May 15, 2010

Purposeful Living
Do you ever get so caught up in "doing" that you forget what you're doing it for? The last couple of months have been a total blur for me. Somewhere in that blur, there were birthdays, meetings, workout days, kid's events etc. -- some dry stuff and some really wonderful stuff, but looking back I am wondering if I was chewing without tasting!

Does Bionic Woman feel more deeply?
Better, stronger, faster - we continue to push and push and push. I can be a real workhorse - competitive, strong of mind and body and with exacting quality standards. But this applies more to my working life - do I approach my personal goals with the same drive and passion? Like so many women, I think it sneaks up on us and our dearest needs, hopes and desires slowly slip away from us like a receding tide. Chewing without tasting, looking versus seeing; "being there" versus true connection with others and with environments. If I am so omnipotent, why don't I feel wonder and joy at the same epic scale???

One thousand needles!
Sometimes it takes a physical twinge (or two, or three!) to jolt the mind and body back to attention and attentiveness. There can be a robotic separation of self when when we get caught up in "doing" rather than truly living and experiencing; using all of our senses. My mini-awakening came yesterday when I went for treatment of leg veins. A medical procedure to kill off varicose veins with a painful series of injections. The physician was experienced and quick with a needle, but the process was much more extensive than I imagined it would be. Like an explosion of glass embedding my tender skin, when we had reached the half-way point, I thought "What on earth have I got myself into?" I likely had fifty or so injections, but it felt like a thousand, a million - my nerve endings on fire with pain.

Nourishment
So, they wrapped me up -- I am bandaged from ankle to groin on both legs and my best friend was waiting for me in the waiting room. You have to walk, albeit gently for about 30-45 minutes after this treatment; so we went to a city park. The May air was moist and fragrant; the sun, benevolent and restorative. I was already willing my body to heal, to feel the promise through the pain. My little wake up call came in all of those rapid-fire injections -- I am so fortunate, I am in possession of these amazing gifts and abilities; I am willing myself to soar and I am committed to my self-care above all things.

When we are fully engaged in our self-care we reap the benefits many times over and the quality of our experience can then over-spill to all others we touch -- AND we truly are able to touch others, because we are really connecting; not just buzzing by.

September 4, 2009

Poplars, Woodsmoke & Stars!
I am so looking forward camping with "the girls" this weekend! As much as I love spending time with my kids (they inspire and enrich every day, every moment of my life!), there is much to be said about female bonding time such as this. We love our organization, our neatness, our multi-tasking super stardom, our downtime and savouring our food and beverage! It is a time to laugh, to re-charge and to dream.

Here is my recipe for a healthy, easy tuna ball that can be made in advance for an energizing and sustaining weekend (or anytime!) snack. I hope your long weekend is coloured with brilliant memories - mine will be shades of baby blue, molten orange and moss green.

Pam's Tuna Veggie Ball

1 can of chunk white tuna, drained and flaked
3 Tbsp. whole fat mayonnaise
Crushed red chilies, to taste (about 1/2 tsp.)
Dash of coarse ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried dill weed
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 Tbsp. sweet green relish
1/4 medium sized red bell pepper, minced
1/4 medium sized red onion, minced
6-8 mini carrots, finely grated
1 rib of celery, minced

*for garnish: 10 pretzels, crushed or 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Combine all ingredients except the pretzels/nuts, mixing well. Chill overnight. At serving time, roll in crushed pretzels or chopped pecans. Serve with your favorite bread, crackers or crudites.

NOTE: I often make this in my food processor when I am in a hurry - saves a lot of time chopping, shredding! This recipe can also be made with canned crabmeat or sockeye salmon for variety. Trying adding in or substituting items with your favourite condiments and vegetables -- i.e sundried tomatoes, mustard pickles...