EXPERIENCE

I sat up this morning after hoping to catch some sleep in a "wake-me-when-it's-over" sort of way, then started to laugh as I realized that I was letting myself ride the roller coaster of drama in my life.  Wheeeee.  So I got off the cart and I stood still in order to realize that all is well in the moment.  And I laughed out of glee for the moment was filled with joy...  I cannot control the choices of others; I can only decide how to respond.  As I went through the emotions at my disposal, discarding first fear (been there - not helpful), then sadness (okay, enough of the pity party), then pain (don't need to know any more of this) ... I came to contentment, peace, and finally joy by accepting all that is around me; and, by realizing I could observe it as if I were watching a play... I could determine how involved I would be on every level.  And, I could change my focus to be productive in other areas of my life till the circus moves to another town.  Couldn't I? 

OBSERVATION

Do you ever notice elders talking about the weaknesses of the younger generation while taking no responsibility for guiding them to where they are?  "Kids nowadays."  It might be interesting to give the youth of our loins and the product of our partnerships another glance -- perhaps find the special qualities and gifts they bring to the world because of and despite our efforts...  maybe we can all learn from each other.

ADVICE

Take good care your feet because they are what you "stand on."  The skin of the soles of our feet is considered to be sentient; it is said that the soles of our feet feel everything... Try This...  soak your feet in warm soapy water and remove all calluses with a good pumice scrub, then rub in some lotion.  Place your fingers of your right hand between each of your toes on your left foot, working the digits together until they are interlocked like holding hands.  Rotate your foot clockwise, then counterclockwise while kneading your toes and fingers together.  Point and flex your foot while gently squeezing with your fingers.  Then slowly pull your fingers through your toes and feel the relaxation.  Repeat on the right foot with your left hand.

TILT (This I Learned Today)

There is an evolving awareness about bullying ... It interests me greatly because I wish to give my children the tools needed to thrive and find personal peace, always.  Tools I am still finding, for myself.  So, I will be investigating this further, and maybe furthering it, too...  Maybe if we can teach children harmony, tolerance, win-win solutions and respect for others we can end war among adults...

"Our experience has shown that boys and girls tend to bully in different ways. Teenage girls are more likely to use exclusion from friendships, rumour spreading and name calling while boys - although they do indulge in these things  - are more likely to punch and kick their victims and to use intimidation. Girls appear to be the main perpetrators of mobile phone abuse and also on the receiving end of most text message abuse and silent calls."  - school bully

AND A COUPLE OTHER THINGS

Can you tell it has been a rather heavy week?  I think I'll go for a walk and smell some flowers... or perhaps to the garden to pick some peas.