Earth Day

Really its not a day, it is eternity.

With Earth Day this past week, and the challenge set out in class, I actually had to sit back and think of what I do to contribute to keep Mother Earth healthy.
Having to sit back and think about it, was not a bad thing. It wasn't, because I don't actively do anything to contribute, it's because it is not mindful acts. There really is no thought to my daily contributions, but rather just something I normally do. There is special projects we take part in, and that we are actively doing, but because we want too, not because we have to.

Projects like Pitch In, we have been doing that for years, and have seen many ditches, parks, and empty wind collecting bare, land lots. From Guide and Scout groups, to community initiatives, to Silent River Kung Fu.

But, once I did sit back and think about it, I realized it was quite a long list. Not that anything is huge, or has an immediate magical effect of making the world perfect, but I do think that these small contributions made by one person (or family) do make a difference.

I took that a step further and thought if Every person and family could do a Small part, it would make such a Huge difference. 

As we planted apple trees many years ago, it was at first thought about the fruit, and the prettiness. But it is more about the environment, growing our own food, and sustainability for the bees.

As I have practiced recycling for many, many years now, there is no thought involved, it is simply something we do.

Anytime, usually anywhere I see garbage, I simply pick it up, and put it where it belongs. (It could be recyclable) Sadly, I have not done this a lot lately, as I do not always have gloves, and well you know. I feel sadness every time I do not pick up something. I try to go back to get it when I have gloves, but usually it has already traveled on. Or to make myself feel better, I hope someone else has done the job for me.

I realized a lot of what I, and my family do as part of everyday life is actually benefiting the earth,, and the world we live in. Bit by Bit. And it truly made my heart happy that is is thoughtless in the sense that we don't even think about it, it is simply habits, and our way of life.

Hope everyone is doing well, hope to see you all soon on the mats!

Stress Management

They say Laughter is the best medicine.....

I recently read an article with some very interesting facts about laughter, and how it is a proven tool for Stress Management.

Here are a few of the facts from the Mayo Clinic

 - Laughter stimilates many organs! It actually enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, therefore it stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins released by your brain.
 - Laughing can activate and relieve your stress response, a rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response. It can increase and decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result is a good, relaxed feeling.
 - Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both can help reduce some physical symptoms of stress.

Laughter is also good for you long term. It may -
Improve your immune system.
Relieve pain
Increase personal satisfaction
Improve your mood

Thought I would share some of this article, as I am sure we could all use a little laughter in our life right now. And look at the positive benefits of it!
Share some laughs with your family, watch a funny movie. Find the laughter in life, for it is always there, sometimes we just need to look a little deeper.

This week was a lot better for me. I think I am easing into my new routines fairly well. Of course there is still stress points, but overall life seems to be moving smoother.

I am quite enjoying not so busy weekends as well. I seem to be baking something every weekend. Although, not sure if the baking is a good thing haha. Maybe I will look for something new to keep me busy, but with the weather finally improving and getting warmer, there is also plenty to do in the yard. I cannot wait!

Hope everyone finds some laughter, and some joy. We could all use it to keep us going!

Stay safe everyone

Glass of Water

The other day I had what may seem strange to most, but to me a real Aha moment.
And yes it has to do with a glass of water.

I will start a bit further back for some clarity.
Before I started Kung Fu, I was not much of a water drinker. Not much, usually not at all.
But once I started Kung Fu, water was, and is, now my go to over anything else; and I am sure you understand why.

Now back to my Glass of Water....
One of the things I do now is have a glass of water right before I go to bed. The other night was the same as any other night, I had not been thirsty before getting ready for bed, not even when I was pouring that glass of water. But when it was time to drink it, I was so thirsty, I was craving it. This made me realize that it had become such a habit, that my body and brain reacted to it immediately.

This made me sit back and think for a moment, especially regarding the last few weeks.
We get into routines, which become habits. When those routines change, it throws us off.
And then the whole world tilts, and it really throws a loop in everything. Change is inevitable, and is constant, that we know. What we didn't expect or foresee is for Everything in life (basically) to change, and to change so dramatically and quickly.

Where do we go from here?
We make new routines, which will become new habits. And yes, those will change as well.
It's not about how change happens, it is about what we do with it When it happens.

I will leave you with one thought....

Are you going to GO with change, or are you going to GROW with change?

I am choosing to GROW.

My Thankfuls

First off, my apologies for such a late blog this week! I feel I have good reason, as I have been greatly struggling over the last couple of weeks, and did not want to put negative energy out there. So I decided to wait. But I did want to get a blog out this week, as I have not missed a week this year, and am very proud of that!

Today I decided instead of writing about how my last couple of weeks has gone (maybe I will elaborate a bit in next weeks blog), I will instead keep it short and sweet with a few of my thankful's.

I am thankful to come home every night to my boys.
I am thankful for the digital age we live in, and being able to connect with the rest of my family.
I am thankful for the kindness I see all around happening.
I am thankful for all of the hard work of our leaders at kung fu, in helping us to keep connected, and motivated.
I am thankful for so much more.

Be safe and healthy everyone!