Time to visit with the Elderly

I thought I would jump right in and make a quick post, ’cause I think you will like it. Today I was walking my dog when I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting on a nearby bench. I have chatted with this man in the past. We’d mostly talked about the city, the nearby plants and his late wife – whom he missed dearly. Today, I was on a tight schedule so I waved as I walked by. Then my instinct told me to go over and visit with him – just for a minute. I did. I greeted him and said it was good to see him again after the long winter. I introduced my dog, Jackson, as I didn’t have him the last time we talked in the Fall. I asked how he was. He said ‘ well… not so good’. With tear filled eyes he told me his sister passed away and he was going to the funeral tomorrow. She was 98. He is 94. He shared about his 10 siblings, all who lived well into their 80’s and 90’s, and their growing up years. He talked about what he thought contributed to longevity in his family. Things like nutrition, being physically active, and the ability to look on the brighter side of life – that’s where I paid close attention.  I appreciated his wisdom about  learning from all people and not being judgmental. After about 15 minutes, my dog was a little restless, so we departed. I was so glad I listened to my instinct and stopped to chat with this man again. I appreciated his bits of wisdom and I think he liked a listening ear. I hope you take time for an elder – even when it doesn’t seem convenient. Give yourself, and the other, a special gift. Blessings……..

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Deep Breathing and Meditation

The practice of deep breathing and meditation has been instrumental in keeping me healthy lately. With the recent loss of my mom, I’ve found it helpful in grieving. I’ve been diligently practicing both for a few weeks now.  When my yoga teacher stressed the importance of practicing deep breathing and meditation for as little as 10 minutes daily – I decided to give it an honest shot.  After a few weeks of daily practice, I noticed the benefits when I was able to easily dismiss a negative thought. I did not dwell on the thought or allow it to fester – I just let it go.  The act was so surprising to me that I wondered where this new behavior came from.  I realized it was a result of my meditative practice.  So far, deep breathing and meditation has helped me to better control my thoughts. I seem to dwell less on the negative and more on the positive. As a result, I have far more energy as I not exhausted by negative thoughts.  As I continue to meditate and see more benefits, I will share my experience with you.  Here is what I do:

Sometimes I lay flat on the floor with my legs about 8 inches apart and my arms wide open with palms up. Other times, I sit in a chair with my feet flat on the floor and my palms on my thighs.  I close my eyes.  I relax my body into the floor – if I’m lying down.  I deep belly breathe.  I concentrate on my breathing – visualizing it moving through my upper body.  As a thought enters my mind, I gently dismiss it and go back to visualizing my breathing. Sometimes I count to 4 on the inhale and then on the exhale. Other times I put in a relaxation CD, such as Solitudes, in order to keep my mind focused.  I deep breathe and meditate for 10 minutes to 30 minutes daily –sometimes several times a day.

At first meditation may seem boring, so be patient, that will pass with time. There are many books published about meditation. There are also many relaxation CD’s. I have borrowed a few of each from the public library. Find the ones that suite you. Begin to gain control of your mind and keep your body more healthy. Have a wonderful day. Linda

 

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Tapestry of My Life

You know ladies, I just love this poem.   My mom once cross stitched these words, and I really treasure the piece she artfully created.  I hope you find this poem inspiring, I sure do.

Tapestry of My Life

I wonder what the other side will be when I have finished weaving all my thread. I do not know the pattern nor the end of this great piece of work which is for me. I only know that I must weave with care, day by day, the colors that are given me, and make of them a fabric firm and true, which will be of service for my fellow man.

Sometimes those colors are so dark and gray I doubt if there will be one line or trace of beauty there. But all at once there comes a thread of gold or rose so deep that there will always be that one bright spot to cherish or to keep and maybe against it’s ground of darker hue it will be beautiful!

The warp is held in place by the Master’s hand. The Master’s mind made the design for me; if I but weave the shuttle to and fro and blend the colors just the best I know, perhaps when it is finished, He will say, “Tis’ good,” and lay it on the footstool of His feet.

~ Author Unknown

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Charles Wesley

Over time, I have sent these comforting words to many friends. Today, I am reflecting on them myself. Maybe they will be a blessing to you also.

I feel a strong immortal hope,
which bears my mournful spirit up
beneath its mountain load;
redeemed from death, and grief and pain,
I soon shall find my friend again
within the arms of God.

Pass a few fleeting moments more
and death the blessing shall restore
which death has snatch away;
for me thou wilt the summons send,
and give me back my parted friend
in that eternal day.

~Charles Wesley (If  Death My Friend And Me Divide)

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