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Jan 28 2014

The Semantics of the Present

I adorn my space with reminders to exist intentionally and not by accident. My perpetual calendar this year is a reminder that happiness exists in the present. Today’s* daily inspiration resonated with me regarding the many definitions of the word present:

Present (adjective) – in a particular place
Present (noun) – the period of time now occurring
Present (verb) – to give, to offer
Present (noun) – an item given to someone as a gift

At times I find myself spending the present moment on thoughts of the past or thoughts of the future, which I know robs me of joy of this very moment. I am working to remain present with intentional consistent activities. Check out below how I will achieve being present more often than not.

I vow to be present by:

Beginning my day and ending my day in prayer – This year I started the practice of writing a morning prayer and evening prayer that I recite daily. The prayers are good for 2014 and I will write a new set of prayers in 2015.

Journaling weekly – For the last several years, I’ve been good about journaling, however I haven’t journal this year thus far. (Shame on me! :o) ) Why is that you ask? – I am catching up on my beginning of the year “to do’s” – which I am way behind on. I can’t believe in will be February in a few days. Journaling for me is therapeutic and allows me to process and reflect on the daily events of my life. It is also one of the communication methods I use to talk to my God – And let me tell you – at times the conversations are spirited and animated to say the least.

Reading daily – In 2012, I got my first Kindle and I have since sold that Kindle and upgraded to the new 2014 version. Because of the Kindle, I plan to sell all my books. Yup, you read right – I am selling my library of books. My goal is to create a simple environment around these parts. By the way, the Kindle is the best thing since slice bread for me. I am able to read multiple books at a time and not be burden by carrying book luggage everywhere I go. Additionally, I get more reading done with less effort.

In addition to my three vows, I will take time to pay attention to my breathing throughout the day. My presence is the best present at this very time and place.

Action of the day: What are your vows to remain present?

Quote of the day: “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” ― Eckhart Tolle

*OK, I’m posting this blog entry many days late – however the sentiment remains. 
I am working on posting more consistently.

I love ♥you. Your existence is connected to mine.

Thank you for reading my blog,

Jan 17 2013

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Uncategorized

Until you have ran a mile in my gym shoes…

It is time to retire my gym shoes. I have had them for 7 years now. It became real yesterday when I couldn’t understand why my feet/socks were getting wet as I was walking to the Y. I have a tendency to wear items that I adore until they fall apart. I’m currently not motivated to go shopping nor have I financially planned for a new pair of running shoes – they ain’t cheap you know?! So here I am at the beginning of the year to begin a new which includes a new pair of fancy footwear. Perhaps, I will bronze the sneakers pictured to remind me of the miles I’ve traveled in them and to keep me inspired with my ‘fitness flow.’

Until the next time – I adore you for reading my blog,

Tagged Fitness, Gym, New Year, Running, Sneakers

Jun 14 2010

Ring the Alarm!

Bloomberg “Don’t rush to blame BP over the oil disaster.” I have to agree with this statement. As provocative as that might be, we have a responsibility for the oil spill. The United States is the largest energy consumer in terms of total use, using 100 quadrillion BTUs in 2005. (No demand No BP) A general tendency is to resist taking any sort of personal responsibility for energy-dependency (Think of the crack/drug addict). Our drug of choice is energy consumption. We are impaired to see that a different form of life is possible with alternative renewable energy sources. My, Your, Our – addiction to consumption is way out of control!

Growing-up I remember my dad using kerosene heaters throughout the house because he refused to pay the exorbitant cost of oil to heat the house back then (1980s). He would sit around with his parka coat and gloves on while he watched TV. I remember having the thermostat all the way up in my room and I thought he was going to have a heart attack and/or kill me! So now I am an adult and thanks to my Dad – Mama refuses to pay a lot for energy. I have a few vices (no one is perfect) however energy ain’t one of them! My friends make fun of me – Don’t visit Rochelle in the winter or the summer. In the winter, my place is a great rejuvenator to get the blood pumping with the cool burst of air that embraces you as you sit around. My remedy is usually handing out blankets to guests and/or offering hot tea. In the summer, the moist heat is sauna like and I usually do not turn on the air conditioner unless there is critical mass of about 5 or more guests. I have gone entire summer seasons without ever turning on the air conditioner. I don’t own a car or TV and the lights in my house I use minimally. At times, I laugh at myself – my appearance would never lead you to believe I have made such choices for my life. A friend said: I have a wood-stock soul with the glamour of the stars.

The truth is – Americans think they are entitled to having energy on demand. Our energy consumption is alarming. It is time to Ring the Alarm! The fact is that someday, non-renewable resources will run out. One might debate or opine about when this will happen, but there is no dispute that it will. Oil is a non-renewable resource. This means that we cannot create oil. Oil results from the decay of dead material under layers of mud, which under pressure and, transforms into a sticky, black, carbon-based fluid. In a sense, oil is cooked dead stuff.

What do we do? Here are few first steps to consider: (1) Look for local products to consume. (2) Work near where you live, or find a place to live near where you work. (3) Raise your own awareness of energy consumption and dependence. (4) Be a reflection of your beliefs in the community and if you find yourself falling into the trap of entitlement (realize that it is a selfish position), dig-out/ask for help. (5) Limit your false needs/addiction to overall consumption (this is an area of improvement for me).

It starts with you and me! Take a gander at the charts below:

Energy Consumption by Sector