True Purpose

I heard a bit on NPR today about the use of technology in education. The guest was talking to Diane Reem about the widening gap between the use of technology in Fortune 500 companies and in public classrooms. She asked him, "How do you use technology?" He responded by saying that getting online was the first thing he did when he got up in the morning and the last thing he did before he went to bed, that instead of reading the paper, he got his news online. Instead of watching TV or listening to the radio, he downloads shows and podcasts. And frighteningly, he admitted on the air that he knew more about his co-workers through their blogs that from personal interaction. These are people that he actually works with every day.

I don't want this! ....So let me tell you about the great blog post I read from a total stranger! Ha! Ha!

No, really, check it out!

I have to apologize for my infrequent posting. Launching a blog and then going right into NaBloPoMo was... perhaps not the best strategy. After all, I'm still getting my blogging feet wet here. One thing I have noticed is that blogging about life certainly puts a different spin on my daily experience. Anyway, I've been having trouble because I've really wanted to be present in the moment... you know, experiencing things. And while I was blogging on a daily basis, I found myself quite preoccupied with how this or that experience would translate to a blog post. Is this weird? It's not unlike having a camera on a vacation. As much as I want to capture the scenery and record the moment for posterity, there is a certain freedom when I don't have a camera because I stop obsessing about what moment or scene to capture. I could just BE in it.

So forgive my rather intermittent posting as I figure this all out. Perfect balance, right?

We've had guests in town for the last three days. What's funny is that these guests are pretty low maintenance. They don't require many scheduled activities and are content to hang out at home. The problem is... they are content to hang out at home!!! And I am going stir crazy. Of course, if it were not 10 degrees outside, we could go for some idyllic walks in the part or something. Instead, we are on our 30th round of Kids on Stage (a.k.a. Charades for the pre-readers. Really, a darling game the first 10 times).

I've been cooking every meal since they got here! As soon as one is over, I feel like I'm starting another. I'm exhausted. I made buttermilk pancakes for breakfast this morning. I stopped short of serving the o.j. and milk in carafes. After all, they are family. And, I'm not Martha.

"If you can lift your spirits by yourself or if you can life someone else's spirits, you are spiritual." This is a quote from Dr. Madan Kataria, who started a Laughter Yoga program in India.

Laugher Yoga? Yes, you read correctly. And if you are up for a little inspiration, watch the video.

I was inspired by Scott Noelle's Daily Groove regarding "Be Careful." He says that our inclination to protect our children from harm often cuts them off from their own body wisdom. After I read this, I resolved to adjust my own admonitions. I could not let go completely... but instead of saying, "be careful." I'm trying to point out to them more specifically what I want to bring to their attention: the steps are really slippery. The stovetop is hot.

I realized that is something that George hates too. When we are driving and I say, "Watch out!" he gets really annoyed with me because he doesn't think this is useful, just scary. But if I say, "Do you see that car?" he feels like he can respond in a productive way. Interesting. I think this may be what happens with the kids too. My more specific words to give them a mental picture and useful information. Then they can match my words to the experience. And in the future, discern the situation for themselves and respond appropriately.

I'm back... if not mentally, at least physically. You all will be really disappointed in me. This is the one trip I take every year that I don't bring a camera. My thinking is... pictures never do justice to the experience. And, if pictures are going to be shared, my little point-and-shoot just can't compare with a pro... so here's where I stayed. At least, it's how my minds eye chooses to recall it!

A little background: I've started this practice of going off by myself once a year. I do a lot of meditation, a lot of journaling, some yoga and get regular massages. Sound like fun?! Not to everyone but for me, it is so balancing. I swear that I come back a different person.

This year's "retreat" turned out to be all about feeeeeeling. Being quite "heady" and analytical, it has always been a challenge for me to stop overthinking any issue. So I left my daily routine with the intention of "letting go of words and just... being." Of course, that makes it rather impossible to describe what happened on my trip because... well, NOTHING happened.

I was on the beach by 10 am and left when in got dark. I ate dinner and would come back out for a meditation under the stars until I felt like going to bed. Quite literally, my brain was on OFF. Nothing happened in my external life but on the inside, I experienced the most profound divine connection. I will never be the same....

I posted every day in November EXCEPT the last one! If I am not the biggest loser... actually, I feel no guilt! There were extenuating circumstances. My hubby and I were having, ahem, a little love connection so.... I didn't really feel the need to jump out of bed at 4 minutes before midnight just to say I posted something on November 30. That would have been rather contrary to my True Purpose, don't you think?

Anyway, now that NaBloPoMo is done, I can relate to the many other bloggers who want a break! In my case, I am truly going on vacation!!! I'm headed to Tulum, Mexico in less than 4 hours. No internet access. No electricity! I'm going cold turkey!

Krista tagged me for a meme.... Sorry it's taken awhile for me to get on the ball. Wasn't quite sure what to do, being a newbie to the whole blogging experience. Ican only use that excuse for so long so I'm going to milk it!

Here are the rules:
Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself. Tag 7 random people participating in nablopomo at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1)I love avocados... to the point where I will order something on a menu just because it has avocados in it
2) when I was in labor with Genny, I ate 100 grand bars and blue gatorade until I was at 7 cm
3) my husband doesn't know about this blog
4) I'm obsessed with submitting something to PostSecret but I can't think of anthing sordid or juicy enough
5) I couldn't live without my... dog
6) I crave silence
7) soccer moms creep me out (sorry!)

Momisodes
Mama-Om
Life Unfolds
Mortal Mom Writes
Some Go Softly
Goofy Andie
Sweetisu

Stacy, I want to join your mindful parenting group! :) The insight youyou shared on Right Action really resonated with me... inner clarity is an invitation for an expectation to be fulfilled in an unexpected way. It's certainly a lesson that I am in the process of learning. As always, it is a battle between my Ego and my Self. My ego, my controlling type A nature wants to choreograph everything. But with control comes self-induced responsibility (and pressure).

In those magical moments when I can let go of my attachment to "how things should be," the burden of forcing the outcome is lifted. A few days ago, I blogged about problem-solving, about allowing the Universe to participate in the fulfillment of my goals. It's like gracefully receiving a gift. I am constantly reminded that my responsibility is... to claim my wants/desires/objectives/dreams. I am not responsible for "how."

We are in love with our achievements. The world equates WHO WE ARE with our achievements.  I pondered this as I was remembering Covey's "Begin with the end in mind..." You know, at your funeral, how do you want people to remember you? Whether it's making a million dollars or donating a million dollars or winning a humanitarian award or having the cleanest kitchen in the world, it doesn't matter. It's still some external measurement of your own worth. Even being a great mom is in a way, an achievement. How does one disengage from this social success consciousness? In the quietest moments, it is clear to me that true profit is internal... the understandings that we learn during our life are the only things we take with us.

And yet... the constant pressure.

Any ideas?