Journeys and Stress

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I’m not much of a risk taker, so find myself nervous when in unfamiliar territory. To alleviate the tension, I plan, and plan, and plan again. I’ve found planning actually allows me to go with the flow once things change, which of course, they always do. (This is a good thing, because I never allow enough time for anything…)

While in Britain we stayed in London, Edinburgh and York. We rode the Tube, city buses, the Big Bus, City Cruise line and National rails (missed the wonderful black cabs). We visited the Maritime Museum, Greenwich Observatory, Hampton Court Palace, British Library, British Museum, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul's, National Gallery, Churchill Museum, Parliament, Edinburgh Castle, the British Open, York Minster, Market and Tower, Westminster Abbey, Lloyds of London, Harrods and Tate Modern. We walked both sides of the Thames, the Millennium Bridge, Miracle Mile, the York Wall and the Old Course @ St Andrews (155,610 steps). We did not see Les Misérables or Kew Gardens (for which I was sorry), York Castle Museum, the Changing of the Guard or ride the London Eye (for which I was not sorry).

Most of our trip did not occur as planned. Actually with the exception of reserved lodging, tickets and transportation, none of it did; which along with a 6 hour time difference and a completely different food regimen caused me (and my DH) some stress.

I had already given myself permission to skip my normal routine (even though I could have meditated in bed in the mornings), so when we missed connections due to underground delays, or found sites we wanted to visit closed for renovations, I was surprised at how well my ‘portable meditation moment’ worked.

For those of you new to my blogs, the portable moment involves breathing deeply to release your stress, therefore not adding to an already overstressed world.
www.oprah.com/spirit/One-Moment-Medi
tation-Day-8-Introducing-the-Portable-
Minute
Not only was I able to destress, but I was able to send out good thoughts to my fellow weary travelers.

All in all, a wonderful enlightening journey on many levels!
Namaste

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BAGGYPANTS5 7/23/2010 4:22AM

Blimey!! I've lived here all my life and not seen half those things. The London Eye is great and so is York Castle Museum and Kew, but as you didn't go there, it's no good me telling you! Next time, maybe. Report Inappropriate Comment

BRIGHTSPARK7 7/22/2010 9:56PM

Phew! You did pack a lot into one trip! Glad you're back and that you found a way to stay centered and easeful in the midst of your travels. Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 7/22/2010 5:24PM

You sure did try to pack a lot of sights into your trip! I too, rather have some kind of pre organized trip. My Mom and I plan to to take some sort of bus trip or cruise where everything is run and driven by someone else so you can just sit back and let them worry about closures, wrong times, tickets, travel etc. I have only been on three bus trips, but they always delivered their itineraries fully. We would have really liked to take a English garden tour, but for once, they didn't hold the one out of the university this year :( Would have included a horticultural expert, nothing like having someone along who knows what is what in the gardens.. You just talk about the stress caused on the trip. i am assuming you enjoyed what you did get to see at least, and that the trip had been worth while? Hope you have a good restful and recovery evening.. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 7/22/2010 4:25PM

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your visit. You certainly packed a lot in. Hope we can meet up next time. Report Inappropriate Comment

EGRAMMY 7/22/2010 4:20PM

What wonderful memories you have of yur tirp to be mindful of now and in the future. You taught me that word. Report Inappropriate Comment

EARTHSEAME 7/22/2010 3:40PM

Sounds like you have developed a winning combination of planning and flexibility that enabled you to really enjoy your trip! (On my London trip last year I was able to hold it together until the last day and then spent the trip back on the plane a trembling jelly of frayed nerves.) Report Inappropriate Comment

MEMAMA 7/22/2010 10:01AM

Amazing what a few breaths will do!!! Comment edited on: 7/22/2010 10:05:22 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 7/22/2010 10:01AM

I like the portable minute too! Sounds like you had a FULL journey with memories to last a long time. I find that sometimes the best parts of my journeys have been the ones I did not plan on having... BTW.. What is the London Eye? Report Inappropriate Comment

'Culture' Food

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

I'm catching up with my SFs and read two great blogs which made me once again count my blessings.

EARTHSEAME wrote about growing up in a culture of deprivation, of food lacking sweetness or joy, of day old bread and old and wormy fruits and vegetables. Her 'comfort' foods became high fat, high sugar substitutes, but now she eats "to fuel my precious body."

WALKINGANNIE wrote about facing social pressures to consume more. After visiting her beautiful country, I completely empathize. I booked B&Bs and while the 'full breakfast' varied from city to city and hotel to hotel, it never contained less than 2 meats, always an egg (or 3), often beans and never fruit. In addition, the 'culture' foods of gastro-pubs were Bangers and Mash and Sunday Roasts served with pints of beer or drams of whiskey.

As I've started to become mindful of my eating, I've discovered my 'comfort' food has everything to do with the 'culture' I was raised in. As opposed to EARTHSEAME and WALKINGANNIE, I was raised in a food culture that while we were to clean our plates (because children were starving in China), our plates contained bountiful fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meat and potatoes.

Now my ‘culture’ includes my SparkFriends, who bring me ‘comfort’ through sharing their experiences and wisdom.
Namaste

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PENNYAN45 7/21/2010 8:27PM

It is good to see you blogging again. I missed you. My culture food also contained a lot of meat and potatoes -- more of that than the fruits and vegetables. (I think California and Florida have a real advantage in that area.) And you are so right about our Spark friends becoming our culture too! What a great way to view that. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 7/21/2010 3:56PM

It's great to have you back on SP - although I'm still sad that we couldn't meet in person in the UK. I hope you had a good trip despite the unpredictable weather. You are definitely part of my comfort system - and, of course, your blog reminded me that I should be grateful for choice and the certainty that I don't ever have to go to bed hungry. I am fortunate indeed. Report Inappropriate Comment

EGRAMMY 7/21/2010 2:58PM

insights Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 7/21/2010 2:23PM

For us it was those poor starving children in Africa. My father's country is the same way about food, way too heavy and too much. When I was in Germany we ate three squares a day, plus must have a coffee break twice each day. I was so full from the heavy meals, I honestly didn't feel like any coffee break, but it was expected. When I once tried to cut a piece of cheese wafer thin to put on my bread, my uncle said no! no !not that way, and he proceeded to cut an inch thick slice. Lol, I hate to think how much I gained in my three weeks there. This was before i started weighing myself and getting concerned. It was also when my knees were badly deteriorating and it was painful to walk. Oh how I wish I could go there now when I am so fit and could do some serious hiking!! Here is to having more healthy Spark buddies!! Enjoy your Wednesday! Report Inappropriate Comment

NAMSMOMMY 7/21/2010 2:14PM

I think you can embrace your culture and eat wisely. Just involves choices! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLENDERELLA61 7/21/2010 1:55PM

Blessings come in so many different ways. Your gratitude for the food you grew up on is beautiful! -Marsha Report Inappropriate Comment

EARTHSEAME 7/21/2010 1:53PM

Welcome home! Spark Friends certainly are in class all by themselves! Comment edited on: 7/21/2010 1:54:11 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Sleep Challenge Week 2

Thursday, July 08, 2010

My blogs this week are all over the map, but @ this point, I am just going with the flow.
Since most of my 'free' time is consumed with finalizing plans for our trip across 'the pond', I'm finding inspiration in my Spark Mail.

Week 2 of the Sleep Challenge includes "7 Hidden Ways to Get Better Sleep" www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellnes
s_articles.asp?id=420

1. Environment - bedrooms are for sleeping (and other pleasures)
2. Routine (remember getting babies to bed?)
3. Stop eating at least three hours before bedtime
4. Consider herbal teas or a small glass of warm milk
5. Learn to nap (for no longer than 20 minutes)
6. Take control of your worries - journal and close the book on the day
7. Get a check-up if you can't sleep

Other than no having time to nap (might be a good habit to start after work?), I have no problem following the advice and actually have for years.

My problem is night sweats, throwing off the covers, freezing, throwing on the covers, sweating... you get the picture...


Looking forward to some advice on that!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MNNICE 7/9/2010 4:59PM

Have been a very good "sleeper" my whole life (except for a period when I quit smoking), but lately I too am waking up not with sweats, but feeling hot/cold, and also I know I need to learn to put my "worries" to bed. I know I really need to turn off that tv, too, or sometimes it runs all night long before someone wakes up and turn sit off. Another "trick" I've found is lavender scented pillow mist or diffuser in the bedroom. The lavender smell is very calming. Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT2DAYK 7/9/2010 2:31PM

I hope you get some relief. I resorted to some bio-identical hormones and I sleep better now and no night problems. Finding the right levels and someone to help you figure it out was more of a problem however. Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 7/8/2010 11:22PM

Sorry you have to suffer with that. My Mom had that really bad too, I don't know what my excuse is now though. I have no idea why I keep waking up so early even though I am dead tired when I go to bed (always at the same time) and fall asleep instantly. Its one thing I have completely failed at. if I have the time to take a nap, it ends up anywhere from 1-2 hours! The last two nights have only been 2-3 hours of unbroken sleep. I am hoping my Mom's couch will give me a longer sleep tonight, its so comfy! Because of my RA I get check ups up the wazoo by specialists and my family Dr. They all love how healthy I am and how great I am doing! My blood pressure today was 96 over 61! My blood work couldn't be more perfect! I am rocking it! Except in the sleep department :( Hormones were suggested for the sweats, but my Mom refused as she didn't want the cancer risk. Not having caffeine or sugars will help. Good luck with it.. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 7/8/2010 6:09PM

We have a ceiling fan above the bed. I love it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 7/8/2010 12:04PM

Yeah.. I got that picture! I am trying to get my full night's sleep but am a live long 4-5 hours sleeper... ARGH... Having fun planning and packing?? And when are you going across the pond? Report Inappropriate Comment

EGRAMMY 7/8/2010 11:05AM

I did that with post menopausal sleep problems Report Inappropriate Comment

UUCEEJAY 7/8/2010 11:05AM

Oh, I do remember the night sweats! Thank goodness that is in my past now. Hope you find an answer. I think I just endured and knew that this too would pass as soon as my body figured out it's hormone levels. Report Inappropriate Comment

Animal Crackers and Cocoa

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

"Animal crackers, and cocoa to drink. That is the finest of suppers, I think; when I'm grown up and can have what I please I think I shall always insist upon these."
- Christopher Morley, author & journalist

The Spark Healthy Reflections this morning was one of my favorite rhymes and suggested we (as children do) 'implicitly trust our instincts'. As I continue on my healthy journey, I am starting to do just that.

Please note the word 'starting'. While I no longer check the scale (only took 4 months), I have started to eliminate tracking other goals and am contemplating no longer tracking food and exercise. I am less 'worried' about the exercise tracking as I have a consistent routine, but as I start to experiment with new foods it might be fun to see their nutritional value.

I have found supporting and being supported by my SparkFriends takes more of my time (and is more rewarding) leaving less time for tracking.

We shall see if I can indeed eliminate tracking as I will be computerless on our trip to Britain.

Here's to childlike trust!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CJROARK 7/7/2010 7:40PM

You are going to do great! If you do gain a little on vacations, you will get right back into tracking everything again. It's awesome to see you take your life to an exciting new chapter! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 7/7/2010 6:56PM

Here IS to childlike trust. I'm with you on loosening the ties on the 'controls'. I hardly weigh at all, would exercise without the tracking but I still use the nutrition tracker most days because of the variety of foods that I eat. I also agree that reading and writing blogs is probably more important to me now. It's odd that I will miss you from the Sparkworld even though you will be physically closer. Sorry that we won't have that tea but hope that you have a fabulous trip. (By the way, most public libraries in the UK have accessible computers and we do have cybercafes!) Report Inappropriate Comment

ARTSYPOLKADOTS 7/7/2010 1:31PM

It's cool to see how far along you've come from where you started. At the point where I'm at (the very beginning!), I can't imagine going a day without my nutrition tracker and trusting myself to only eat so much. It's completely inspiring to see someone who feels like they can let go of that. Who trusts themselves and knows that they can do it. Congratulations! This was inspiring to read. =) Report Inappropriate Comment

PENNYAN45 7/7/2010 11:07AM

This might be a little like letting go of a life line. Even though you have been swimming along well, you might feel the loss anyway. But your successful behaviors are all in place - so it's just a matter of continuing on as before. Enjoy your trip! Report Inappropriate Comment

EGRAMMY 7/7/2010 10:54AM

So glad you are going to Britain. DH 's parents were from there, so he still has some relatives. Don't think we will get back there ever Yes, one must choose where to put one's Spark time. I still need the tracking badly and do like the getting the goodie points to give to encourage and support others. Report Inappropriate Comment

Cycles, Circles, Breathing in and Breathing Out

Friday, July 02, 2010

WALKINGANNIE always gets me thinking by gently playing with words. She congratulated me on my 'cycle of improvement' for gaining confidence biking. Cycles of improvement...

I changed my long time profile picture to my bride's dress, not only because it fit, but in honor of my sis' 40th wedding anniversary. Cycles of improvement, Circles of Life...

I recently changed it to a piece of my brother's artwork depicting a 'moon' chef with her companion sun peeking through the window, not only to represent my next step on my healthy journey, but because I miss him and want him with me as I grow. Cycles of improvement, Circles of Life, Breathing In and Breathing Out...

DIANEPBH posted fabulous photos and a delectable recipe as she is experimenting with new foods every few weeks. She didn't know she would serve as my guide for my next cycle of improvement and circle of life.

Here's to breathing in and breathing out.
Namaste my wonderful Spark Friends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EGRAMMY 7/5/2010 10:17PM

So lovely. Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTANT123 7/3/2010 11:24AM

I love the fact that we are constantly changing. L really appreciated how you used the circles to tie in with those that you love. Kathleen Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 7/2/2010 4:22PM

Isn't it wonderful that we're all constantly Sparking each other, and often in unexpected ways. Your 'gentle hands' have been under my chin for while improving my posture - so you're with me in spirit more often than you might realise! This is the first posture advice that has worked for me and I'm walking taller thanks to you my friend. Your brother's art is unique and uplifting. He was obviously a hugely talented person.You honour him beautifully on your pages and in your personal development and growth. You miss him but his memory is always there. I was inspired by DIANEBH's blog and photos too. Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 7/2/2010 1:40PM

Well done! You are striving for improvement in all that you do! Should encourage the rest of us to get going! Enjoy your holiday weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIFEISAJOURNEY 7/2/2010 12:25PM

I'm only half understanding this blog but the half indicates you are entering a good place in your life. May you have peace, strength and serenity in this phase. Report Inappropriate Comment

BAGGYPANTS5 7/2/2010 10:14AM

Here's to the change in your Lifecycle! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 7/2/2010 8:53AM

WOW... I had no idea that is what you meant! So cool... Can't wait to see how this new cycle (that will REVOLVE around food) evolves. I LOVE when we can play with words... turn them over, around and upside down. This idea about cycles is rather tempting to turn over in my mind today. Report Inappropriate Comment