28. February 2009 by Patricia.

We live close to a gorgeous hike and bike trail. It’s about 4 ½ miles each way to the lake and back. It is a wonderful stress reliever to jump on my bike and get out into nature. Interestingly it is not without its stressors – if I let them get to me!

On a typical day any of this can happen: dog owners might ignore the leash law and let their pets run right in front of my bike, shirtless runners might spray me with sweat, cyclists sometimes overtake me so close I can feel their breath on my neck and groups of walkers can occupy the whole path and prevent me from getting by so I have to come to a complete stop.

Then I see overhead a blue heron, graceful and serene, and I remember all the good – what I’m doing out here and my mind is refocused… and I am BACK. 

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21. February 2009 by Patricia.

There is a lot to be said for only eating when you are hungry. It is a compass pointing in the right direction. For many of us with food issues this type of pointer can be a very useful guide.

I’ve checked out the premise of eating only when hungry with “normal” eaters. I find that normal eaters generally eat when they are hungry. They sometimes eat because a food looks good or simply for the novelty, without checking if they are really hungry! I also discovered that normal eaters don’t necessarily stop when they are satisfied [as those of us with food issues have been guided to do], they actually stop when they feel full.

While I appreciate that my circle of normal eaters may not be representative, two things stand out. The first is that trying to eat only when I am hungry isn’t in line with what normal people do. You might want to give yourself some slack, if you eat when you are not hungry. Secondly, normal eaters eat until they are full, and they don’t deal with the chronic hunger pangs some of us feel if we stop eating when we are merely satisfied.

Losing weight and keeping it off does call for restricting calories. The amount will be different for each person. You may not be able to become a normal eater, but I am confident that you will find your way. When in harmony with body, mind, spirit and emotions, losing weight and keeping it off can be done without deprivation.

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14. February 2009 by Patricia.

When we near the end of life’s journey, how will we perceive our most important relationships? Parents, siblings, children, partner, spouse and others who are, or have been, important in our life? Were we kind, thoughtful, loving and supportive? Were we able to forgive those who harmed us or did we allow anger, fear or resentment to color our relationships?

From the vantage point of reflection, perhaps we can better understand the meaning and purpose of life. As ego begins to fall away and the essence of who we truly are shines through, perhaps we will more fully understand the meaning of love and acceptance. Perhaps we will see life as one big lesson in learning how to love ourselves and others unconditionally.

What do you wish you had said, or how might you have acted differently during your lifetime if loving unconditionally is the prime reason for this journey on earth? Whatever your answer, and on this Valentine’s Day, might it be worth taking those actions right now?

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7. February 2009 by Patricia.

I agree with the concept that changing negative thoughts into positive ones can have a positive impact on the quality of life. I also appreciate the value of meditation where we focus on the breath and not give our thoughts any energy or charge. Yet a third idea for channeling our thoughts is to make time in the day to allow a chattering mind to run on and on …. until it exhausts itself.

Let me explain. If I have a lot on my mind, sitting in meditation is very difficult. But once I have downloaded the junk – thoughts that have built up from the previous day or week, then I can reach a quiet mental place and access the unconscious for insights and ideas. Rather than berating myself for an inability to have a calm mind, I allow my mind free rein to chatter. Then I can become calm.

It seems to me that we can be really hard on ourselves for not shifting from negative to positive thoughts quickly or easily. Perhaps allowing the experience of giving our negative thoughts some space is a kinder and more compassionate way of being with ourselves. http://www.newparadigmcoaching.com/

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