Picking my breakfast right outside my door. Every little berry is picked with care. Later when I eat my bowl of yogurt, the blueberries taste sweet as love. Country life is love.
Paradise on Earth
I stepped onto our boat and sat down outside. The water was smooth like butter when we crossed the bay. I let the ocean air kiss my cheeks and fill my lungs. A sense of freedom came over me as we approached the island. It wasn't just any island I was going to visit.It's an island where my soul always finds complete peace the minute that I step off the boat. It's the island that I've returned to every summer since early childhood. It nurtures both my soul and heart like no other place. My Paradise on Earth. 
One pound at a time
My mantra "movement is vital", took a different form the other day. Normally I choose a walk on the beach or on the trail up on the mountain, mixed with gentle yoga at home. The last couple of weeks have been a challenge health wise, and I continue having to push myself to get stronger.
I started lifting weights again after over two years of not doing it. So I really needed to start with some cute baby weights. They were of course pink, and then the next weight up was purple. It was my kind of weights. Light and with happy colors. This week it was time to get serious. It was time to step it up and use real iron. After slowly adding a pound every now and then, I was able to gently transmission to my goal. I don't need to lift heavier than this, all I want is some muscles but I am also lifting weights for bone health. A very important part that many people (especially women) forget about as we get older. To stay strong is not only for your muscles, it also builds stronger bones when you do weight training. Then the benefit for your emotional and mental health is a whole other chapter. A very important chapter.
I only had one problem during this last work out. My little work out room felt too enclosed and I opened the door to the porch. Feeling the fresh air sweep into the stuffy room, I let the room air out while I stepped outside. Why not lift weights towards the mountains? The smooth breeze cooled my skin, while the sun warmed my whole body made for a perfect work out. I wasn't on one of my traditional walks, but I was on a different road to get my upper body stronger. Still surrounded by nature and breathing in the fresh air, I couldn't have asked for a more ideal place to work towards health. One pound at a time.
The Pull of the Moon
With the full Moon on Friday, my internal tide has been running high, and it has been running low. It has been pulling me in all directions with a nervous energy for a few days.
I had to figure out how to use this strong energy in the best possible way. The Moon, so close to the Earth, affected my mind and made me feel that I was less in control of my emotions. The heightened activity of my sub-conscious mind enhanced my feelings, emotions and desires. They all surfaced to my conscious mind, and I felt the distress.
During a full Moon as well as a new Moon the pull on the Earth is more powerful than other days. I know the only thing to do is to ride out the storm. Easier said than done this time. I went to bed last night and the energy within me fluctuated like the ebb and flow of the tide. I knew it meant that I needed to bring awareness to release some negative energy.
I got up from bed, put on my robe and stepped outside in the quiet night. As I slowly walked around the house I realized the night was not so quiet after all. I heard birds high up in the trees, critters running into bushes and leaves gently rustling in the wind. I did not hear any noise, only soothing sounds from nature.
I stopped walking in my garden, looked up at the starlit sky and I was bathed in the full Moon energy light. It made me breath deep, and I let go of my edgy vibrations. Standing under the luminance of the full Moon, I felt closer to myself again. My intentions were clear, and I used the strong energies to bring myself closer to my goals, especially the spiritual ones.
Not everyone feels the energy from the Moon, and not everyone believes that you can be affected by the Moon. But if the ocean can move with high tide and low tide, why can't we? I'm a firm believer that the Moon affects us. I just need to learn how to use the strong energy in the best possible way.
If you happen to be like me, you probably need some rest now. With the ebb and flow of the tide, choose to go with the flow.
Hello June!
I was walking along the beach for exercise, and the ocean had its pull on me.
I hadn't brought any swimsuit or a towel, but that didn't stop me. An ocean is always irresistible regardless of convenience. The beautiful mystery of the waves is like a lover calling my name. I had to respond.