Kindness - What is one act of kindness you performed today?
I went to a craft fair on Sunday and found these cute little packet/pouches of catnip with a bell inside. The woman said her mother made them. One side had a cartoony cat fabric and it was sewn to the backside which was a pattern-y fabric. I got one for Ms. Sheba and picked up another one for my upstairs neighbor. I left it for them this morning on the banister. My neighbor's cat is older and deaf so the bell won't do much for the kitty but I'm hoping they both like the gift otherwise.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Meditated in the morning and lifted weights a tiny bit.
Walked to the county courthouse for jury duty. Although not meditating, I was completely present to the experience, not wishing I was somewhere else. I didn't get impaneled (darn! I actually wanted to be) but spent those three hours in deep observation.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) Proximity. I live and work close enough to walk to jury duty and then walk to work. No parking hassles. No issues with taking time away from work. No added stress. Other people in my jury pool had obvious stress and strain over serving.
2) Academic and professional training ... it seems like a small thing, but just being able to walk confidently into a government building and find my way around is something I'm grateful for.
It may not seem like anything if you're used to urban life, being in higher ed, etc. but that ability to walk into any old building and get what you need is not a given for everyone. There was a time it wasn't a given for me. In my late teens, I remember the stress and frustration of navigating the world of public welfare. The anxiety over having to figure out what building to go to, how to find room numbers, how to keep track of paperwork, who to talk to, how to talk them ...
3) Health insurance that covers eye exams
Good god, perimenopause is doing a number on my eyes. I keep having to hold paper further and further away. My arms are getting any longer so I called my insurance company and eye exams are covered. Get me my readers, sonny!
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
I love language and I love listening to people who use language well in translating experience or stories. One of the attorneys (for the case which I was in the jury pool for) was whip-smart. She would ask the potential jurors in the box a question and then call on each person who raised a hand for an answer. After the answer was given, she would restate what she'd heard to ensure she'd understood correctly. Sharp, crisp, accurate. She was goooood. I would have happily listened to her defend the case.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Jill - Nov 8, 2012
Kindness - What is one act of kindness you performed today?
Although I had work to do, when a co-worker came up and wanted to talk, I turned my chair, faced her fully and was completely present. I listened, smiled when she said her fitness assessment recommended core and balancing through yoga, and agreed we should do tree at the wall next week.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Meditated late and then did an unplanned yoga practice combined with a short stint of weight lifting. About an hour. In wide-legged forward fold, I put my head on the mat and like magic, my legs lifted up into a headstand. Felt strong.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) Wet hair in a braid after her shower, showing me the gap where she lost her tooth, wiggling two more loose teeth, songs about snails and half past two ... Facetime with Adrianna
2) Made a friend at work! She and I went thrift store shopping after work. We are both in-and-out shoppers and we both found good stuff.
3) High speed internet connection at home and my laptop ... watched and watched and watched Greasy Gears on YouTube so I could write down steps to the dance for Quiet Dog.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
I prepped for the Pad Thai I'm making for friends on Friday night. I can really get into chop, chop, chopping of peanuts, watching the carrots spin around the food processor, measuring out and stirring up stuff for the sauce. I also prepped the wok, letting the oil heat up, wiping it down with a folded paper towels until the towels got too hot. Also liked cleaning up afterwards.
Although I had work to do, when a co-worker came up and wanted to talk, I turned my chair, faced her fully and was completely present. I listened, smiled when she said her fitness assessment recommended core and balancing through yoga, and agreed we should do tree at the wall next week.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Meditated late and then did an unplanned yoga practice combined with a short stint of weight lifting. About an hour. In wide-legged forward fold, I put my head on the mat and like magic, my legs lifted up into a headstand. Felt strong.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) Wet hair in a braid after her shower, showing me the gap where she lost her tooth, wiggling two more loose teeth, songs about snails and half past two ... Facetime with Adrianna
2) Made a friend at work! She and I went thrift store shopping after work. We are both in-and-out shoppers and we both found good stuff.
3) High speed internet connection at home and my laptop ... watched and watched and watched Greasy Gears on YouTube so I could write down steps to the dance for Quiet Dog.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
I prepped for the Pad Thai I'm making for friends on Friday night. I can really get into chop, chop, chopping of peanuts, watching the carrots spin around the food processor, measuring out and stirring up stuff for the sauce. I also prepped the wok, letting the oil heat up, wiping it down with a folded paper towels until the towels got too hot. Also liked cleaning up afterwards.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Bill Thursday Nov 8
Kindness - What
is one act of kindness you performed today?
There was a 3-4 year old sitting behind me on my flight this evening. He was pretty talkative and cute for most of the trip. He was also very antsy for the second half of the trip and kicked my seat a lot. I was thinking about saying something, but then thought, “Oh, let him have some fun.” Best part, as we were waiting to deplane, the kid shoved/smashed his face between the wall and my seat and said, “Hello.” I gave a quick little wave, and then he disappeared.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
On the first part of my flight today, I did some centering breathing. Also, anytime I’m looking out the window of an airplane I also feel meditative – it seems so surreal.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1. To be home
2. Vegan chocolate cookies
3. Having made some very good friendships on this assignment
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
I’m feeling positive about the way I responded to a post on Facebook today. I’m also conscious of trying not to be too proud. The original post came from an old boss of mine that, to me, epitomizes the republican business owner. (I was going to include what that means to me – but it’s not positive so there’s no need for that.)
There was a 3-4 year old sitting behind me on my flight this evening. He was pretty talkative and cute for most of the trip. He was also very antsy for the second half of the trip and kicked my seat a lot. I was thinking about saying something, but then thought, “Oh, let him have some fun.” Best part, as we were waiting to deplane, the kid shoved/smashed his face between the wall and my seat and said, “Hello.” I gave a quick little wave, and then he disappeared.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
On the first part of my flight today, I did some centering breathing. Also, anytime I’m looking out the window of an airplane I also feel meditative – it seems so surreal.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1. To be home
2. Vegan chocolate cookies
3. Having made some very good friendships on this assignment
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
I’m feeling positive about the way I responded to a post on Facebook today. I’m also conscious of trying not to be too proud. The original post came from an old boss of mine that, to me, epitomizes the republican business owner. (I was going to include what that means to me – but it’s not positive so there’s no need for that.)
The Post: Interesting
story....I hope this doesn't become the new normal.
http://lasvegas.cbslocal.com/2012/11/07/vegas-employer-obama-won-so-i-fired-22-employees/
http://lasvegas.cbslocal.com/2012/11/07/vegas-employer-obama-won-so-i-fired-22-employees/
My Response: Interesting
read indeed. I agree with the ‘message’ this guy has: elections have
consequences. There’s a single consequence/threat that he’s chosen to
highlight. He’s made that choice. His personal decision is to protect his nest
egg. I wonder how many of his employees can even think about a nest egg.
There’s an old idea out there about caring about your neighbors. It’s not a
terribly popular idea right now, and it is often looked down upon in the name
of business. But it’s only a paradigm shift away from coming back. Paradigm
shifts aren't that tough. I think we just saw one. Billions of dollars ‘wasted’
on a failed campaign.
I’ve anticipated that there would be some kind of follow-up
from the original poster or somebody else…but nothing else has been said. Maybe it doesn’t merit a response. Maybe it’s too difficult to respond to
without looking like you don’t care about others. Maybe it’s just too crazy. Either way, it was a very positive experience
for me to write that response. It made
me want to start a separate blog again.
Jill - Nov 7, 2012
Kindness - What is one act of kindness you performed today?
I set up an impromptu yoga class in my living room for Wednesday night ... and by impromptu, I mean I created a Facebook event two hours before it was to start. Didn't work out for anyone to attend but I like the energy I had swirling around when thinking of the idea and putting it out there to people.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Yes, I did yoga and meditate this evening for an hour and a half. After yesterday's election results, I'd been feeling like my head wasn't connected to my body or my feet to the ground. Sheba helped me meditate; I did a standing poses to feel grounded and a headstand prep pose to feel more of a piece.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) Barack Obama.
2) Temperature controlled indoor office. Easy to take for granted but I think of all the people who work outside and I'm damn lucky to be a first-world office worker.
3) Windless lake with dark colored ducks on my ride home from work.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
At Madison Sourdough, the smooth-faced guy with long dreads and warming smile was working. Such a pleasant exchange to just order breakfast. Beautiful omelette with just enough cheese, lightly vinegared salad, airy and crusty bread slices. I had enough to take with me to work, and at lunch, I had the same meal. I sat myself in a small conference room, read the last chapter in a yoga book and enjoyed my breakfast again.
I set up an impromptu yoga class in my living room for Wednesday night ... and by impromptu, I mean I created a Facebook event two hours before it was to start. Didn't work out for anyone to attend but I like the energy I had swirling around when thinking of the idea and putting it out there to people.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Yes, I did yoga and meditate this evening for an hour and a half. After yesterday's election results, I'd been feeling like my head wasn't connected to my body or my feet to the ground. Sheba helped me meditate; I did a standing poses to feel grounded and a headstand prep pose to feel more of a piece.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) Barack Obama.
2) Temperature controlled indoor office. Easy to take for granted but I think of all the people who work outside and I'm damn lucky to be a first-world office worker.
3) Windless lake with dark colored ducks on my ride home from work.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
At Madison Sourdough, the smooth-faced guy with long dreads and warming smile was working. Such a pleasant exchange to just order breakfast. Beautiful omelette with just enough cheese, lightly vinegared salad, airy and crusty bread slices. I had enough to take with me to work, and at lunch, I had the same meal. I sat myself in a small conference room, read the last chapter in a yoga book and enjoyed my breakfast again.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Bill - November 7
Kindness - What is one act of kindness you performed today?
I typically eat breakfast with a colleague each morning who I knew would be unhappy with the results of the election. We did not discuss the election much, but she was obviously upset. Another colleague had planned to indicate that the result must have been a part of God's plan - a pretty obvious personal cut at the first colleague's political views and faith. Knowing the colleague was already feeling sensitive, I made sure to address the situation before they had any interaction. There was palpable tension in our room all morning, but everyone has kept their cool and this afternoon is looking much better.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Not yet - although I am sitting indian-style at my desk. My body has been craving exercise - this week is 3 7-630 days...too long to be stationary.
I typically eat breakfast with a colleague each morning who I knew would be unhappy with the results of the election. We did not discuss the election much, but she was obviously upset. Another colleague had planned to indicate that the result must have been a part of God's plan - a pretty obvious personal cut at the first colleague's political views and faith. Knowing the colleague was already feeling sensitive, I made sure to address the situation before they had any interaction. There was palpable tension in our room all morning, but everyone has kept their cool and this afternoon is looking much better.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Not yet - although I am sitting indian-style at my desk. My body has been craving exercise - this week is 3 7-630 days...too long to be stationary.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) Being able to sit indian-style
2) It looks like I may have options as to my next professional move
3) That I have people in my life that are interested in and open about the mind/body experience
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
Yesterday over lunch, there was a lot of political/economy talk. Somehow we ventured into capitalism and corporations. I don't bring up being a smile-ist often, but this was an appropriate time. I simply said, "I'm not a capitalist - I'm a smile-ist. It's the same idea as competition driving the market except you measure by personal fulfillment/content rather than by money." Of course, the initial response was skeptical laughter; however, by the time we returned to the office, two colleagues genuinely appreciated and valued the idea. What was nice today was that somebody brought it up on their own saying, "Smile-ist - I think I'll always remember that."
1) Being able to sit indian-style
2) It looks like I may have options as to my next professional move
3) That I have people in my life that are interested in and open about the mind/body experience
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
Yesterday over lunch, there was a lot of political/economy talk. Somehow we ventured into capitalism and corporations. I don't bring up being a smile-ist often, but this was an appropriate time. I simply said, "I'm not a capitalist - I'm a smile-ist. It's the same idea as competition driving the market except you measure by personal fulfillment/content rather than by money." Of course, the initial response was skeptical laughter; however, by the time we returned to the office, two colleagues genuinely appreciated and valued the idea. What was nice today was that somebody brought it up on their own saying, "Smile-ist - I think I'll always remember that."
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Nick - November 6
Kindness - What is one act of kindness you performed today?
While voting I noticed that there were instructions taped to the voting booth, but they didn't align with the ballot I was filling out. After a brief panic that I'd forgotten to select my party, I realized that it must be from a previous election. I spoke to a voting official, clarified that I had indeed voted properly, and then led her to check all the booths to make sure nobody else was confused.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Both. I journaled after I woke up (which is about as close to meditation as I come) and I lifted weights, focusing on legs and core. Oh, and handstands, I worked on doing handstands.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) As someone who generally fears being alone, I've found myself very comfortable in (and often preferring) my solitude.
2) I'm at a point where my workload feels very light but I"m still doing important work.
3) That I took the time to have a quiet breakfast at home. It got centered and it set the tone for an all around pleasant day.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
Today I had a meeting with a man I've labeled my nemesis, and I spent a good amount of time calling out the things he's doing well on the project. I'm starting to believe that our mutual hatred of each other is self-perpetuating, so I'm hoping this will break the cycle.
While voting I noticed that there were instructions taped to the voting booth, but they didn't align with the ballot I was filling out. After a brief panic that I'd forgotten to select my party, I realized that it must be from a previous election. I spoke to a voting official, clarified that I had indeed voted properly, and then led her to check all the booths to make sure nobody else was confused.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Both. I journaled after I woke up (which is about as close to meditation as I come) and I lifted weights, focusing on legs and core. Oh, and handstands, I worked on doing handstands.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) As someone who generally fears being alone, I've found myself very comfortable in (and often preferring) my solitude.
2) I'm at a point where my workload feels very light but I"m still doing important work.
3) That I took the time to have a quiet breakfast at home. It got centered and it set the tone for an all around pleasant day.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
Today I had a meeting with a man I've labeled my nemesis, and I spent a good amount of time calling out the things he's doing well on the project. I'm starting to believe that our mutual hatred of each other is self-perpetuating, so I'm hoping this will break the cycle.
Jill - Nov 6, 2012
Kindness - What is one act of kindness you performed today?
I offered to drive someone to hockey on Sunday.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Not yet, but I rode my bike to my polling place and to work. Later tonight, I'll dance with the Greasy Gears.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) I live in a country that has lots of organized, accessible polling places with short lines.
2) Clothes warm enough for Wisconsin during late fall. Brrrr, cold out there.
3) The bold, pink sunrise this morning over the lake.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
Voting. I rode my bike two short blocks to my new polling location: the Wil-Mar Community Center. Even before 7am, there were about 40 people in line ... mostly 30-somethings, white-somethings. Saw a couple friends who also live in the neighborhood and we hugged and exchanged Eeeee's! about what today's results will mean.
I'd not been inside the community center before but the vibe is well, community-like. Wil-Mar is having their 25th(!) annual pie sale fundraiser for Thanksgiving -- Louisiana Sweet Potato Pecan or Sour Cream Apple. There were flyers about the socialist women's potluck and movement through martial arts. They offer after-school care and Tuesdays find the center full of produce with the East Side Farmer's Market.
Small community gathering place for big community feel. Go Wil-Mar Center!
I offered to drive someone to hockey on Sunday.
Mind/Body - Did you meditate or exercise today?
Not yet, but I rode my bike to my polling place and to work. Later tonight, I'll dance with the Greasy Gears.
Three Gratitudes - What are three unique things you are grateful for today?
1) I live in a country that has lots of organized, accessible polling places with short lines.
2) Clothes warm enough for Wisconsin during late fall. Brrrr, cold out there.
3) The bold, pink sunrise this morning over the lake.
Positive Journaling - Write about one positive experience you had today.
I'd not been inside the community center before but the vibe is well, community-like. Wil-Mar is having their 25th(!) annual pie sale fundraiser for Thanksgiving -- Louisiana Sweet Potato Pecan or Sour Cream Apple. There were flyers about the socialist women's potluck and movement through martial arts. They offer after-school care and Tuesdays find the center full of produce with the East Side Farmer's Market.
Small community gathering place for big community feel. Go Wil-Mar Center!
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