Meditation and Motherhood

Pip and Mom, a Mountain Top Meditation.

Reatreat with Ajhan Sona of Birken forest Monastery, BC.

Ajahn Sona, Abbot--Birken Forest Monastery

I spent Friday evening and Saturday morning at a Buddhist meditation retreat in Kelowna. The Abbot of Birken Forest Monastery, Ajan Sona, was the monastic leading the retreat.

 I found Ajahn Sona's wisdom on dealing with human emotions to be the most interesting. His simple, straight forward advice for living with the basic ups and downs of daily emotions and interactions was helpful. I would have liked to listen to him speak much longer about this.

The thing about monastics is that although they are often deep on the path towards enlightenment, they are human. So, when they respond the audience's questions with (seemingly) weak answers to Buddhist questions or tell stories that reveal the monk to be insecure about their own social status, it takes me a little by surprise. However, I like to take from each monastic, the best of what they have to offer. Monastics are human with human failings just like the rest of us lay peoples. But each and every monastic has substantial wisdom in  at least one area--and this is the area I really pay attention to. Although, I admit, when I recognize personal insecurity in a monk, it makes me take stalk of my own insecurities. If I were ever to become ordained, I too would carry some personal baggage with me.
I use this same philosophy when I study The Buddha's teachings: He was human, if some of his teachings seem limited, I acknowledge his humanness and the culture/society in which he was living in.

Saturday morning's retreat was sitting and walking meditation with a break for lunch. I had planned on staying for the entire day of meditating but at lunch the compulsion to be with my kids was too strong. I needed to go home. My life is very busy, like almost all Western lives. All week long it is work and activities. I hardly have any time to just be home with my family. Many of us are rushing around to catch a dance lesson/soccer practice/music lesson/meetings etc. When the weekend arrives, guess what? More soccer/meetings/appointments. I am away next weekend and then another weekend shortly after and every day/evening some scheduled appointment.

I am not proud of this rushing around through life. I am trying to change it--trying to find a simple balance but it is almost impossible with 3 children each wanting to do several extra-curricular activities for fun (and I want them to have these opportunities to enjoy sports and music). Also, my life is in the process of big growth and change; my career was on pause for a decade to devote to raising my babes and now--time to catch up! No rest for the wicked and weary.
Thus, I felt (due to the fact I miss spending serious leisure time with my babes) that a morning meditation was enough on this day. I love Buddhism practice but I love being a mom more. My children trump everything and anything. I believe this strengthens my Buddhist practice--to know and practice true loving kindness and compassion for myself and my children.

So I get home and find Tabs rushing out the door for a soccer game (with her dad) and my other two girls busy playing (hanging Mist would say) with the neighbor girls.
But at least I was home while they played and there to make sure my soccer star took her vitamins supplements before her game.

Bare Foot Buddhism

My morning  footprints on the Northwest Coast, Oregon, USA

My feet. Monkey toes.

Another's footprints on the beach that morning.

A teeny crab Anemone found in the Salmon River--that's her little thumb.

Northwest Pacific coastal shore Plant

Northwest Pacific Coastal plant on the rocky shore. Such a beautiful plant with it's colours and shapes.

A still life I created with objects I'd just found in low tide. The rock made me think of my darling little girl at home. I thought Pippi's little fingers would fit perfectly in the rock. Whenever I am separated from my girls, it is often small things in nature that remind me of my darlings--knowing we would cherish the beauty together.

Another fascinating shore plant with interesting green berries at Westwind, Oregon.

One of the great gifts I received from the Buddhist Mindfulness retreat at Westwind, Oregon, was the freedom to walk barefoot for the entire stay: through sandy shores, pine needle paths, rocky paths and wooden floors. The natural beauty of the coast is surreal in its spectacularness and I was blessed to explore this region barefoot--connecting completely with the land and sea. Walking barefoot is the best thing for the brain and mind. All the nerves in the foot are stimulated by the changing surfaces, and temperatures, this stimulates the brain. It forces one to be present in the moment--aware of each and every step one takes, connecting fully with one's movement through space. The retreat was perfection for one's health: barefoot, healthy fresh foods, raw natural setting, many other humans to activate the social areas of our brains and meditation.
I've always been one to forgo the shoes whenever I can. As a child I'd slip off my shoes to run barefoot home from friends' houses, feeling I was so much faster barefoot. I've never liked slippers either, preferring my bare feet on floors. Perhaps this is why, to this day, my toes are very flexible--my sister used to call me monkey toes as a child because I can move my toes in many directions. It's an easy gift we can all give ourselves: walk barefoot to stimulate your brain and body--it feels great. My eldest daughter appears to have flat feet--the flattest I have seen. But a recent trip to a specialist pointed out the true nature of those long, thin, elegant feet of hers: they are super flexible. Her feet are not actually flat at all. In the air, while stepping, she has a lovely arch, on contact with the ground, her over-flexible foot completely compresses--flattens out. The specialist advised no treatment other than continuing to strengthen them with barefoot walking and ballet (she is taking point this year). With those super-rubbery feet of hers I am sure she'll be the first on point! So, my darling daughter and I often walk the rocky mountain trails near our home together-barefoot. The rocks are big and sharp. The hike is the ultimate foot strengthening test. Ideally though, we need to live on a long stretch of sandy beach (like the wonderful Westwind) so we can walk and run with the tide each morning.

The Micro (do-it-yourself) Spiritual Retreat

The more Buddhist philosophy I read, the more I realize how little of life's truths I know. Even the truths I have learned often become lost again in daily life. I try to keep up my meditation practices. I have tired various meditation techniques. I favour my own unique mix. This micro-retreat is for anyone who enjoys meditation. One does not have to be a Buddhist to attempt this micro-retreat. This is my own unique way of combining meditations.

The Micro (do-it-yourself)  Spiritual Retreat

I am a do-it yourself kind of a girl. This applies to my spirituality. I like to find truths along the way of my own spiritual path. I don't need to hold anyone's hand to meditate. I read, search out spiritual leaders to learn from, but ultimately, like everyone else, I travel the spiritual path alone. Though, I must say, I do enjoy attending weekly group meditations when I can and retreats away are the best.

Spring is a time of rebirth and thus, one needs to rebirth one's mind (I wish I could disappear into a Buddhist Monastery to expedite the process but alas I have to find that mind of mine in the forests surrounding my home). I recommend one find a little space in nature, bring a hot or cool beverage, depending on the weather, and a picnic blanket. Sit.

Pippi and I happy to have found the perfect spot for a micro retreat.

•  My first suggestion is a little unconventional for most meditators but it works. It really helps one clear out the mind of pressing worries before one starts to seriously attempt to meditate. My philosophy is to calm the immediate concerns about one's life so one can truly enjoy the mediation process. To do this I suggest one go through one's life mandala to see if one is on track. This is done in one's mind--a virtual check list. Go through a mental breakdown of the mandala and take note on which areas you are currently working on according to your set goals and which areas need more work. Awareness is the key. Be aware of what you are doing right and what needs a little more attention.

*If you haven't already written down and know your life mandala then do that first (prior to the mini-retreat). Pen and paper or a lap top needed for this step. A life Mandala is an overall map of your life--all the areas you must include and pay attention to. My mandala includes spiritual quests, career, health, fitness, hobby pursuits, home and even personal upkeep:grooming and fashion. I list the most simplified basic goal (s) in this area. If one can keep on top of the most basic, simplified goal (s) in any one area of one's life--one's mandala is in order and life does not become overwhelming. The mandala is fluid, thus it must be updated and changed as one's life changes. Nothing is set in stone. However, the most basic goals should not change too much (if they truly are simplified and attainable they are usually somewhat flexible). 

Pippi enjoying the tea ceremony meditation.

• Next step is to put the Mandala out of one's mind. Clear the mind and meditate. A tea ceremony meditation is a lovely way to start. Sip a piping hot cup of tea very slowly, very quietly. Just sit and sip and enjoy the sensual experience of the tea. Think of nothing, just enjoy the sensations of sipping hot tea from your cup. Take time.
• The next step is to seriously clear the mind of pressing baggage before a longer meditation. I find it helpful to deal with my life's problems through visitation/visualization meditations. I perform a compassion meditation. In my mind, I receive each and every person whom I have an issue with. I take from them every negative emotion I detect them as having and recycle these emotions into compassion. It is calming to realize that those that cause us the most pain are often in pain themselves. If I am having issues with myself then I do the same thing for myself with my own negative emotions (yes, I'm always on my own hot seat). This visualization should be done before the nothingness meditation. 
• Finally, true meditation time. There are many different ways to meditate but at some point one needs to completely clear the mind to nothingness.  This is something one must research on their own--how to meditate. I personally practice a technique I learned through Vipassana meditation: focusing on sensations throughout the body. Eventually the mind clears and one's mind is at peace indefinitely until one decides to end the meditation. Mediate for as long as you wish. 

Once the mind is clear, pack up your blanket and head home with a fresh mind.

Note: you will not be able to do the serious "nothingness" meditation with your little darlings. If you bring your babes, the retreat will most likely end after the tea!

Pippi and I after having finished our micro-spiritual retreat--time for a cuddle and nearly ready to walk down the mountain and head back home.

November Christmas Pianists

Kettle Valley Christmas Home

Duet: Tabs and her teacher Marla

Mist and Pip

Mist on Piano

Mist, sneaking in a little people watching while playing :)

Tabs, sneaking in a little people watching ;)

Pippi with goodie bag for being a quiet listener

Off to run up the mountain with Fernando--my Sunday routine.
An unusual weekend for me. I am trying not to do too much as I feel a little overwhelmed by life in general. I did however, choreograph a new salsa dance to Alex Cuba. Must practice it before I post it though.
Peter has been working at his office all weekend. Though, I insist he and the kids get together for a few hours each day. So far they've been playing "The Game of Life" downstairs, in front of the fire for 2 days straight. My kids love that old board game.
Next week I start back attempting to finish all of the applications I worked on last week. I want to be done all of that asap, as I have given myself a work order. After the next 2 applications, all I am going to do is teach dance and work on my writing and publishing. That is it! Oh yes, and invigilate exams when needed.
*Note: because some of my books are for children, I paint the illustrations. So fortunately, I get to paint too :)

I believe today will look a little like this for me:
-run.
-take kids to H2o Centre for swimming and waterslides.
-give myself permission to read! I am so wanting the time to be allowed to read (for me) again. My Buddha Brain book is calling me...
-meditate--much needed today. When life is overwhelming it is one of the only things that sorts me out!
-practice dance: Salsa x6 + dance ZumbAtomics routine that I will teach tomorrow.
-send Peter for groceries. I can't bear going to that store today.
-this next part is top secret as it involves doing a few errands I said I was going to do last week but still haven't done yet :P

Have a wonderful Sunday and I hope you find time to read and meditate too :)

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Soccer on Saturday Morning

Tabs refueling

Tabs got the ball away from all of her opponents this time--it was a great play. She even saved herself from a ball in the face!

After the game:       Tabs (facing camera) 

Spent Saturday morning with Tabs at her soccer game. Peter taught his grad class all day. The weather predicted rain so I took the girls shopping as Tabs needed summer clothing (she's out grown all last year's items). And shop we did. Mist brought a friend along--we split up and met 2h later. I was pooped. Pip spilt her chocolate milk all over my jeans at one point during the trip. But Tabs was thrilled to find a lovely dress and I bought one for Pip also.
And on Saturday night, we managed a family game of tennis once again after supper.

I mailed away my revised thesis on Friday so it is time for phase 2 of  my career comeback after a decade long maternity leave! Phase one was getting my MA degree. Phase 2 is rather exciting because finally everything I have worked on for my entire adult life will come together: painting/writing/teaching. I am going to forge ahead and finish my MFA at UBC so I will be qualified to teach at any and all University Fine Arts departments. The absolute best thing about it is that my research will be my art!
So, phase 2 requires more applications to the Uni. I believe I can finish the degree quite quickly. To supplement my income I will teach Zumba while I finish my latest degree. All I've ever done is paint, write and teach my entire life so this is where I am supposed to be.

Again, I must say what Zumba dance does for me: it saves my mind. The intense physical exercises, intense dance choreography and music is what my brain needs. I am a very active/ creative person--my brain craves constant action--it is a gift but also I get into trouble with this brain of mine unless I can focus it and challenge it on all levels daily. Zumba does just that. And of course, a nice long evening meditation always helps bring me down. The only down side to being a serious meditator is that something has to give. I can no longer read in the evenings before bed or watch a movie. I have to meditate for an hour before bed. I get up super early to work out so I go to bed pretty early (never after ten if I can help it). Thus, a meditator's life involves some sacrifices in the areas of leisure entertainment such as reading in bed.

Today the girls and I had a picnic lunch in the forest park behind our house with Miranda's family (Peter working on a paper at the Uni). I felt bad because the girls decide they wanted veggie dogs and hot dogs (the new naturally cured variety--no chemicals or by products) So I made them, wrapped them in foil and headed out. Mist's friend Lauren came along as well. And wouldn't you know it, discovered the hot dog buns had mold on them once we arrived at the picnic :(  Tabs had just made her ginger snap cookies and they were ready the moment we left the house so at least we had warm cookies for dessert :)

Vipassana: Dhamma Surabhi

Home again.
Looking rough and feeling hungry.

So much to capture in a few words. The eleven days felt like eleven months.
It was grueling.
It was amazing.
A line from Amazing Grace comes to mind, was blind but now I see.

Meditating twelve hour days.
Living like monks and nuns.
4 a.m. wake-up gong.
No food past 11 a.m.
Silence.
No communicating with the thirty other women and thirty men.
Three roommates in my room.
No writing, no reading.
Nothing but: meditate, eat a little, meditate some more and sleep at night.

The very first morning, with the wake up gong at 4 a.m., my instant reaction was to blurt out "oh man..."

That first morning meditation was an adventure. My eyes were closed, I was meditating and suddenly something heavy landed in my lap, I opened my eyes to discover a body on top of me. The woman in front of me had fainted and fallen back onto me, her head in my lap. When she came conscious, I helped her back up. Later, before we left, I spoke with her and she told me the eye contact I had with her and my arm around her shoulder gave her comfort and she knew she was o.k.
Then, the very next morning, in meditation hall, I received a tap on my shoulder. This time, it was the woman behind--alerting me that I had a huge spider crawling up my back. I looked at it and discovered it wasn't poisonous so I ignored it--I have never been afraid of spiders.

Vipassana was the most grueling of experiences and yet the most rewarding. I learned much.

It is an amazing meditation technique that I believe would benefit so many that suffer from brain damage. A bonus to the meditation is that as one mentally feels the body to find sensations everywhere, in doing so, sharpens and rewires the brain's body map.
It proved challenging to feel my legs as separate limbs after sitting crossed legged for so long--the brain morphs then into one entity (in the brain map) naturally. I had to work to separate them in my brain's body map and feel them as separate.
 The practice sharpened my mind such, that in mediation I felt my mind was like a laser that could burn a hole through matter if I focused it on one spot.
Also, if you know a little about neuro-science, you might understand that after so many hours of "feeling my entire body sensations", I was able to "see" my body with my eyes still closed. I looked down and my brain received optical images of my arms and legs even though I kept my eyes shut. I moved my hands and arms and watched in my brain like my eyes were open. The optical space in my brain was being stimulated by input from other than the eye lenses.

The most bizarre thing that happened was that I had life changing meditations. Very odd meditations. Not your traditional Vipassana. In one case, on day five, it was as though I touched a live electric wire. My entire body was on fire with electric like vibrations. These were very intense. And my eyes were moving rapidly although they were closed. It was not a pleasant sensation, as it was so intense.  The current through my body was very strong and it was like my skin was on fire. I honestly felt like I was floating above my cushion. My limbs were locked and my fingers stiff and immovable. But, like a good Vipassana meditator, I observed the entire experience and it lasted for a good 5-10 minutes and afterward I discovered tears running down my cheeks. While it was happening my entire inside was brightly lit like a sun was shining from within me. It was a little frightening as I thought bodily sensations like that only happened in supernatural thriller movies. It must have been the mother of all sankharas I was feeling (negative reaction surfacing from my subconscious mind).

On another day, the agony in my hips was too great. I couldn't sit still for the hour long "sitting of determination." I talked to the teacher afterward and said, "Womens' hips are not the same as mens. I have given birth three times, if Buddha had given birth three times, he would have moved his legs too." She laughed and agreed with me.

My roommates were cool. One woman commutes to the UN in Geneva (she founded a non profit organization for refugees from Afghanistan to make sure they have human rights in their new countries). Another just moved to Vancouver from Dubai. When the nobel silence finally ended on our last day, we talked so late that everyone else in centre was asleep but us. It was the middle of the night and all 4 of us crept down the dark hall to use the bathroom. It was rather humorous from our point of view that suddenly our fellow meditators were treated to the flush of all 4 toilets at once in the middle on the night (11 p.m. is the middle of the night when 4 a.m. is wake-up call).

I enjoyed their company even though one of my roommates was a tattle-tale. She complained to the management that I "wrote something with a pen on paper." Writing is against the rules. When my teacher asked me if I was the culprit from room #8 behind such a deed, I just laughed and said, "Guilty as charged. I can't believe someone tattled on me!" It felt like second grade prison.

 My humor pulled me through the entire eleven days. In the deadly silence, I would tell my self little jokes and hide my smiles. My humour must have been sensed in my energy because after the silence lifted on day ten, one of my roommates told me I should be a stand up comedian because everything I did made her laugh and she couldn't look at me all retreat because she would crack up.

One of the greatest gifts was on the morning of day eight, I was walking in the forest yard and I heard wolves howling. It was a dream come true. Wolves are so difficult to hear as they are rare. Dhamma Surabhi is located in pure mountain wilderness off of the Coquihalla. The forests are teaming with big mammals: moose, bear, cougars and wolves. And the stars! They shone so brightly at night, reminded me of how clear the sky is in Hawaii.

It was excruciating at times and what pulled me through were the little pleasures in life. I made friends with a squirrel and chipmunk in the forest and spent my few free minutes outside watching them. The squirrel had unearthed its stash of pine cones from last fall and would dig one out at a time and excitedly eat each one like a cob of corn.

Can I maintain the 2 h a day meditations to keep my mind free of misery? I will do my best. I will return to Dhamma Surabhi to serve while my girls are in summer mini-meditation camps. I am also in charge of finding us Kelowna meditators a place to meditate weekly as a group. I am very close to securing us a room on campus.
Thank-you, to the Buddhas-in-training that helped me find the path.

Communication Revolution: Forward Ever, Backward Never!

Fernando's

I took the girls out for supper last night to a new Mexican Restaurant called Fernando's. Of course we had to try it out since I love Mexican food and our darling dog is named Fernando. Peter was in Vancouver at meetings.

It was very busy down town last night. Fernando's was busy too and very chilly outside! We had to park about 6 blocks from the restaurant. Walking back to the van proved to be very chilly. We stopped half way at a Starbucks for hot coco.

I love being down town at night. Peter is not big on the down town but I like it. I am always on the look out for interesting people and adventure. My girls are the three most interesting persons on earth but I am always open to meeting others. Unfortunately no new interesting people out and about last night. 

Where were you other interesting people last night? Next time try and be out and about when I need you.

Just returned from my Hep A shot. Now I am immune for life. It is snowing in Kelowna. The biggest snow fall ever last night and today. The snow plows can't keep up!
Tabs is home with a sore throat--too much choir! The girl has belonged to 3 separate choirs this past two months! She sings for an hour + daily. However, I believe it is actually a cold type virus. Pip has had it this past week too.
Tonight, Peter is finally home from Van. Date night! I am wanting to see a movie down town. Hope it stops snowing so we can. Sometimes, the snow plows stop working after 4PM so if it snows a lot after that, one cannot make it up the mountain until they plow the next morning.

Excited as I dropped my quest to find Buddhist sanga in Kelowna (community). The pressure to meditate with a group shut me down. I prefer to meditate alone, just before bed and get my sanga from a yearly visit to a ashram. I honestly don;t have 2 hours each week to meditate at the yoga house in the evening. I am too busy. And honestly, my personality is one that likes action. I am doing hot yoga and Zumba in the evenings instead. Zumba instead of latin dance because #1 I can't find a willing male dance partner: if you are out there please give me a call! #2 Zumba is at Tabs school gym at night--a five minute drive--convieniencce means a lot to me in the evening! Bikram's is too expensive. They don't give student discounts and they don't do punch cards. However hot yoga is offering $12 a time student classes this year--so I am taking them up on it Monday evenings. Yes, the floor is heated along with the room to over 100 degress F. I feel like a piece of bacon sizzling around during corpse pose--but beggars can't be choosers!

My paper was accepted for an international conference--YAY! It means though, writing like a crazed woman for 2 weeks to make the final copy deadline. I love my thesis though. Good stuff. I am so happy with my research. It is very exciting. I may not be able to leave academia behind after my MA is done--I love feeling connected to something much bigger than me and my research--this whole communication revolution is a fun ride!

My Big Fat House

After a little mind searching I have decided much more meditation and Buddhist practice is in order. My house is getting fat--random purchases based on anxiety and holding on to old possessions that no longer inspire me. I am going to have a big garage sale and sell everything that I don't really need or that I don't truly adore. 

I have those guidelines for my wardrobe and similarly my eating habits so I am encompassing all my material possessions under the same guidelines. Otherwise my house and my life gets fat! I said to Miranda, I LOVE icecream but I don't eat it 3 times a day or I'd be fat. And I love 1950's furniture but I cannot buy every piece I find because it is a good price. And Miranda said, "Bingo! Your house is fat!" I don't want a fat house. As it is now I have 5 sofas. So as I said, I am going to sell all that I don't absolutely adore or need.

Okanagan Beach Bash

At the beach with the M & J's clan. We had head standing competitions(Miranda is the champ) and log standing (I won).  I am sure John will appreciate how well I captured his winning technique ;) And take a look at Peter's pipes! I had to put that pic in because his arm muscles look so massive :)

Went to Inception last night. The air conditioning was up to high and Peter was jumpy all through the movie because he was cold. I weird movie. ACTION! I liked the premise for it--entering one's dreams and changing them. 

Took 6 little girls to Ramona and Beezus on Tuesday night. All was well until the cat died. Pip could not stop crying about it--she was devastated. Artemis didn't get it. She couldn't understand how the cat went from "sleeping" in its bed to being buried--she thought she missed the death scene. She kept shouting "How'd they kill the cat?" "Who killed the cat?" She was hilarious! But Pip, oh that Pip...the tears continued until the movie was over and then intensified and she became completely hysterical and irrational. She was crying so hard I could not calm her down (yes, she was exhausted and I shouldn't have taken her to the movie in the first place). Then she vomited all over me as we left the theatre. It was hysterical vomiting because she was crying so hard. Mist's friend Ashley was most helpful and whipped in a Cafe to get some napkins for me.

My mind needs more Buddha. I have to start regular meditations daily. I am a confused mess. I feel overwhelmed by my Masters red-tape and by my home chores. 

My girls have been naughty. They begged me to left them thrift at a local thrift shop. I didn't want to as I do not need anymore stuff in my home! I caved and sure enough, a 1950's pull out bed/love-seat in copper became my next purchase. It weighs about 1000 lb. and Peter refused to let me load it in the van and take it home (he met me at the thrift store  after his work)--he hates all the old furniture I collect.

I only payed $25 for it and since I already had the cushions at home and Mistaya really liked it, he caved.  But I refuse to let the girls talk me into thrifting again because I cannot fit anything else in my home and if I see vintage furniture for a low price, I cannot help myself!!! Help me Buddha! I'm a thrifting maniac! I told you I need more meditation--I am a mess when it comes to thrifting. There is a wonderful old trunk and stereo cabinet there from the 40's that I passed up though as I already have a similar stereo.

May stay home this long weekend as I have a big camping trip coming up with M and her girls and my girls to Banff and Yoho on Tuesday (maybe my nephew KW too). However, Monday is my birthday so I want to have local exciting family days of hiking, swimming and biking. I think I'd like a boat for Okanagan Lake--that way we could find private beaches.

All I Have to Do Is Take a Look at You

Fairwell Hawaii. Peter took this on his iphone as we borded the plane in Kona.
I am still jet lagged. I've never felt so tired. If I get up befor 8 am it is all I can do to remain awake all day. I am so dead tired by afternoon, I so want to nap. I have heard flying West to East is the hardest. I can't get over the 3 hour morning difference. Getting up at 6am is 3am in Hawaii.
I didn't expect it to take me a week and still feel tired. But truly, I think 12 hour days outside, in full sun were so good for my body that it is in sunshine withdrawl.
Pip is napping (her ears are stil not fully healed). Tabs is at dance and I just picked Mist up from volleyball. Mist has to be at a band concert in 1/2 h. When Peter gets home at 6ish (any time now) I may ask him to attend as I have to wait for Tabs to come home, make her supper and try and wake up Pip and feed her supper too. Because of the busy evening I got burrito take-out from Taco Del Mar. You know me and Mexican food--my favorite.
Starting yet another new workout routine. Having to rework everything as time permits. No longer do I have time for hour long classes in the mornings. MWF I will lift weights and do 20 min on the bike hard-core. T,TH I will run. Sat-am Bikram yoga. Wed night Zumba dance. And Sunday is family sport day.
I need more weight lifting as I find it is the easiest, least time-consuming way to have a cut, trim body.
And I am starting (or trying) Monday evening Buddhust meditation and readings at the Yoga House. I am looking forward to it as I need my Sanga! It has been so difficult to find a buddhist sanga (community) in Kelowna. There is no doubt that evening meditations give my mind peace and optimism.
I again must share how much joy my three daughters bring me. No matter what difficulties I am dealing with, when I see each one of them, I am filled with inner peace, relief and joy. They are all rays of sunshine and joy in my life. I am so blessed to have this wonderous human connection with my girls.