Archive for January, 2009

love and peace all around

January 31, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , ,

I had a lovely yoga-dedicated week.  This simply means I got my big bad self to a few classes, actually did wake up early for my morning practice, and decided to connect with the breath on a regular basis throughout the week.  As a result, I woke today, Saturday, on my own, at a hearty 5:45 am.  Rested.  Yes, I repeat, the human who once couldn’t sleep enough, ever, and still has some moments as such, woke today, rested at 5:45 am, all ready for my practice.  

During class this morning, I felt so grateful.  So grateful that I’m beginning to feel the wonderful effects of a regular yoga practice.  It becomes rather like an addiction- when I don’t do it- I know it.  My body gets crunchy, my mind becomes anxious, and I’m just not so much fun to be around.

This leads me to the short and sweet point of this post.  It makes me sad that more people don’t practice yoga.  It should be a requirement, like breathing or something.  I don’t mean that I think all people should be able to contort their bodies into cirque de solei positions, for that isn’t necessarily ‘yoga.’  I wish more people would get involved in other aspects of yoga, the ones that little by little, ease the body’s ailments, quite the mind’s chit chat, and cause plain old happiness.  Happiness for no reason, but for the sake of happiness.

We all want more peace in the world.  Why not start with the tools that alleviate the frantic thought patterns that can consume us?  Right there, a gift of peace.

namaste.

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a yoga reflection

January 28, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , ,

 I must comment on how weird it is to teach a yoga class sometimes.  I assume it is the same teaching a group of adults anything, but the only experience I have is with yoga instruction.

People and their responses to me, or to yoga, are interesting to comprehend.  

There is the usual wonderfully gratifying student who comes up after class and says, “Thank you.  That was just what I needed.”

Then there is the woman in the back of the room who appears to be positively frightened by me.  Her face screams “Don’t come near me, you crazy woman.”  It is as though she thinks all 5 foot 3 of me is going to assault her during class.

There is the young man who stares at me with a look nothing short of disdain, like he thinks I am the biggest loser to walk the earth.  

Inevitably, there is a student so nervous of making a mistake, that he or she seems fairly miserable throughout the entire class.

There are those blissfully content in their own practice, who occasionally laugh at something within their own minds, or simply smile and radiate a comfort that I enjoy.

I get a kick out of the middle aged men (or older!) who make remarks out loud and chuckle at the pose I’m suggesting they attempt.  They look at me as though I’m slightly freakish, but maybe remind them of their daughters or something, so they try the pose and laugh at themselves.  I’m always quite excited when they try the new thing, and I very much appreciate the ability to laugh at oneself.  Sadly, it has become a lost art.

I used to get extremely nervous when looking out into the sea of faces staring (or glaring) back at me.  Recently, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that their responses are all a result of their personal history, or something going on in their own lives.  Their expressions are reflective of their own issues, not so much a reflection of me at that moment.  

 That’s what I tell myself, anyway.  It feels very strange to walk away from teaching something and have no idea if people were pleased or are leaving and talking to each other, “That teacher is so weird.”  ”I know!  She sucks.  I wish Tom taught this class.” 

Well, I’m not Tom.  I’m me.  I make silly jokes, I frequently laugh at myself, and I can be a little scatterbrained.  But I’m not sure I deserve the pure disdain…

lesson here is:  if you take yoga classes, step classes, anything at all, please smile at your instructor on the way out of class.

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when i grow up

January 27, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized

I’ve made an important life decision.  When I grow up I am going to become a puppy.

Watching the J-bomb today I committed myself to this endeavor.  She has an absolutely awesome life.  I’m going to work very hard to emulate her absolutely awesome life. 

Her day begins anywhere between 5 and 6:30, when she decides it is time for a belly rub.  She simply rolls over, makes enough movement to invite anyone near to rub her, and she gets it.  (She also is extremely cuddly at this point, and is one of the sweetest creatures on earth here.)  She makes her way to the back door, heads outside, and surveys her territory.  After relieving herself and sniffing the perimeter, she feels comfortable enough to return to a cozy spot indoors, whereupon she either snoozes or gets some love.  

Soon after, she goes on a lively walk.  If the walk includes our neighborhood coffee shop, she catches up with the neighborhood crew, and walks up to other dog owners, sits down, and looks up with her “Don’t you see I’m very cute” expression until they hand over a treat.  This tactic works approximately 78.3% of the time.  

After some more play, begging for breakfast, and running through the yard, she has to have some alone time.  While we are both at work, she perches on the couch (literally perches) and naps or waits in frantic anticipation.  I get home before Joey, so I enter the mayhem first.  Jersey’s life gets exponentially better when I get home, as we usually travel off on an adventure of some sort.  

Take today, for example.  I got home to find an extremely excited puppy running at me.  I tried to take care of a few things at home, but to no avail.  We needed to walk.  Fast.  With the sun shining (for the last day this week) I decided a trip to the beach was surely necessary.  We literally sprinted to the beach trail, stopped off at the dog park, and played for a while.  We continued the journey down to the beach and found about 5 dogs running and playing along the shoreline.  Luckily for little Miss Jersey, there was a 3 month old Golden Retriever puppy jumping in and out of the water, just waiting for some puppy action.  Jersey and her new best friend, Sam, romped in the waves and sand for quite some time.  I would have been exhausted.  But J-bomb?  No.  We briskly walked back up the steep stairs to the dog park, and ran around once more.  Jersey immediately attached herself to another 3 month old puppy named Sam.  This new best friend and my little peanut played SO HARD for SO LONG.  When it was time to think about going, I couldn’t pry her away from her buddy.  ”Just one more chase?” her eyes and actions pleaded.  Eventually, I got her out, and we finally found ourselves back home.  

I thought she’d be tired at that point.  I opened the gate to our backyard, assuming she’d head toward the back door, wanting to go inside for a nap.  Nope.  She flew to her tennis ball and dropped it at my feet, wanting to play some more.  Seriously?  She was still running?

At that point, the crazed and dirty puppy got a bath, shook her water droplets all over the house, and proceeded to attack the vacuum cleaner.  The rest of her day included a short rest, begging for food scraps, and perching until her Daddy came home.  She managed to ‘earn’ some cheese bites and chicken scraps, and is currently enjoying a bone she dug up from the bottom of her toy basket, completely content with life, knowing she has both her people home, and she’s just chilling.  

Her life consists of juxtaposing moments of extremely excited enjoyment and complete relaxation.  She is the happiest little creature; every day is a new adventure.  I am going to be her when I grow up.

Hopefully, exhaustion will soon set in, and we’ll find her in one of her favorite positions:sth70739

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the ballad of eggnog

January 23, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

Egg Nog and Bailey’s, oh, I adore you so,

Egg Nog and Bailey’s, where did you go?

Ah, that’s right, I see you right here-

On my face, on my tummy, on my growing derriere.

Egg Nog and Bailey’s, I loved you so often

Those dark cold days you helped to soften.

Day after day the snow kept falling

Egg Nog and Bailey’s, my name you kept calling.

I drank you cold and I drank you hot

I drank you as a latte and now we’ve been caught.

There once was muscle tone on my now soft belly,

Now it is jiggly like canned cranberry jelly.

Oh Egg Nog and Bailey’s it all was worthwhile

The memories we shared still make me smile.

Truly, my friend, it is A Ok,

I simply don’t feel like buying new jeans today.

Egg Nog and Bailey’s, I’ll see you next holiday season-

Why wait so long?  I think we both know the reason.

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a cool kid…

January 22, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized

My sister in law emailed me this piece, and I wanted to share it.  

If you’ve listened to NPR, you know their bit called “This I Believe” where people write an essay based on a foundational belief in their lives.  I’ve tried to write them before, but haven’t succeeded yet.  This seven year old boy, however, has managed to clearly state his position on a number of complicated issues.  I wish I could express myself with this gentle simplicity.  It also gives me hope for these next generations.

Here is the essay by Tarak McLain:

 I believe life is good.

I believe God is in everything.

I believe we’re all equal.

I believe we can help people.

I believe everyone is weird in their own way.

I believe hate is a cause for love.

I believe that when I meditate I feel peaceful.

I believe we should be generous.

I believe brothers and sisters should be kind to each other.

I believe kids should respect their parents.

I believe I should not whine.

I believe people should wake up early.

I believe people should go outside more.

I believe in nature.

I believe people should use less trees.

I believe we should help the Arctic and rainforest animals.

I believe people shouldn’t throw litter on the ground.

I believe people should not smoke.

I believe God is in good and bad.

I believe in magic.

I believe people should not give up.

I believe love is everywhere.

I believe that God helps us to have a good time.

I believe we live best in a community.

I believe we can protect people in danger.

I believe we should help the poor.

I believe it’s OK to die but not to kill.

I believe war should not have started.

I believe war should stop.

I believe we can make peace.

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words

January 20, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , ,

Today, I can’t help but think about the power behind words.  Words are everywhere; we use them in many forms.  Words are spoken, written, read, heard in songs, and some just puttering along quietly inside the mind.  I am drawn to thinking about the concept of words as a collective, sort of a giant sea we both draw from and contribute to.  Every time we open our mouths we have the opportunity to offer our words.  Every time we put pen to paper, we offer words back to the collective pool among us all.  The words our ancestors spoke still linger in that space, as will ours years down the road.  When considering words in such a way, I realize the importance of the particular words I choose to use.  If I fill my brain with negative words, or send words filled with anger out into the collective pool, am I helping society in any way?  What if I choose to produce words saturated with the love and gratitude I feel for the world?  Perhaps then I am contributing in a positive way.

Whether or not you are excited with the possibilities of our country’s newly sworn in leader, you’ve got to admit the man has a beautiful way with words.  He finds a way to express himself with words that resonate with many, and lift the spirits of those willing to be carried away on a dream of words.  Using words to connect and inspire is an admirable use of words; an art form to treasure, individually and collectively.

Hearing the poem written and read by Elizabeth Alexander this morning, one particular part jumped out:

What if the mightiest word is love, 
love beyond marital, filial, national. 
Love that casts a widening pool of light. 

What if the mightiest word is love?  What if we based our daily thoughts, words, and deeds on that premise?  What then?  How might we behave towards all the creatures of the world?  What words would we then contribute to the collective pool?  What words would be available later to borrow?

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a letter to the president

January 18, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , ,

Dear Obama Family,

 First, let me introduce myself.  My name is Jersey.  I am a small black labradoodle.  I am very nice.  My mommy says she and my daddy thought I was going to be a lot bigger than I am.  I turned out to be quite small, but they love me anyway.  Mommy says, same thing happened to her.  Her mommy and daddy thought she’d be much bigger too.  She stopped growing and is pretty short, but they love her anyway too.  My mommy really loves me.

Last week while I was chewing a bone, I heard on The Today Show that you people might be wanting a puppy to join your family.  You are considering a labradoodle and a Portuguese Water Dog, I heard.  The people on the show described me as “energetic and family friendly.”  I think the people are talking about all this way too much, and I thought I should tell you the truth about us dogs, so you can decide what you want.  It is very important to make sure you get the right dog, so let me help you.

How are you?  I heard you are moving into a new house.  I moved into a new house a while ago too.  It was scary.  All of a sudden everything around me was new.  It took a while to get used to it, but now I love it.  I’m sure the same thing will happen for you.

Energetic and Family Friendly is a good way to describe me.  If you want a dog that will sit quietly under your desk while you work, and you can pet her once in a while, I am not the dog for you.  I need a lot of attention.  

A few of my favorite hobbies are tormenting crows and seagulls, tracking squirrels, begging for cheese, chewing books my mommy is reading, and running laps.  I like to be part of the family.  If you are going to do things without me, I’m not happy.  I like to make sure everyone is ok.  If there are visitors in the house, I will barge into their rooms to check on them, often.  When you are hugging each other, I want to be hugged too.  Don’t leave me out.  It makes me very sad.  

About the crows.  I love to chase them.  I can’t stop.  I don’t even care when you say I shouldn’t.  Once, the back door was open and I got a running start from in the house.  I ran, I ran, and I ran.  I jumped off the top step, wiggled my legs really fast, and tried to catch the crow in the air.  I fell to the ground.  I’m not sure why it didn’t work.

I love food.  I will beg pathetically for any treat.  I don’t even know what they are, and I will beg.  I sometimes walk into poles and trees because I am begging so much and I’m not paying attention.

Sasha and Malia would love me.  I really enjoying being with children.  I have so much fun when little Macy comes over.  I lick her.  I guess too much.  I get in trouble sometimes and I’m not sure why.  I’m just trying to say ‘I love you.’  

I also love being with other doggies.  Sometimes we pass by the dog park and don’t go in.  I don’t understand why we don’t go in all the time.  It is so much fun.  I tell my mommy I want to go in.  I refuse to move past it.  I dig my feet in the ground and won’t go.  She gets frustrated with me when I do that.  But again, I can’t help it.  I want to play SO BAD.  I don’t care if it is muddy or she is in a hurry.  I want to run and jump.  It is hard to be a puppy sometimes.

I am very stubborn.  I am opinionated.  I am impatient.  If I want something, I want it now.  I have too much energy, I am told.  But I just can’t help it.  I’m so excited to be alive.  I can teach you to be excited to be alive too!

I get into everything.  I want to know where you are at all times.  Even when you are in the shower or on the toilet.  I want to know.  I smell so many things everyday.  I have to.  It is my job.  Don’t get annoyed at me when I dig my nose in the ground- I am getting important information.

Basically, if you think you want a Labradoodle, you need to be ready for me.  I am so sweet and lovable, but I am a lot of work.  I get up in the night to make sure you are ok.  I can’t start my day without a good tummy rub and lots of licks.  Licks up your nose, in your ears, on your eyes.  I need to be sure you are ok.  When you sneeze, I will check on you.  I will sniff your mouth and give you a kiss.  Sneezes concern me.  If you want a relaxing and independent dog, don’t choose me.  I will be unhappy in your big new house.  I can get lonely.

In any case, I can promise you something special- any love you give me, I will give back to you tenfold.  I am a lover.  I love all people and animals, and I can’t help but show it.  Just make sure you want to adopt another child!  I am lots and lots of work, with lots and lots of emotions!

I am excited you want a doggie like me.  I just need to be honest about us puppies.  We are silly and we don’t sit quietly.  Don’t expect us to!  Maybe if you do get a labradoodle you can invite me over to play.  Right now I have two favorite friends, my cousins, Bella and Harvey.  I also have two friends named Lucy.  That seems to be a nice name for a dog.  Maybe you can name your dog Lucy.   Or maybe Jersey.  I like that name too.

Have a nice day.

Love,

Jersey Dog.

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a prayer from the puppy

January 15, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

a prayer from the puppy

puppy’s big brown eyes search for 

     just  a little more

she pleads

    rub my tummy

          just a little longer

   you don’t need to do things you call 

                       important

hustle

frown

you need to lean back

open your heart to the sky

and be

             so in love

with the joy there for the taking.sth70325

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a moment of spring

January 14, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized

Joey and I noticed this early last week, so my post is a little late.  The excitement over finding daffodils, however, doesn’t get old.  Only one week after seemingly endless days of snow and rain (although the snow was quite fun!), we stumbled upon perky yellow flowers in the small park near our home.  I finally remembered my camera yesterday…Happy glimpse of spring to you:)

sth71164

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is God like Santa?

January 13, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , ,

This was the question posed to me today over a delightful snack of graham crackers and apples.  I looked at the furrowed brows of the inquisitor and saw small lines of worry, and genuine concern in his eyes.

The discussion had begun a few minutes earlier with his statement, “In two hundred forty fifty hundred fifty five days I’m going to die.  That means I’ll go to heaven.”

That statement sparked quite a conversation among my rapidly growing little ones.

“Yes,” added one girl.  ”Grandpas die when they are really old.  Then they put you in the ground.”

“Where is God?” the concerned boy asked out loud.

“God lives in a special building,” responded the girl.  ”Miss Catherine, what is that building called?”

I had to answer with, “I don’t know about that building.” 

“So where is God, Miss Catherine?” asked the boy.

Hmmm. Searching for the right answer here.  ”God is everywhere.”

“Um, how can God be everywhere if He is just one person?  Is He like Santa Claus and He just moves really really fast?”

“I’m not sure.  People think about God in all different ways.”  I thought I was finished and in the clear with the conversation.

He wasn’t finished.  ”Well, when you die does your whole body and all of you go in the ground?  Or what part goes in heaven and knows God?”

“I think the part called your soul goes to be with God.  Your body becomes the dirt that helps trees and flowers grow.”

“Will God be there when you die?”

“Yes, I think so.  You don’t need to worry about this now- usually people die when they are very very old and their bodies are very very tired.  And you are very very young and healthy.”

“Will God take care of me when I die?”

So much for a nice easy preschool snack.  I left school thinking about that conversation and how fascinating young children are.  While the typical appropriate response from me when the inevitable “Oh you are a preschool teacher?  Do you love it?  They are so cute,” is “Yes they are adorable, I love it,” today was one of those days I would rather respond with “cute does not begin to describe it.”

Young children are so much more than “cute.”  They are small people, with very real fears, doubts, passions, and personalities.  I do find my job deeply gratifying, but not so much when they are being ‘cute,’ but rather when I am present with them, and actually listening to what they have to say.  There is so much going on in each mind, at all times.  We adults often tend to brush off a statement as ‘cute,’ when the statement is probably filled with information about the child and about his world view.  When I take the time to listen and consider, I find I learn an awful lot more than I probably taught them.  And that is the authentic reason why I love my job.  Being cute is just an added bonus.

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