What do you think of when you read that word? I think of the Beatles song. Sadly, I also think of the Nike commercial featuring the song. The power of advertising. Am I right? Well lately when I think of “revolution” a couple other things come to mind. One is the current political climate and the recent marches and protests. I didn’t march for personal, non-political reasons (I *hate* crowds so much that I would basically be having an extended panic attack) but I loved seeing people’s photos and posts on Instagram. And the hats! I love that an idea like that caught on and went viral. So cool. But I struggle with how to process how our country got here and where we are headed. I find myself getting more and more upset. But it isn’t rage so much as a deep deep sadness. A sadness that I am not able to process because I fear it would consume me. Honestly, it is that bad. So I need to make a decision about how much of it I am willing to read about and listen to. How much “news” can I as a fragile human take? I think I am able to take maybe one short story a day. Some days, not even that. Because even a headline can send me into a spiral. But today, “revolution” also means yoga. Yep, yoga. I found a link through an internet rabbit hole to a YouTube page for Yoga with Adriene. I did a couple of her beginner videos and I was quickly hooked. Then as January started to near I saw that she was doing something called a 31 day yoga revolution. Yes, please. I signed me right up. And so now, when I think of the word revolution, I also think of the commitment I can make to myself. To be present and mindful and kind to myself. Even if it is only for 30 minutes on a yoga mat, it makes a difference to me. I mentioned it to my meditation class and one of the guys in the group let me know that he started doing it and that he is really enjoying it. That made me stupid happy! I offered a suggestion to someone else who was suffering and it helped them! How amazing is that?! One thing I know about myself, I really want to help people. I think that might be the most true thing I know about myself. That and the fact that I love a good pair or two or three of shoes. Yes, my autobiography could be titled, “Be Kind And Buy The Shoes!” I hope you find the revolution that is meaningful to you today.
(note on photo: taken by me of Flannery. Yesterday. Because every day these cats remind me to stop what I am doing and notice how incredibly cute they are and how lucky I am to have a house full of the joy they bring.)
It began more than two weeks ago, but I’ve been like you, busy. Busy thinking and planning and hoping and regretting, too. But not really writing. But I aim to change that last part. Those last two parts – regretting and not writing. Every minute is a new opportunity to do something or not do something. I saw something about a “to don’t” list. A list of things you don’t want to do. It’s kind of a neat idea. Lists are something I struggle with. My lists are either too overwhelming and so I obsess and stress out over them and then decide to ignore them to spare myself the anxiety. What I want to start doing is creating a priority list and a whenever list. Focus on the priority list, and don’t look at the whenever list unless I have time to. A do and a don’t. Opposites moving together. It’s like yoga. So anyway, I ramble. That hasn’t changed. But I hope to use this space to share and wonder in type and connect with people again. And I have a no meanie rule. I will try not to be mean to myself (or you) and I ask you do the same. Not just here, but everywhere. Can we make that promise to 2017? Coolio. (Photo note: taken on New Year’s Day hike. I do a fair amount of urban hiking so there is bound to be graffiti. When I get out on good long hikes in NH those tend to result in the money shots. And are graffiti free.)
day-blind stars 