This is particularly for Sheila, though I hope you all enjoy it, as I did. Spirals are a big part of her life, as she explains on her website.
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I had a laugh and a lesson at the gym this morning.
While I was walking on the treadmill, we were joined by our nice Thai guy who brought us the Rambutan fruit yesterday plus our Ugly American, complete with doorbell, walking, and loud talking on the phone again. As my irritation grew, I seriously thought about the fact that my hearing aids can be controlled by my phone and can mute the sound around me. (I have only used that once since I’ve had them.) While I was thinking, I realized that I don’t WEAR my hearing aids to the gym, so I COULDN’T mute him. My ditziness and the whole situation struck me as funny and I started to laugh.
It reminded me of when I was taking a course in speed reading as a part of my Master’s degree program. I was super irritated because while I was trying to do the lesson, or more important, complete one of the tests, people were coming in and out of the classroom, talking to each other, moving desks around, etc. making it REALLY hard for me to do my work. THEN it finally occurred to me that “I” was the problem and that THIS was a huge part of what we were supposed to be learning – to concentrate and function well in the midst of distractions and irritation!
So I’ve equated the two character-building exercises and declared it the same type of exercise. “I” am the problem at the gym. I will work on tuning out distractions and concentrating on the job at hand, keeping my balance while walking on the treadmill, hopefully without having to hold onto the handlebars…
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Brian has gotten us two new salad meals lately and both of them are completely yummy. The first is a salad with chicken, regular salad stuff, plus FRUIT, like pineapple and grapes. I never would have thought about putting those together, but it’s really good.
The second is a salmon salad. This one, in addition to the salmon and regular salad stuff, includes rice and edamame. I have no clue what the dressing for either salad is, but they’re different from each other, made at the place that sells the salads, and really, really good.
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I didn’t finish any sketches at the cafe yesterday, but should today.
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Christina
Is that American guy leaving any time soon? That is what I would be thinking.
I love the stone spiral.
I love the stone spiral, too, Liz. Yeah, I’m having the same thoughts about the American – while trying to learn to ignore him.
Oh, my gosh, Linda! Thank you so much for thinking of me and sharing that spiral stone photo!! Yes! I do love it! I collect those kinds of pictures, hoping to build one in the yard here someday.
I learned to meditate (well, with one of my first groups—I have taken many meditation classes of different styles over the years), and it was outdoor in a public park (noise all around)! And it RAINED!! LOL
I told myself if I could meditate THERE, I could detach from all the external EVERYWHERE! And I can. I actually learned how to “tune people out” as a child when my dad ran that darn C.B. Radio business. Ha! I must have been born to meditate.
Our granddaughters just told me about a bully they have to deal with. That bad American sounds like a bully. I guess he needs love too though. What a lesson!
Attitude and learning to control what you can by changing yourself is a very important skill. I have to be reminded that I CAN do something about things that bother me, and I’m learning to practice more and more to make my life the best possible for me. I applaud your ability to meditate in the middle of the chaos. Shows your inner strength. Sorry about the bully. I hope they handle it well.