I regularly remind my kids, usually when they are either back talking, or otherwise being little toads, that I grew them like potatoes and pushed them out of my vagina, so they should be grateful for every minute. For the record, it usually doesn’t really have the impact I want…and now Romeo, at age 8, will actually say “I know, I know, I came out of your vagina…” but without all the wonder and appreciation I would have hoped for (plus he still has a little lisp so when he says "vagina" it sounds like a funny combo of "v" and "w" and I can't even get upset at his smartie pants response because I want to laugh.)
So today’s call to action is to thank your parental(s)…either literally, or figuratively. We all have long lists of reasons to get irritated with parents, or grievances galore, but all that being said, the magic of that simply amazing connection that gave you life, is pretty incredible and should deserve a thanks, because without it…well, no need to state the obvious. This is the month to be grateful, so why not start with square one.
Random things to love. Oral hygiene. I know, crazy, but I’m reading this book about staying “Younger” (the book’s title), and one of the doctor’s points is the importance of brushing at least twice a day, and flossing TWICE a day. Truth time…..I might floss 2 or 3 times a week total, on a good week. Totally bad for my aging process (I won’t bore you with all the technical medical reasoning behind why it's so good, but it’s fascinating so google it). So in addition to flossing more, she recommends oil pulling. I don’t know if I’m the only one who hasn’t heard of it, but this was brand new to me, and I immediately going to add it into my regime because, in a nutshell, it sounds like it’s been tried and tested. The gist of it is that you basically “swish” with coconut or sesame seed oil 2 times a week for 5-20 minutes. I’ll be lucky if I do 5 minutes, but even within that time the benefits develop. The oil does all kinds of great thing for your mouth….and it’s been around forever as an ancient Ayurvedic technique. The oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties and does a whole litany of good things for your mouth and consequently your body. Google it, it’s fascinating and at least according to Dr. Gottfried and this book I’m reading, can help you stave off aging. Basically at this point I’m just trying to stay “middle aged” forever.
Because I can't finish any blog without throwing down some yoga therapy. I went to my favorite class today...from my guru. Just so you know I can't use that word without thinking of eating Guru Chews as a child, which my hippy parents try to pass off as a "candy bar" but really was just nuts and honey mixed together. Anyway, he's amazing, and I hang on every word he says. His "offering" today was all about surrendering. One of the yoga practices (or Niyamas) is Ishvara Pranidhana which translates to "surrender". Bad connotation with that word...makes me feel like I'm giving in, or losing the battle. BUT...his take on it is to look at it as the importance of surrendering to life, and to the moment exactly as it is. Because where you are is exactly where you are suppose to be, good or bad. So he started the class by saying, "I'm the driver, and I invite you to be the passenger and take this drive with me without expectation, surrendering yourself to the ups and downs and meeting them as they come." My take away is that during this time of year, with ALL the family obligations and expectations, we tend to "wish" and "want"...we want family dynamics to be different, we "want" people to do things they might not do...etc. etc. It feels like contentment to just embrace moments and life as it is, and surrender to the ups and downs without the judgment of constant expectations--it's hard for me though, takes reminding myself regularly.
Lastly, it’s legitimately COLD in the morning. Even Romeo who up until a week ago could not be convinced to wear anything but shorts and a tee-shirt, is now caving and realizing the need for pants and a long sleeve. I just bought the People Tree hat and gloves…and while I haven’t worn the gloves, the hat I’ve worn. Gloves, I’m sure will be next. I feel like these would make a good gift…easy, and who wouldn’t want them? I have lots of ideas this year, and I'm realizing that I'm not sure what I'm waiting for, it's time to start checking people off the list (even though I don't know if I feel quite ready to tackle it.) If I wait much more I'll feel rushed and I hate that! Plus, truth be told, I'm pretty excited to start wrapping with my white paper tied up in satin and velvet ribbons. Ironically I have those already. Go figure.
Signed, ME {lv}
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