Crazy Praise--Part Two

Two weeks ago (plus a few days) I posted Crazy Praise--Part One.

In it, I offered up a challenge to anyone willing to join me for five minutes a day of out loud praise for our fingers, toes, ears, nose, and on down to the arms, tummies, hips and thighs.

It has been an enlightening two weeks for me.

What began as an experiment in kindness became a LOVE FEST.

This might sound nuts, but I realized that the extra weight I may carry on my hips and thighs is just my body's way of doing its job. She's taking care of me by storing up for the lean times. That's how I'm built.

How can I continue to hate on myself for doing what I was built to do?

I can lovingly work to lighten the load by taking in more fresh air than brownies, going on more walks than pizza runs, and spending more time in gratitude for all my body is than in dissatisfaction for what she is not.

Since I started praising instead of punishing I've lost four pounds, I've discovered countless things I love about myself, and I have an outlook now that is leading me toward a much healthier relationship with food, movement, and the scale.

I hope you all had a great two weeks too. Let's keep the LOVE FEST going!!

♥ K.

Scents Connect

Of the five physical senses,

the sense of smell evokes time, place, and person

faster and more effectively than any other.

Why not consciously surround yourself with uplifting aromas, delicious time traveling scents, and wafts of giggle inducing whimsy?



I see an Acupuncturist named Emily, and she's a master at what she does. I went to her as an almost last ditch effort last October to treat my depression and I've been seeing her ever since with great results.

She practises her craft out of an old house perched along one of Duluth's many ascending, pothole-filled avenues. It's one of those homes with tons of history and character. Just ask it.

There is a small bathroom near the room where she meets clients, and in it is Soothing Orange Blossom Honey soap from The South of France. (Actually it's from Greensboro, NC)

Emily's hands carry this sweet and soothing scent when she works on me. I have connected it to feeling safe and cared for, and just yesterday I found it on the shelf of my local whole foods co-op and brought it home. I'm assembling an entourage of support with inanimate objects. Alongside the amazing, loving people in my life.

It also looks beautiful on my window sill.

There are other scents in my life that take me back to times of sadness. English Leather cologne is one of them. I torture myself if I seek out that aroma.

Instant tears.

Why do this to myself?

 If you,

  like me,

work to bring more happiness into your life,

then make decisions that support that aim,

not sabotage it.

Everywhere in small ways we can grab slivers of joy from the simplest places. Like soap.

Off to wash my hands,

♥ K.

I Swear This Really Is A Retreat~~Day Three

Now isn't that a beautiful thing?


My sink doesn't look this good. I'm not sure it ever did, even when it was new forty years ago. But you've got to see the beauty in this image--this shining, mirror-like, reflection with the drain looking the part of an opulent brooch deserving of a lady-in-waiting.


Maybe that's a stretch, but if you think about it, any surface in your house can be seen as something spectacular with a little imagination. Need a get-away? 


I give you the humble kitchen sink.


Dishes are done.


Time for coffee.


And pie,
Kimberly

Week Thirteen ~Cantus~

Last week my Mom told me she would love to spend some time with me. It had been ages since we had any time just the two of us. She mentioned a one-of-a-kind concert she had heard about through church taking place later in the week.

"It's a choral group from Norway and they will all be wearing Bunads!"

See, part of my ancestry is Norwegian, and I love to sew. Bunads are the national costume of Norway and they are exquisitely beautiful. Each region has its own, and each Bunad is uniquely embroidered with swirls and florals much like rose malling.

 

Since my Mom and I also both love to sing, this event sounded perfect. We had no idea we were in for such a treat.

The women sang in what sounded like twelve part harmony. Their voices soared to the rafters of the old Norway Hall in Duluth, MN. Their faces sparkled with a palpable love for the music. My Mom and I sat in the front row, holding back tears, and loving our time together.

Needless to say I bought a CD, which leads me to this week's retreat:

Find a way to get ahold of some Cantus.
(here's a link to their web site)  http://www.cantus.no/
Now play it every day on your way to work. The melodies will stay with you, as they did with me, and will transport you to magic land just by remembering the ride in.

Don't believe me? Have a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g6mIuDwy-o

Retreat with CANTUS. Ahhhhh.
Kimberly

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Two~

Every day this week I urge you to take some time, a minute, five, an hour, and create. Doesn't matter what it is, just create. It does the soul some good. Trust me.

Color crayons. It's been a long time.

Are we having fun yet?

Oh yeah!

Kimberly

Week Eleven ~The Pursuit of Creativity Challenge~

I have never been much of a photographer.

Whenever I'm at memorable family events, you will not find me behind a lens. I'm too busy laughing, talking, eating, or finding time to myself to be clicking pictures.

Couple that with my beginner's knowledge of all things "computer" and I'm not one to download, or post, or attach photos either. I know visuals are a good thing, and in the spirit of grand adventure which is this life, I'm going to go for it this week.

Retreat Time:

This week, I want you to take a creative retreat every day, snap a photo of it, and share it here if you can. I will do the same.

Creativity is the pulse of life within us all. We create the "us" the world sees from the moment we get out of bed. We choose to wear our hair a certain way, don a favorite outfit, pick a cup for our coffee. These things may happen naturally, but if we take a moment of intended creativity, our brains will buzz with thanks. We'll be outside the proverbial box.

Some ideas...

• Water color paints are so much fun to play with because they blend and mix together and make new colors and shapes on their own. If you have some in your cupboard, pull them out and paint. When your creation dries, cut a piece out of it to slip into your wallet or purse. Remind yourself all week of that creative moment.
• Sing on your way to work. Go for it! Really set your voice free. Imagine your on stage in front of millions wearing a fabulous costume and bringing down the house. Take full deep belly breaths to support your belting. You'll feel great.
• Free write for ten minutes about times in your life when you felt the most creative. Tell a story. Or just repeat the phrase "seventh grade science project" if that's all you can think of. No worries. We have all had times of creativity we can relive and who knows, those memories may spark ways we can improve our lives now through long lost passions.

These are just a few ideas to consider. As I said, I will be posting an image a day to show you my own creative pursuits this week. Look for the first one tonight. Wish me luck!

Say cheese!
Kimberly

Time With Friends ~Day Six~

All week I've been thinking about my friends, and planning to have a "girls night out". I had a list of names and numbers in mind, and some possible locations.

Friday night was the big night. 

Well after a very loooong week, I was pooped, and what sounded good to me was staying home with Wade, my hubby.

I never called the girls.

Now before you go thinking that I'm short changing myself, understand that I don't see my husband often enough. He travels for work, we've got two kids, you know the story. And besides, he really is my best friend.

To make this retreat time I tucked myself into the couch facing Wade, with a favorite blanket, my sweet little dog, and a relaxed smile. Then I imagined that the room we were in was the only one in the world. We were completely alone and protected. It was just the two of us. I really focused on him.

It was so wonderful!! We laughed and talked and laughed some more. The kids were both out so we had the whole house to ourselves, but that one cozy room was all we needed. In many ways it was an ordinary night. And it was perfect.

I encourage you to see the relationships right in front of you. Cherish them and celebrate them with a little focused attention. Open your heart to friendship in the obvious places. Blessings abound!

Girls...next time,
Kimberly

Week Ten ~Time With Friends~

I've had many friends throughout my life. Some have been with me during times of great sorrow, others have been near during my happiest moments. Every one of them has played their part.

This week, I want us to retreat with friends.

Try to plan at least one simple get together with a good friend. Grab a coffee, meet for lunch, plan a dinner or a night out. Talk about your commitment to retreat, and how this is a special time for you to nurture yourself by connecting with the people who mean the most. Really focus on the time you have and the friendship you share. See if you can't learn something new and wonderful about this person who already gives you so much.

If you're unable to physically be with a close companion, take out a notebook, a really good pen, and write for at least ten minutes about someone who has impacted your life through friendship. Take a walk back in time to a year when a best friend made all the difference. Share what you can with me in this blog.

And I will do the same.

The coffee pot is always on,
Kimberly

p.s. Check out the link below to read a guest post of mine on the fabulous website that is Joy Junket. It deals with friendship. Enjoy!

http://www.joyjunket.com/manifesto-musings-time-with-friends-is-sacred/

Hands ~Day Four~

Okay, this is technically an advertisement for a car company, but the video leading up to the plug at the end is unbelievable. Enjoy!

http://www.spike.com/video/what-hands-can-do/2822408

Embracing beauty every day,
Kimberly

Week Nine ~Hands~

Hands are the heart's landscape.-   Pope John Paul II

Think of all we do with our hands.

The miracle of movement in our fingers. How a simple touch can heal a broken heart, a wounded ego, an anxious mind.
This week, I'd like to offer you a retreat for your hard working hands.

I found this self-massage technique on ehow. This video is very simple to follow, and a good technique for hand massage.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4404422_self-massage-techniques-hands.html

To make this a retreat, take a moment for an opening ceremony.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the next few minutes are for you.

If you have a favorite lotion or scented oil, use it. You may even want to splurge a bit and buy a bottle just for this retreat. Aromatherapy can be highly indusive to relaxation and calm, and a scent that makes you happy is an added treat for this massage.

Below is a list of scents and their uses to get you started, but don't think of this as the last word on aroma. We are all unique, and if a fragrance speaks to you, that's the important thing.

Basil – Sage - Mint -  Spiritual uplifting, energizing and romance,
                                  relaxation, extreme calming and comfort

Cedarwood - Nervous tension, bronchitis, congestion, coughs and
                    sinusitis

Eucalyptus - Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis and throat
                    infections

Jasmine - Mood changing, fear, sensual, romance and confidence

Lavender - Flu, depression, insomnia and hypertension

Lemon - Well being, refreshing, optimistic, fearless and strengthening

Lime - Balance, cleansing, motivation and clarity

Sandalwood - Depression, tensions and stress

Ylang Ylang - Depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity and stress
 
When you are done, fold your hands over your heart and with a deep breath, imagine a glow enveloping your fingers, thumbs, palms, and joints. Thank your body for all it does, every day.

Be good to yourself. Always.

Kimberly

Day Five ~Strong Foundations~

We're coming to the end of our time with the base chakra. Remember, I've suggested we set the intention to find something red and delicious in the grocery store to support this important energy center. Yesterday I had an experience I wanted to share which is best expressed with brevity. Enjoy.


Long day.

Shuffling numbly into the grocery store for husband requested frozen pizza.

Forgot about my own retreat.

Drifted toward the deli.
Don't know why.
No pizza there.

Was greeted with a rainbow of vitamin packed, antioxidant sporting, "fuel your body with the good stuff" juices.

"Ahhhh. Now I remember."

(smile)

I had found Red Machine.

Yumm. Yumm. Triple yumm.

All better.

Slurp, slurp,
Kimberly

Day Three ~Strong Foundations~

Here's a little inspiration for the produce section courtesy of Linda R. O'Connell.

Succulent, sensual, seeds. Yumm.

THE POMEGRANATE

Posted March 14th, 2009 by lroconnell

• seeds of love

THE POMEGRANATE
By Linda R. O’Connell
Copyright © 2009

Pomegranate,
leather skinned globe
jewels in your crown.
You captivate me
with the fullness of
your form,
your regal beauty
and taste treasure.
Pleasure me,
fruit of temptation,
bleeding juice of
fertility and bounty.
You are not fit for mere mortals,
for it was you
luring Adam
in the garden that day.
Journey me,
lead me away from
the wines
of vineyards.
Surround me in
your scarlet flesh
and seduce me,
as I grab you
and caress!
Coax me on towards
your crimson kernels,
of pearls
that tire me
to death.
Oh pomegranate,
take me.

Strong Foundations ~Week Eight~

As promised, we're going to continue working with the base chakra this week. After last week's meditation retreat, I hope you are all feeling grounded, nourished, and strong.

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine, and it cares for basic human needs. It is concerned with survival. This is where the energy of good food, undisturbed sleep, shelter, health, and financial security lie. If these basic needs aren't met, it is difficult to move up the rainbow, so to speak, and experience the full energy spectrum.

Let's take care of those basic essential needs.

Take a trip to the grocery store. Before you even leave your car, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the perfect nourishment for your body, for this moment, resides within that building. Believe in your soul that you are going to find exactly what your body needs.

I like to look for naturally red foods, since I love coordinating along a theme. We're working on the first chakra, and it's color is red...you get the idea. Besides, this will usually rule out things like glazed donuts and ice cream, which have their purpose, but are not the healthiest choices. For this retreat, lets treat our bodies with goodness that goes beyond sugar cravings. 

Pomegranates, strawberries, red bell peppers, raspberries, cherries, apples.

Put only foods that are red in your cart or basket, thinking all the while about your foundation. Remember how envisioning puddles of light with each step can ground you. And no one in the produce section needs to know what you're doing! :) Buy yourself some red roses too. Why not. When was the last time you treated yourself? 

Let me know what fun red foods you try. We could even share recipes!

*A simple way to enjoy berries any time of year is to buy frozen fruit. Defrost them in the microwave, or on the kitchen counter, and serve them over yogurt with a sprinkling of slivered almonds. Divine!

Try to eat something red every day, and when you are done, close your eyes, think of your strong foundation and quietly hum, "Mmmm good."

Good for you,
Kimberly

The Base of it All ~Day Six~

It was a beautiful day today. The air crisp and cool, the snow a brilliant white, the air a comfy 22 degrees. Time to walk the dog.

I had skipped my meditation this morning, so why not make up for it with a mindful walk.

With each step, I imagined the rising sun shining a spot of glowing light beneath my feet. Every time my foot impacted the earth I "saw" this pool for a brief second. My stroll became a moving mantra.

Step, step, step. Until I felt as though the earth was rolling beneath me and I was the one standing still. Only my feet were moving, and in the movement, they spun the globe. This sensation was amazing, I really urge you to try it.

I basked in the glow of my solid spinning world for nearly an hour before I was home.

Ahhhhh. Retreat. Anytime, anywhere, even on top of the world.

Smiling me,
Kimberly

The Base of it All ~Day Four~

 
This meditation has been more powerful than I expected.

If you've been following me, and reading the comments from my wonderful readers, you may have come across a comment from Anne who lives in South Africa. She had an ideal way of envisioning the glowing light of the base chakra and I hope she doesn't mind my sharing it with you.

Instead of a manmade red light shining brightly and filling the earth, she imagines the light of the rising sun.

I LOVE THIS.

I closed my eyes and the world filled up with the richest scarlet brilliance I'd ever seen. Perched a top such a swirling wonder, I imagined all of you, in different places, enjoying the same amazing feeling of being anchored to the greatest foundation there is.

The unfathomable gift of this blog is the link it gives me to all of you. I am forever grateful.

Whirly, swirly, me,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Seven~

I cannot do this retreat justice tonight by putting into words all that "finding five" has given me. All the sychronicities that have crossed my path, all the gifts I've received as little surprises throughout ordinary days.

Yesterday I focused on ABUNDANCE and was dumbstruck by the bounty my life holds.

Today I chose the word PEOPLE. Mostly I wanted to focus on the wonderful people in my life and in the world. People who love me, who give of themselves, who do their best to give their best.

What happened today, at least in part, is too personal for me to share here. What I can say, is that I was reminded of how blessed I am to have so many amazing, giving, and truly special people in my life, and I could never say "thank you" enough.

Tomorrow is a new day, a new week, and a new retreat is headed your way. We'll talk then. :)

Sweet dreams,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Six~

Yesterday I chose "I am a writer" as my phrase for the day, and I had a day filled with researching articles, job opportunities online, editing a friend's work (I like editing), and filling a calendar with future writing projects.

Result???

I loved it. And I learned a lot.

Which reminds me of why I started this retreating every week to begin with. Not only are retreats renewing, relaxing, and self-nurturing, they are also revealing. By taking even a few minutes each day, setting the intention that those moments are special, a time just for you, you can connect with deep knowledge, and open doors of understanding that illuminate your life. Good stuff.

Today I'm focusing on ABUNDANCE.

To kick things off, I am abundantly grateful for all who participate in this blog, and every bit of love that flows from one reader to another. It's true that the Internet can foster connections with people we'd otherwise never know. Technology can be a beautiful thing.

Peace and blessings,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day One~

My phrase today was "Time For Me".

Here are my five:

• Found time to paint my toenails green (my favorite color).
• Found time to cuddle under my crisp white comforter with mattress pad heater on, just because. I wasn't ready for bed yet, I just wanted to tuck under the blankets for a minute before doing the dishes.
• Waited in the parking lot of the clinic today listening to Minnesota Public Radio to hear Mayor Cory A. Booker of Newark New Jersey finish his speech honoring Martin Luther King Day. I'd never heard this man speak before, but he was soooo inspiring I couldn't turn it off.
• "Found time" by replacing the batteries in a favorite clock that's read 3:26 for months.
• And lastly, I took the time while hauling in fuel for the wood stove to count my strides. I noticed that I took more steps bringing in an arm full of Birch, than I did strolling back to the stack. Thought about this, and decided that I instinctively make sure there's a solid foundation under me when I have a heavy load. Good for me!

Oh, this is going to be a good week. Have an inspiring seven days my friends!

Kimberly

Walking Tall ~Day Two~

I had a job interview this morning and as I drove into town, nervous, excited, brainstorming answers to unknown questions, I remembered this week's retreat and sat up straighter in my car. I felt my tense insides relax from the pampering. They had room to breathe and stretch out in an imaginary hot tub. Mmmm.

Worked wonders.

I walked into the interview with head held high, and felt fantastic about the whole experience.

Wish me luck!
Kimberly