise yes, but not a permanent solution.
All was going well with Indie and the goat sharing the yard and doggie door as long as Marty stayed inside. Granted the goat leaves droppings everywhere – including the laundry room floor and the dog bed, but there was no major head butting going on. That was until I needed to do laundry and walk outside to get reception on my cell phone.
The goat was resting on the dog bed when Marty came through the house door. Hearing the barking Indie joined the melee. I was outside and when I mistakenly opened the door to separate the combatants they all ran out - goat down the driveway followed by both dogs. Flipping my phone open I dialed Jared to tell him I had lost the goat.
Interestingly enough it was the goat that came when I called. He came through the door and into the house chased by both dogs. I yelled to Jared I had to go and follwed the parade into the house. All three went straight through the kitchen and living room to my bedroom. The goat ended up standing on my bed followed by both dogs.
The goat was going nowhere. So, after locking the pug in the bathroom and getting Indie outside with a dog bone I returned to push, pull and coax the goat off the bed and into the kitchen. That is where he pooped all over my freshly mopped floor.
Goat sitting – at least where the goat uses the dog door – isn’t really working for me.
What Worked for Me Today
Remembering to Laugh - and recalling a myriad of odd animal adventures in our family.
Minutia
Men Who Stare At Goats - available streaming on Netflix
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234548/
Pronunciation: \ chȯr-təl \
Function: verb
Etymology: blend of chuckle and snort; coined by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass
Date: 1871
1. to sing or chant exultantly
2. to laugh or chuckle in satisfaction or exultation
It began early one Tuesday morning when I was dropping off food before work at the house. On Tuesday evenings I go to the house in country and make dinner for the boys. (With Jacob in the Air Force and Jared 24, I guess at some point I need to stop saying “the boys.”) It’s a way for me to stay connected and they do it for the free food.
As I got out of the car I heard what sounded like a goat bleating. I quickly dismissed it, thinking it must simply be some odd bird upset in the early morning. But then I noticed that the dog door that leads from the mudroom/laundry room to the outside was nailed shut.
I woke Jared and he explained that we were now providing foster care for a goat. A friend of Jared’s had the goat in the bustling Willamina metropolis and was told by law enforcement that it wasn’t an approved domestic animal for the city limits. We, with 16 acres in the county, have no such restrictions. Worried about the dogs (Indie a large mixed bread and the ever annoying pug) not accessing the yard, I was assured by my son that this arrangement was only temporary.
By the following week my boys, along with the two brothers who own the goat, had acclimated the dogs to the goat – to some extent. As long as Marty the pug was not around the goat and Indie tolerated each other. Once, however, you added the pug, it became a circus of running, barking dogs and leaping, bleating goat. Great exercise yes, but not a permanent solution.
All was going well with Indie and the goat sharing the yard and doggie door as long as Marty stayed inside. Granted the goat leaves droppings everywhere – including the laundry room floor and the dog bed, but there was no major head butting going on. That was until I needed to do laundry and walk outside to get reception on my cell phone.
The goat was resting on the dog bed when Marty came through the house door. Hearing the barking Indie joined the melee. I was outside and when I mistakenly opened the door to separate the combatants they all ran out - goat down the driveway followed by both dogs. Flipping my phone open I dialed Jared to tell him I had lost the goat.
Interestingly enough it was the goat that came when I called. He came through the door and into the house chased by both dogs. I yelled to Jared I had to go and follwed the parade into the house. All three went straight through the kitchen and living room to my bedroom. The goat ended up standing on my bed followed by both dogs.
The goat was going nowhere. So, after locking the pug in the bathroom and getting Indie outside with a dog bone I returned to push, pull and coax the goat off the bed and into the kitchen. That is where he pooped all over my freshly mopped floor.
Goat sitting – at least where the goat uses the dog door – isn’t really working for me.
What Worked for Me Today
Remembering to Laugh - and recalling a myriad of odd animal adventures in our family.
Minutia
Men Who Stare At Goats - available streaming on Netflix
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234548/
Friday, June 10, 2011
Vernacular - Learning the Language
ver•nac•u•lar
Pronunciation: \ ver-nak-yuh-ler, vuh-nak-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin vernācul ( us ) household, domestic, native
Date: 1623
1. the native speech or language of a place.
2. the language or vocabulary peculiar to a class or profession.
3. the plain variety of language in everyday use by ordinary people.
When Jacob first said he had to go to MEPS, I wasn’t the only one who was confused. My housemate, a former marine, did not know what it stood for. Of course, in my odd brain, one of the things that came to mind was Beaker, the Muppet character who only says “meeps” (MEPS is pronounced with a short vowel /e/).
Military Entrance Processing Station – MEPS – is a nondescript building not far from the Portland Airport. No matter what branch of the military you are joining you process through this facility. Entrance tests, medical exams, orientations, all take place here. All recruits also sign their contacts and swear in at MEPS. So I am learning the language.
Jacob was one of seven Air Force recruits to leave on Tuesday. The day was stereotypical in many ways (hurry up and wait). Family needed to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to witness the swearing in ceremony. I of course was there just after 7. It gave me the opportunity to meet the other Air Force recruits since the swearing in didn’t happen until 10:30 a.m.
The teacher in me kicked in as well. One recruit was having a very difficult time remembering the Air Force Core Values. In that moment I said “ISE” (pronounced “ice’). He smiled and said I think that I can remember.
There is a lot more for me to learn. I have time, however – six years to learn Air Force speak. Today I am very thankful for my first phone call from Jacob. He sounded great – describing “zero” week, knowing that the next weeks will be harder. No care packages allowed, but letters are welcome. I finally have something to do – and I can stop carrying my phone into the bathroom with me.
What Worked for Me Today
Having the phone at my side!
Minutia
Watch Beaker sing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAtBki0PsC0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A
He’s actually using words in the one below – a Cold Play song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phyg_uIPQII&feature=related
Pronunciation: \ ver-nak-yuh-ler, vuh-nak-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin vernācul ( us ) household, domestic, native
Date: 1623
1. the native speech or language of a place.
2. the language or vocabulary peculiar to a class or profession.
3. the plain variety of language in everyday use by ordinary people.
When Jacob first said he had to go to MEPS, I wasn’t the only one who was confused. My housemate, a former marine, did not know what it stood for. Of course, in my odd brain, one of the things that came to mind was Beaker, the Muppet character who only says “meeps” (MEPS is pronounced with a short vowel /e/).
Military Entrance Processing Station – MEPS – is a nondescript building not far from the Portland Airport. No matter what branch of the military you are joining you process through this facility. Entrance tests, medical exams, orientations, all take place here. All recruits also sign their contacts and swear in at MEPS. So I am learning the language.
Jacob was one of seven Air Force recruits to leave on Tuesday. The day was stereotypical in many ways (hurry up and wait). Family needed to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to witness the swearing in ceremony. I of course was there just after 7. It gave me the opportunity to meet the other Air Force recruits since the swearing in didn’t happen until 10:30 a.m.
The teacher in me kicked in as well. One recruit was having a very difficult time remembering the Air Force Core Values. In that moment I said “ISE” (pronounced “ice’). He smiled and said I think that I can remember.
Integrity First
Service Before Self
Excellence in All We Do
There is a lot more for me to learn. I have time, however – six years to learn Air Force speak. Today I am very thankful for my first phone call from Jacob. He sounded great – describing “zero” week, knowing that the next weeks will be harder. No care packages allowed, but letters are welcome. I finally have something to do – and I can stop carrying my phone into the bathroom with me.
What Worked for Me Today
Having the phone at my side!
Minutia
Watch Beaker sing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAtBki0PsC0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A
He’s actually using words in the one below – a Cold Play song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phyg_uIPQII&feature=related
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Ululate - Letting Go
ul•u•late
Pronunciation: \ UHL-uh-layt\
Function: verb
Etymology: from Latin ululāre to howl, from ulula screech owl]
Date: 1623
1. to howl or wail, as with grief
Yesterday my son raised his right hand, took an oath and gave himself to the United States Government. I am not sure that he is the one who should have been asked. Perhaps, just perhaps, if we asked the mothers and sisters and girlfriends in the room, perhaps the answer would be different.
It is difficult for me to have Jacob gone on many levels.
Politically I have been opposed to registration for the draft since I was in college. I have developed the belief that either we all serve, or no one serves – a model not too dissimilar to Israel. Unfortunately, that has not meant the lessoning of hostility or the need for the military, but it has leveled the playing field.
I am also jaded. I begrudgingly had to admit that at least the contract that Jacob signed was honest. In my words (not theirs) the contract read “We may hand you a gun and tell you to kill people.” These first two arguments are the same for any child looking at the military.
That is just it – child. Jacob is my son. I did not give him to the United States Government. They do not have my permission to take him. They did not ask me.
So I join a group of people – not just mothers – but fathers and brothers, sons and daughters as well, whose loved one can’t come when we need or want them. They can’t answer the phone. They aren’t home for birthdays and holidays, picnics or trips to the vet.
We are not there to hold them, feed them, laugh or cry with them. We cannot watch over them when they are sick or scared, bored or challenged.
We wait. We get up and make coffee. We go to work. We clean the house. We go on. But we go on with an empty place at the table and an ache in our hearts.
Yes, this is day one. And though there are hundreds more like it to come – this is the only day I have. So I pray for Jacob, giving him to G-d , and get on with my day.
What Worked for Me Today
Writing - Prayer - and a massage at 10:00 a.m.
Minutia
Main Web Page for Lackland AFB in Texas
http://www.lackland.af.mil/
Basic Training Website - I couldn't get past the first video.
http://www.basictraining.af.mil/
Pronunciation: \ UHL-uh-layt\
Function: verb
Etymology: from Latin ululāre to howl, from ulula screech owl]
Date: 1623
1. to howl or wail, as with grief
Yesterday my son raised his right hand, took an oath and gave himself to the United States Government. I am not sure that he is the one who should have been asked. Perhaps, just perhaps, if we asked the mothers and sisters and girlfriends in the room, perhaps the answer would be different.
It is difficult for me to have Jacob gone on many levels.
Politically I have been opposed to registration for the draft since I was in college. I have developed the belief that either we all serve, or no one serves – a model not too dissimilar to Israel. Unfortunately, that has not meant the lessoning of hostility or the need for the military, but it has leveled the playing field.
I am also jaded. I begrudgingly had to admit that at least the contract that Jacob signed was honest. In my words (not theirs) the contract read “We may hand you a gun and tell you to kill people.” These first two arguments are the same for any child looking at the military.
That is just it – child. Jacob is my son. I did not give him to the United States Government. They do not have my permission to take him. They did not ask me.
So I join a group of people – not just mothers – but fathers and brothers, sons and daughters as well, whose loved one can’t come when we need or want them. They can’t answer the phone. They aren’t home for birthdays and holidays, picnics or trips to the vet.
We are not there to hold them, feed them, laugh or cry with them. We cannot watch over them when they are sick or scared, bored or challenged.
We wait. We get up and make coffee. We go to work. We clean the house. We go on. But we go on with an empty place at the table and an ache in our hearts.
Yes, this is day one. And though there are hundreds more like it to come – this is the only day I have. So I pray for Jacob, giving him to G-d , and get on with my day.
What Worked for Me Today
Writing - Prayer - and a massage at 10:00 a.m.
Minutia
Main Web Page for Lackland AFB in Texas
http://www.lackland.af.mil/
Basic Training Website - I couldn't get past the first video.
http://www.basictraining.af.mil/
Friday, March 18, 2011
Inherent – Knowing What Feeds My Soul
in•her•ent
Pronunciation: \ in-heer-uh nt\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin inhærere ~ be closely connected with, adhere to
Date: 1570–80
1. existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute
2. involved in the constitution or essential character of something
In attempting to explain my concern with an institutional decision, I shared with two people this week that my anxiety stemmed from my inherent insecurity. They both laughed.
Several years ago, I shared the same thing with the person to whom I was married. He looked straight at me and declared “You are not insecure!” Then, and now, it hurt and caused some confusion.
What happens when you are vulnerable and honest with those around you and they do not believe you? What option is left?
The question is no longer apropos, although it is my “go to” response – along with other mental regurgitation. “How do I make them understand?” “How do I protect myself?” “Why don’t they….(insert verb)” Those responses are incubated in my fear and insecurity. They give birth to the desire to control, and incongruently, the move to isolate myself.
That internal dialogue and resulting actions, don't work for me anymore. I have learned that I do not need to find another option when I have been appropriately honest. The reactions of others are just that –their reactions. My acceptance of their misunderstanding isn’t approval, but simply acknowledgement. When my world shifts because of their responses, it is because I have allowed it. My expectations have gotten in the way.
What does work when others don’t respond the way I want?
1. Seek God’s guidance by turning my will and my life over to the “care of God as I understand Him.”
2. Do the next right thing with "THINK" - Is it Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary and Kind? What is painful can still be presented in kind and respectful manner. What is necessary isn’t always serious. Humor and play are as vital as rest and exercise.
3. Let go of the outcome. If I have been honest, done my best believing it is the right thing to do, then there is no sanity in attempting to manipulate the outcome.
4. Accept life on life terms. There will be joy and there will be pain. Both will come and both will pass. This requires being present in the moment.
5. Practice gratitude.
Today’s misstep was to dwell on the responses of others. A minor adjustment in focus, physical movement, along with meditating on what is good and true in my life allowed me to get “my head out of the bucket.”
The gratitude list is long – but tonight it centers on the incredible joy of listening to John Harr play music.
Challenge for You
1. What comments have you allowed to shift your outlook?
2. What part of THINK (Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary, Kind) do you find most difficult?
What Worked for Me Today
When I used to drink orange juice from a crystal goblet my son would ask “Is that really necessary?” Yes Jacob, sometime sfor me it is.
Live Music
Minutia
Check Out John Harr
http://johnwaylandharr.com/
Pronunciation: \ in-heer-uh nt\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin inhærere ~ be closely connected with, adhere to
Date: 1570–80
1. existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute
2. involved in the constitution or essential character of something
In attempting to explain my concern with an institutional decision, I shared with two people this week that my anxiety stemmed from my inherent insecurity. They both laughed.
Several years ago, I shared the same thing with the person to whom I was married. He looked straight at me and declared “You are not insecure!” Then, and now, it hurt and caused some confusion.
What happens when you are vulnerable and honest with those around you and they do not believe you? What option is left?
The question is no longer apropos, although it is my “go to” response – along with other mental regurgitation. “How do I make them understand?” “How do I protect myself?” “Why don’t they….(insert verb)” Those responses are incubated in my fear and insecurity. They give birth to the desire to control, and incongruently, the move to isolate myself.
That internal dialogue and resulting actions, don't work for me anymore. I have learned that I do not need to find another option when I have been appropriately honest. The reactions of others are just that –their reactions. My acceptance of their misunderstanding isn’t approval, but simply acknowledgement. When my world shifts because of their responses, it is because I have allowed it. My expectations have gotten in the way.
What does work when others don’t respond the way I want?
1. Seek God’s guidance by turning my will and my life over to the “care of God as I understand Him.”
2. Do the next right thing with "THINK" - Is it Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary and Kind? What is painful can still be presented in kind and respectful manner. What is necessary isn’t always serious. Humor and play are as vital as rest and exercise.
3. Let go of the outcome. If I have been honest, done my best believing it is the right thing to do, then there is no sanity in attempting to manipulate the outcome.
4. Accept life on life terms. There will be joy and there will be pain. Both will come and both will pass. This requires being present in the moment.
5. Practice gratitude.
Today’s misstep was to dwell on the responses of others. A minor adjustment in focus, physical movement, along with meditating on what is good and true in my life allowed me to get “my head out of the bucket.”
The gratitude list is long – but tonight it centers on the incredible joy of listening to John Harr play music.
Challenge for You
1. What comments have you allowed to shift your outlook?
2. What part of THINK (Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary, Kind) do you find most difficult?
What Worked for Me Today
When I used to drink orange juice from a crystal goblet my son would ask “Is that really necessary?” Yes Jacob, sometime sfor me it is.
Live Music
Minutia
Check Out John Harr
http://johnwaylandharr.com/
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Symbiosis - A Thousand People Made My Lunch
sym•bi•o•sis
Pronunciation: \ sɪm biˈoʊ sɪs \
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek
Date: 1615–25
1. the living together of two dissimilar organisms.
2. a relationship between two people in which each person is dependent upon and receives reinforcement, whether beneficial or detrimental, from the other.
3. any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.
When an idea presents itself to you through multiple venues and in various forms, it is time to stop and pay attention. I am struck by how often the themes of mindfulness and gratitude have popped into conversations, research, the news, prayer, and writing. I have addressed both here in the past.
Over the next few weeks I shall explore these ideas more fully and examine how they fit into day to day life. Maybe it’s Zen or weight loss. Perhaps it is being “green” or political in nature. It may be middle age rumination, but it is without a doubt spiritual.
In my reading about mindfulness, food is mentioned a great deal. In her latest book “Women, Food and God”, Geneen Roth stresses being mindful when eating any meal – no distractions (reading, music, TV or upsetting conversation).
In a recent article on Huffington Post, a Zen class in Clatskanie, Oregon was highlighted. The instructors teach people how to be mindful of all aspects of their meal. The suggestion, one I have heard in many places, was to not only savor what you are eating but to mindfully consider how many people were involved in the food you put in your mouth.
That brought me to today’s lunch: Romaine lettuce, green onions, raw zucchini, tomato, mushrooms, baked chicken (prepared by Albertsons) and goat cheese. (Leaving the prepared salad dressing aside for the moment).
Each ingredient had a farmer. Given than I purchased most of these items at a grocery store, not a farmers market, I am guessing the farmer had help. (Not one guy growing mushrooms under his cellar stairs). Once she grew (or raised) the food, it had to be picked or milked or slaughtered. Then the lettuce or chicken or cheese had to be packaged and shipped. Once at a store someone placed on the shelf.
You can take it a step farther. The farmer needs seeds, or feed and certainly gas for the equipment. The shipper requires laborers, drivers, dispatchers, and payroll people. The grocery store has cashiers, stockers and managers. To keep all these people and places running there has to be power. Now look to the power companies, the oil rigs, natural gas drillers, coal miners or perhaps as far as Kuwait or Libya
Thousands of people worked so I could have a salad this afternoon.
This fact is made more startling by the fact that in many places in this world, individuals must grow or raise the food they eat. They themselves slaughter, harvest, grind and cook. They scavenge for wood to cook and walk for water,
I am humbled by my lunch.
Challenge for You
Try mindfulness and gratitude with one meal. When you sit down to eat (yep sit down at a table, the car does not count) turn off the TV, radio or music. Don’t bring a book or the newspaper, the computer, phone or even the back of the cereal box to the table.
Put down your fork after each bite. Don’t put any more food in your mouth until what you have is slowly chewed and swallowed.
Start counting. How many people worked to make your meal? Start at the beginning (raising or growing what you are eating) and work your way to the store. Let me know what you discover.
What Worked for Me Today
Mindful Lunch
Minutia
Huffington Post
"In Buddhism You Are What and How You Eat"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/25/for-buddhist-master-you-a_n_828450.html
Geneen Roth
http://www.geneenroth.com/
Pronunciation: \ sɪm biˈoʊ sɪs \
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek
Date: 1615–25
1. the living together of two dissimilar organisms.
2. a relationship between two people in which each person is dependent upon and receives reinforcement, whether beneficial or detrimental, from the other.
3. any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.
When an idea presents itself to you through multiple venues and in various forms, it is time to stop and pay attention. I am struck by how often the themes of mindfulness and gratitude have popped into conversations, research, the news, prayer, and writing. I have addressed both here in the past.
Over the next few weeks I shall explore these ideas more fully and examine how they fit into day to day life. Maybe it’s Zen or weight loss. Perhaps it is being “green” or political in nature. It may be middle age rumination, but it is without a doubt spiritual.
In my reading about mindfulness, food is mentioned a great deal. In her latest book “Women, Food and God”, Geneen Roth stresses being mindful when eating any meal – no distractions (reading, music, TV or upsetting conversation).
In a recent article on Huffington Post, a Zen class in Clatskanie, Oregon was highlighted. The instructors teach people how to be mindful of all aspects of their meal. The suggestion, one I have heard in many places, was to not only savor what you are eating but to mindfully consider how many people were involved in the food you put in your mouth.
That brought me to today’s lunch: Romaine lettuce, green onions, raw zucchini, tomato, mushrooms, baked chicken (prepared by Albertsons) and goat cheese. (Leaving the prepared salad dressing aside for the moment).
Each ingredient had a farmer. Given than I purchased most of these items at a grocery store, not a farmers market, I am guessing the farmer had help. (Not one guy growing mushrooms under his cellar stairs). Once she grew (or raised) the food, it had to be picked or milked or slaughtered. Then the lettuce or chicken or cheese had to be packaged and shipped. Once at a store someone placed on the shelf.
You can take it a step farther. The farmer needs seeds, or feed and certainly gas for the equipment. The shipper requires laborers, drivers, dispatchers, and payroll people. The grocery store has cashiers, stockers and managers. To keep all these people and places running there has to be power. Now look to the power companies, the oil rigs, natural gas drillers, coal miners or perhaps as far as Kuwait or Libya
Thousands of people worked so I could have a salad this afternoon.
This fact is made more startling by the fact that in many places in this world, individuals must grow or raise the food they eat. They themselves slaughter, harvest, grind and cook. They scavenge for wood to cook and walk for water,
I am humbled by my lunch.
Challenge for You
Try mindfulness and gratitude with one meal. When you sit down to eat (yep sit down at a table, the car does not count) turn off the TV, radio or music. Don’t bring a book or the newspaper, the computer, phone or even the back of the cereal box to the table.
Put down your fork after each bite. Don’t put any more food in your mouth until what you have is slowly chewed and swallowed.
Start counting. How many people worked to make your meal? Start at the beginning (raising or growing what you are eating) and work your way to the store. Let me know what you discover.
What Worked for Me Today
Mindful Lunch
Minutia
Huffington Post
"In Buddhism You Are What and How You Eat"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/25/for-buddhist-master-you-a_n_828450.html
Geneen Roth
http://www.geneenroth.com/
Friday, January 21, 2011
Resilient - Not wishing for what was - but what what can be.
re•sil•ient
Pronunciation: \ ri-zil-yuh nt \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin resilient- of resilīre to spring back
Date: 1635–45
1. springing back; rebounding.
2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.
3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.
I have not lost hope. Not in myself, in my skills, in my children, in my students, in my colleagues, in my God. I am resilient. I am strong. I have learned to feel, to let go, to abandon myself to something greater. How I love a paradox! It is my very weakness, my very pain that demonstrates my strength.
At work, there are more challenges ahead. Changes that will require stamina, creativity, flexibility, patience, and perseverance. There is little time to whine about how I wish things could be. There is an urgency pressing to create something new.
I am humbled by the resiliency of the children. I had my own odd childhood, as so many of us did. However, it did not contain the physical and emotional wounds some of my students have lived through and face even today. Yet they come. They ask. They challenge. They cry. They stumble. They discover. They share. They learn. They argue. They laugh. They hunger. They come. They come to us and we must meet them where they are.
I have not lost hope. It is there in the compassion of the teachers. It rises from the laughter and from within the struggles of my students. It is there in the vision and belief that we can create something different, something better, something stronger.
We will do more with less. We will complain and argue, but we will come prepared. We have not lost hope. We are resilient.
What Worked for Me Today
Staying Grounded in Today
Acknowledging that I can feel conflicting emotions but knowing that I do not have to be all of one or the other.
Minutia
We are not alone in facing significant budget cuts.
Lake Oswego needs to Cut $5 - 8 Million
Lake Oswego cut 16 teachers last year and are considering closing a school this year.
http://news.opb.org/article/47049-cities-schools-look-work-together-solve-funding-woes/
Gaston May Close the Entire District
http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2011/01/gaston_school_district_officials_to_detail_potential_2011-12_budget_cuts_seek_final_word_on_consolid.html
Roseburg Needs to Cut $3 million
http://www.nrtoday.com/article/20101219/NEWS/101219756/0/WAP&parentprofile=1061
Eugene Needs to Cut as Much as $35 million
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5976430/eugene_oregon_local_schools_hit_hard.html?cat=8
North Clackamas faces $10 Million Cut
David Dougas $12 Million Cut
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Oregon-school-districts-again-face-budget-pinch-114214199.html
Pronunciation: \ ri-zil-yuh nt \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin resilient- of resilīre to spring back
Date: 1635–45
1. springing back; rebounding.
2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.
3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.
I have not lost hope. Not in myself, in my skills, in my children, in my students, in my colleagues, in my God. I am resilient. I am strong. I have learned to feel, to let go, to abandon myself to something greater. How I love a paradox! It is my very weakness, my very pain that demonstrates my strength.
At work, there are more challenges ahead. Changes that will require stamina, creativity, flexibility, patience, and perseverance. There is little time to whine about how I wish things could be. There is an urgency pressing to create something new.
I am humbled by the resiliency of the children. I had my own odd childhood, as so many of us did. However, it did not contain the physical and emotional wounds some of my students have lived through and face even today. Yet they come. They ask. They challenge. They cry. They stumble. They discover. They share. They learn. They argue. They laugh. They hunger. They come. They come to us and we must meet them where they are.
I have not lost hope. It is there in the compassion of the teachers. It rises from the laughter and from within the struggles of my students. It is there in the vision and belief that we can create something different, something better, something stronger.
We will do more with less. We will complain and argue, but we will come prepared. We have not lost hope. We are resilient.
What Worked for Me Today
Staying Grounded in Today
Acknowledging that I can feel conflicting emotions but knowing that I do not have to be all of one or the other.
Minutia
We are not alone in facing significant budget cuts.
Lake Oswego needs to Cut $5 - 8 Million
Lake Oswego cut 16 teachers last year and are considering closing a school this year.
http://news.opb.org/article/47049-cities-schools-look-work-together-solve-funding-woes/
Gaston May Close the Entire District
http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2011/01/gaston_school_district_officials_to_detail_potential_2011-12_budget_cuts_seek_final_word_on_consolid.html
Roseburg Needs to Cut $3 million
http://www.nrtoday.com/article/20101219/NEWS/101219756/0/WAP&parentprofile=1061
Eugene Needs to Cut as Much as $35 million
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5976430/eugene_oregon_local_schools_hit_hard.html?cat=8
North Clackamas faces $10 Million Cut
David Dougas $12 Million Cut
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Oregon-school-districts-again-face-budget-pinch-114214199.html
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