Today I find myself with the ending of a bug of some sorts. Is it a cold or the flu, I'm not sure which. I do know it comes with some pretty yucky symptoms. But what I have learned is it is all about the flow. Yes, I have a bug, the goal here is to let it flow on through and not get stuck.
A couple of years ago, I walked the Susan G Koman 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer Support. The day before the walk I came down with a cold- come to think of it, I think that was my last cold. Anyway, the first day and first night were a little rough but amazingly by the time the walk was over, two days later, my cold was gone-gone-gone! I was walking, breathing, drinking tons of water and Gatorade and having a great time!
Prior to that about 10 years ago, I was walking everyday- at least 15 minutes a day. It was one of those commitments we make to ourselves when we are feeling happy and healthy. I remember catching a cold then and thinking I still have to walk! Prior to my walking goal, I would have gone to bed and stayed there- and usually my colds stayed right there with me. But when I went out for that walk, I felt stronger, healthier and for the first time in a long time a cold was just a little blip on the screen. No big deal!
There is something magical that happens from movement, hydration and fresh air. My mom had a similar experience when we were showing cows growing. up. She went to the fair with a horrendous cold. At night we slept in the back of an old truck that, as you can imagine, had plenty of fresh air. Not exactly the conditions, the you would think were perfect for getting healthy. But that is what my mom did, her cold quickly eased up.
Today, I'm already feeling 10 times better than yesterday, otherwise you would not be hearing from me. I was even feeling good enough to share my illness insights. I know there is great healing power in going outside, breathing deeply, and walking/moving/flowing around the neighborhood. Drinking lots of fluids, relaxing and mounds of TLC are also very handy in showing the bug the door. Sometimes, we get a bug but give that bug the directions on how to leave as quickly and smoothly as possible. A splash of joy and gratitude never hurt either. Thankfully, this too shall pass!
Of course, the essence of this note to you is not to go walk 60 miles or sleep in the back of a truck when you are sick. The essence is to breath deep, get a little fresh air and move around a bit!
Wishing all bugs a speedy exit in all our lives,
Denise
Friday, February 1, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Day of Epiphanies: A simple and lovely day
How can you not love a day called Epiphany day?? There is a long history to Epiphany Day. If you would like to learn about it by all means check it out. Here is the Wikipedia version http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday).
I celebrate a slightly more playful and looser version of the historical holiday by celebrating the actual meaning of the word Ephiphany along with just a splash of history.
Day of Epiphany reminds me to let go, to enjoy life and give myself time to create. It is about listening and looking for the gift of an epiphany. Epiphany day is a reminder that laying a good foundation is essential but there is also a time to lighten up and let ideas flow in.
During the day, I Make cookies with beans-wishing all who eat get good luck for the new year. I look for and expect an abundance of epiphanies. And finally, we take down our Christmas decorations and pack away until next year. A simple and lovely day.
What exactly is an epiphany anyway? Here is what Wikipedia has to say:
Definition: "An epiphany is an experience of sudden and striking realization. Generally the term is used to describe breakthrough scientific, religious or philosophical discoveries, but it can apply in any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective."
History: "The word epiphany originally referred to insight through the divine.[9] Today, this concept is used much more often and without such connotations, but a popular implication remains that the epiphany is supernatural, as the discovery seems to come suddenly from the outside.[9]"
The Process of Epiphanies: "Despite its popular image, epiphany is the result of significant work on the part of the discoverer, and is only the satisfying result of a long process.[10] The surprising and fulfilling feeling of epiphany is so surprising because one cannot predict when one's labor will bear fruit, and our subconscious can play a significant part in delivering the solution; and is fulfilling because it is a reward for a long period of effort.[4][10]"
Myth of Epiphanies: "Epiphanies can be distinguished by a (usually spiritual) vision, as epiphanies are often triggered by irrelevant incidents or objects"
Starting the new year with a holiday such as Epiphany day gives me great joy. After the past couple of months of holidays so deeply connectly with our family, history and expectations, it is a breath of fresh air to have a little day with nothing to do but listen, bake cookies and put the house back in order. Maybe, we should find a word to celebrate each month. Reminding us how precious each day is, to pause to enjoy our lives with a joyful heart and to say thank you.
As always wishing you a healthy and happy day,
Denise Frakes
I celebrate a slightly more playful and looser version of the historical holiday by celebrating the actual meaning of the word Ephiphany along with just a splash of history.
Day of Epiphany reminds me to let go, to enjoy life and give myself time to create. It is about listening and looking for the gift of an epiphany. Epiphany day is a reminder that laying a good foundation is essential but there is also a time to lighten up and let ideas flow in.
During the day, I Make cookies with beans-wishing all who eat get good luck for the new year. I look for and expect an abundance of epiphanies. And finally, we take down our Christmas decorations and pack away until next year. A simple and lovely day.
What exactly is an epiphany anyway? Here is what Wikipedia has to say:
Definition: "An epiphany is an experience of sudden and striking realization. Generally the term is used to describe breakthrough scientific, religious or philosophical discoveries, but it can apply in any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective."
History: "The word epiphany originally referred to insight through the divine.[9] Today, this concept is used much more often and without such connotations, but a popular implication remains that the epiphany is supernatural, as the discovery seems to come suddenly from the outside.[9]"
The Process of Epiphanies: "Despite its popular image, epiphany is the result of significant work on the part of the discoverer, and is only the satisfying result of a long process.[10] The surprising and fulfilling feeling of epiphany is so surprising because one cannot predict when one's labor will bear fruit, and our subconscious can play a significant part in delivering the solution; and is fulfilling because it is a reward for a long period of effort.[4][10]"
Myth of Epiphanies: "Epiphanies can be distinguished by a (usually spiritual) vision, as epiphanies are often triggered by irrelevant incidents or objects"
Starting the new year with a holiday such as Epiphany day gives me great joy. After the past couple of months of holidays so deeply connectly with our family, history and expectations, it is a breath of fresh air to have a little day with nothing to do but listen, bake cookies and put the house back in order. Maybe, we should find a word to celebrate each month. Reminding us how precious each day is, to pause to enjoy our lives with a joyful heart and to say thank you.
As always wishing you a healthy and happy day,
Denise Frakes
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Residue Free Moments
All there is, is this moment. When I sat down this morning in my office, my to-do list and in box were overflowing. I have a tendency to become lost in my list, exhausted before the day begins. My thoughts dance over what needs to be done ASAP, what is really important, what won't go away until I do it and of course what I would love to do. So often what I would love falls to the end of my to-do list. Before I know it's bed time and my love has been put on hold once again.
In 2004, I woke up from a dream. My grandparents, at that point were all still alive and living as best as they could. My dream was one of those dreams that change your life and stay with you as if it was as real as the nose on my face. In my dream, I realized, if my grandparents could go back to one day in their lives it would probably be any day. The gift of one day where your bones don't hurt, you can once again drive, your family is growing and surrounding you. You have the freedom to choose your day. I decided to find a way to learn to love each day, not for its grandeur but for its gift of being. The dream made me understand it was not about the grand days but about the love and presence of each day. Watching the heifers in the front pasture kicking up their heels in joy. Picking an OH so ripe tomato and having the juice run down your arm. Going fishing at 5 in the morning, prying a sleepy and maybe slightly grumpy granddaughter out of bed to dig worms. Baking cookies just because you love how chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven brings smiles to everyone who enters the kitchen.
The gift is in the day, not in the list or the want or the maybe someday. The gift is in each moment. That is where our presents are. So this morning, I start not at my stack waiting so ever patiently for me to attend, but in doing something my heart desires. And this morning it is writing to you- who ever you may be.
My desire to be present and love each day is really a practice. Some days and even weeks I forget my practice, but this practice planted from the seeds of a dream keeps popping up like dandelions in the front yard. Little yellow flowers of joyful exuberance.
May your day be full of presents- one moment at a time,
Denise
In 2004, I woke up from a dream. My grandparents, at that point were all still alive and living as best as they could. My dream was one of those dreams that change your life and stay with you as if it was as real as the nose on my face. In my dream, I realized, if my grandparents could go back to one day in their lives it would probably be any day. The gift of one day where your bones don't hurt, you can once again drive, your family is growing and surrounding you. You have the freedom to choose your day. I decided to find a way to learn to love each day, not for its grandeur but for its gift of being. The dream made me understand it was not about the grand days but about the love and presence of each day. Watching the heifers in the front pasture kicking up their heels in joy. Picking an OH so ripe tomato and having the juice run down your arm. Going fishing at 5 in the morning, prying a sleepy and maybe slightly grumpy granddaughter out of bed to dig worms. Baking cookies just because you love how chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven brings smiles to everyone who enters the kitchen.
The gift is in the day, not in the list or the want or the maybe someday. The gift is in each moment. That is where our presents are. So this morning, I start not at my stack waiting so ever patiently for me to attend, but in doing something my heart desires. And this morning it is writing to you- who ever you may be.
My desire to be present and love each day is really a practice. Some days and even weeks I forget my practice, but this practice planted from the seeds of a dream keeps popping up like dandelions in the front yard. Little yellow flowers of joyful exuberance.
May your day be full of presents- one moment at a time,
Denise
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