Friday, October 05, 2007

Social Consciousness

There was a time when everyone's world was only as large as their village, town, city, or even neighborhood. This is no longer true. When events in our world, broadened by technology and human contact, are so horrible that they become evil, people must decide how they will react.

I am one person, but I speak clearly. And I cannot sit still when evil creates unspeakable horrors. For the first time I am bringing this voice against evil here. Because, for me, it is hard to speak of wellness and living a well life when so many people, living under tyrrany and injustice have no voice to speak with.

Today I speak of the lives of Buddhist monks and the people whose lives are inextricably entwined with theirs. In Burma, or Myanmar, there have been attrocities committed against the people, and against the monks themselves. Many lives were lost in a struggle for freedom, for survival that continues even as I write this.

There are many who speak out, and so I offer you a chance to hear them, to see the horror, and perhaps speak yourself. The following links will bring you to sites where you can find answers to questions I don't have words for, and ideas to speak as one with those in the world who also witness this event...to speak for those who dare not speak for themselves and speak up regardless.

http://www.uscampaignforburma.org

http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/uscampaignforburma/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=13248&t=HomePage.dwt

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Changes in the Weather

As winter's cold weather approaches, and everyone closes up their house, allergies may be more pronounced. This could be a result of better seals on windows and doors as we strive to be more energy-conscious. We save money by keeping the cold air out and warm air in. And it works. Unfortunately, pollens and molds that went unnoticed are trapped in your house along with the heat.

There are a few ways to reduce allergens now that the house isn't 'breathing'.

1. Dust frequently with either a good feather duster or a damp cloth

2. Vacuum carpets and sweep floors twice weekly

3. Vacuum furniture at least weekly

4. Vacuum mattresses before putting clean sheets on

5. Change sheets weekly

6. Keep an eye out for bubbles in bathroom paint or flooring - it could indicate a leak that, while small, could create a mold problem.

7. Check that bathroom and stove fans vent outside of the house rather than recirculating the air.

8. Have your furnace serviced and have your vents professionally vacuumed

And don't forget to enjoy the weather as seasons change. Outside games and long walks will keep you healthy and you'll have fun. Or take some time to play some board games.

Enjoy good health and a healthy family!

Kim

Monday, September 10, 2007

It's good for your heart!

Yoga offers many benefits. I practice often, and found that Yoga Today is a great place to go because they offer a variety of yoga practices for all learning ranges. Give the video a look and try it. This particular session is good for your heart and circulation.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Time For School

Each year, at the end of summer, families prepare for the start of a new school year. There are lists to be made, shopping to be done, and every store is brimming with families buying their school supplies.

As the school year approaches, sit down with your kids and make some plans. It isn't too early to start a school routine, plan after-school activities, or set school curfews.

Younger children, in particular, need preparation for the coming schedule. Fit reading and activity times into the day. Working parents may think this isn't important to them, if their children are in daycare during the summer: getting ready to learn is important to every child, especially if they are in a daycare setting that has no real curriculum. Spend time working on what your child will be doing, whether it's remembering their name and address or remembering what they learned last year. It helps children start the year more confidently.

Don't forget to plan "play" times with your children. Family time is very important, helping kids to wind down after sharing what they did that day. It also re-asserts the importance of family when they're spending so much time away from home.

Enjoy the start of another school year knowing you're preparing your child, and yourself, for what lies ahead.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Summer's echoes

By this time of year most parents are eagerly awaiting what their children are dreading...another school term. I have to admit, I like that my son will be getting his social time at Head Start. But this year it will be me and our two teenagers.

And I'm actually looking forward to it! I rarely have time to myself, or time alone with them. I enjoy being here and offering them experiences and information they couldn't get anywhere else.

We've formed a connection to an internet school where the teens can amass their credits and learn from someone new in a way that's interesting and exciting. At the same time, we'll be working on Arts, Culture, and Health/Fitness, along with other subjects we can enjoy. More life-friendly learning options, I suppose.

Not everyong shares my enthusiasm for teenagers, but even if you're counting the days until school starts, take some time to spend with the kids; time that is pointless, fun, and memorable. These days don't last. It seems I've just blinked and our kids are adults now. And we didn't spend nearly enough fun-time together.

When summer ends, I hope some part of every parent will hate to see that time with their children end for the year. (Homeschoolers and NoSchoolers may not encounter this.) If you haven't taken the time to spend an evening or afternoon with your child alone, make time now. When they're living their life, it will be nice to have shared memories, and maybe even discover you've created a family tradition (family game night is going to start here soon).

Kim

Monday, July 23, 2007

Parents Working From Home: Myth #1

Working from home. It sounds ideal. No need to leave the house, no childcare costs, wearing whatever you want to work...the list is long. It's difficult to imagine there is a downside, but there is. With this series I hope to address some of the issues that create the 'down side' of being a work-from-home parent.

The Myth: If I'm working from home, I won't need childcare.

The Truth: Working from home is difficult with children at home with you. The kids need to be watched over, they need to be fed, they need interactive play, and they want their mom or dad to pay attention to them. If your job is flexible, you may find a workable solution by creating your work schedule and work times around your child's needs. This isn't the norm, however. Most people who work from home need to have time during 'office hours' for phone calls, meetings, conferences, and such. Some may be able to schedule meetings and calls for naptime.

Solution: If you can't manage a schedule geared toward your child's needs, consider hiring a sitter or a part-time childcare situation. It isn't easy, but with some creativity it may work. Others, with higher needs children, may need to keep their child in daycare in order to get anything done. Another option, of course, is to change jobs or positions so that work can be done early mornings or later evenings, and spend your days caring for and playing with your child.

The seriousness of this issue was brought home to me when a local man, a stay at home parent, was arrested for child abuse. I am not making light of the fact that this man's daughter had to be hospitalized due to his abuse, nor am I saying if he had childcare his daughter would be fine. However, working from home while caring for an infant or toddler often creates tension, and even anger. Putting the abuse issue aside, this type of situation isn't good for the child or the parent.

My hope is that, as more parents begin working from home, they are able to manage a schedule that allows for loving, peaceful, and playful times with their child as well as quiet work periods.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Family Fun!

With summer here, the time for family fun is upon us! It's so easy to spend the weekend working at home or relaxing in front of the television. And you can choose to do that. However, if you want to have some fun with your family, try some of the following:

1. Board Games: There are plenty of games in ranges that can include older preschoolers, and if not, make up some new rules! In fact, our son often suggests new rules when parts of games are missing. Or teach them card games like 'slap jack'.

2. Have a picnic: We do this when Our little one is restless. For him we can have a picnic in the back yard and he'll be satisfied. A trip to a local park can also be a chance to have fun and share a picnic. We've even had picnics inside when it rains.

3. Have a water fight: To make it fair, only the adults are allowed to man the hose and faucets. And if there are a lot of kids, play water-laser tag. Tape three strips of crepe paper (white-other colors will stain clothes) or toilet paper to everyone's back. Instead of aiming for the face, kids aim at one another's backs, trying to soak the strip off everyone else's back. This can also be played in teams, which is much more fun for older kids; one both teams scramble and then search the area for hidden 'enemies'. The winner is the one who has their strip left.

4. Take nature walks: Walking in your own neighborhood or in the park nearby often leads to surprises. Take some time to gather some of the bits of found items...pieces of material, twigs, moss, stones. These can all be used to make crafts later. One fun one is to braid heavier thread/ribbon/hemp and braid in pieces from the nature walk, pieces of old jewelery, or other found items into the memory string. We got this idea from tying a string around your finger to help you remember. These are put up wherever we want. Our son likes his on the wall by his door. They're a visual memory of what we've done.

5. Blow bubbles: It simple, yet effective. Kids love bubbles. Have the younger siblings try to 'catch' the bubbles.

6. Have a treasure hunt: Whether you want to send the kids on an impromptu hunt for treasure (everyone look for a stone with no rough edges), or you can have lists prepared for several teams (or even one, really) to find and bring back. (pair youngers with olders, or have youngers do a sandbox treasure hunt. (We use large colored 'coins' or large rings (big enough to not choke).

7. Make a treasure map: See where this can take you!

8. Take part in a new kind of treasure hunt: There are locations local and across the country, so whether you're planning to take a trip out of town or out of the city. Log on and find out what to do. It's real fun, and everyone can take part in this. http://www.atlasquest.com/

Thursday, July 12, 2007

I am sitting inside my home with the windows closed because of nearby pesticide spraying, and I hear the rain and wind outside, battering the house, the grass, the garden...and the wind-chimes.

I an energized and invigorated as the storm continues on its way, thunder and lightening punctuating every sentence. I remember playing in the rain storms, jumping in puddles and standing on the porch when the lightening and thunder arrived.

It's my Dad, I remember most, calling us outside to watch the lightening and see the sky when one or another amazing view presented itself. I remember, too, those nights after the rains, outside with flashlights to gather nightcrawlers. It was a wonderful ritual to share, one I didn't appreciate as much as I do now. I don't remember fishing the next day, and there are times I'm sure my father put the nightcrawlers back into the garden because he worked the next morning. With my mother I watched the meteors, rode snomobiles, and saw her come alive in nature during those times. I miss those days, the times we''ll only share in our memories now and then.

Those are the kinds of rituals that happen, and offer fond memories. And I think about our rituals, and how some were passed down. I call the kids out no matter the time, to see the aurora borealis or to enjoy the meteor showers. We garden together like my mother and I did, and I encourage the neighborhood kids to share our back yard and the garden. I watch my husband share stories and play with the kids and listen to the teenagers, and I hope we're building the kinds of memories that we both carry from our past.

My hope for everyone today is to look at the rituals of your life. Which do you share with your children? Is there something more you want to share with your children? Your partner? Anyone? If so, start today. There's something satisfying in knowing we're creating future happy memories.

Kim

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Times Change

It's July 5 here, and I brought our youngest to the fireworks. Neither of us could really enjoy it. There were thousands of people there, a lot of beer, soda, fried and greasy foods, and much to buy. Of course, I didn't go prepared to purchase $50 worth of items to last us through the fireworks we wanted to see. And so we waited and when they started, I found myself wondering what we'd waited for.

Several days ago a neighbor had some fireworks, and we all sat in another neighbor's yard at the end of the block watching these fireworks. The kids had a blast, my son discovered he loves fireworks, and wanted to see more.

The fireworks were wonderful, bigger and better, but something was missing. Waiting to leave my parking spot I thought about past fireworks displays I'd enjoyed. There were no carnival rides there, no greasy food, no beer or soda. We brought our own drinks (usually water), we sat together in a comfortable area, and chatted with friends and family. We may have had to wait, but it wasn't long, and we were pretty comfortable wherever we were.

It isn't that I'm against the rest of the fun. Nearly everyone there seemed to enjoy at least some part of the time. I just don't want to have to be there. I like watching fireworks, whenever they are. But I find I like the peace of family time, the quiet of the life I live now with my family. I don't need a band and huge crowds and carnival rides and foods. Apparently neither does my son, who waited eagerly for them to start. But the crowds stirred his desire to run wild; the smell of food left him hungry even after he'd already eaten; the carnival rides and glowing necklaces distracted him. But after the fireworks display started, he was ready to go. We waited til they were about half-way through, then we left. Not to get out of the parking lot and on the road quicker, but because watching the fireworks wasn't fun. He'd rather be down the street with the neighbor kids and the licensed "fireworks guy" who taught everyone's kids about fireworks, about safety, and the meaning of neighborhood fun.

Today I'm contemplating how these wildly money-oriented events affect the wellness of our family and of our community. And I'm glad we have a neighborhood fireworks guy (Adrian) to encourage smaller "shows" where everyone can enjoy themselves and meet their neighbors.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Killing Procrastination - EFT from Tapping.com

I hope you enjoy this.

Today has been a busy day of shifting, moving, decluttering, and gathering where appropriate. Most of this has been happening in my life for the last month. Now it's time for the blogs to have some attention.

I currently use EFT on myself and my family. I love this because you can do so much with it, and at the same time, it doesn't interfere with any other treatment.

I am learning Reiki, and as I am able, I will offer information on such things as I can.

I know that everyone needs some healing in their life...for themselves, their family, or their community. So give it a try.

The list below is likely to change now and again as I add or delete my links. (Actually, I'm hoping it does what it's supposed to, and people here will be the only ones to view the videos I choose. )

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! It's free to learn, there is a book that is free, and other videos as well. The only charges are for the programs of teaching they have, which I am saving up for.


http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=A0FB0C9B8F599086

Let me know what you think.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

What is Wellness to You?

For everyone the word wellness conjures a different image to mind. Sometimes physical, sometimes emotional, everyone's ideas affect how or where they seek wellness in their life. For me, wellness isn't something that is separate from my life. It includes aspects of my physical life, my mental/emotional life, my spiritual life, my home and family life and my financial life. When I am spending some time in all of these areas and maintaining balance there, I find wellness in my own life. When one of those areas is lacking in attention, my personal sense of balance and well-being is affected. So take a moment to at least consider what wellness is to you. Share it here if you wish, or simply acknowledge that truth within yourself. Perhaps, like me, you'll find the awareness empowering. I know now that I have more power to control my own well-being than I ever realized. I hope you are able to realize the same.

An interview and a change in venue

Heidi Whitaker, a fellow homeschooler and work-from-home mom, interviewed me for her ezine. She'd sent me an email today with the link, and after reading her interviews and the posts on her site, I knew I needed to come here and let everyone know!

Here is the link. And while you're there, take a look around, read about others and what they're doing. And if you like what you see, email us! It's nice to know where we're succeeding as much as knowing where we're lacking. http://scalehigher.typepad.com/no_limits/

This interview, and my post here, mark a decided change in my blogging. Having too many pans in the fire meant that nothing got done here. So look for some changes this weekend!

Be well and be open to the changes life brings!

Kim

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Sign-up in April for the WOMAN Challenge!

The eighth annual National Women's Health Week, May 13th through May 19th, encourages women to take their health into their own hands by taking simple steps for a longer, healther, and happier life. This year's theme, "It's Your Time: Pamper your Mind, Body and Spirit." Throughout the week communitiaes, health organizations, families, and the government will be promoting women's health through activities, free or reduced health screening in many areas, and focus on women's health issues.

The Women and girls Out Moving Across the Nation or 'WOMAN' Challenge is the National Women's Health Week's kick-off event. Sponsored by the the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, the idea is to encourage women to become more active and take a more active role in their health and healthcare.

Women and girls who sign up for the Challenge can choose to walk 10,000 steps every day, or exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. To motivate women and girls to participate, those women who sign up to walk will be able to "choose their path across the country." With 6 different routes to choose from, women will be able to track their progress. Each day participants are encouraged to sign in and record their steps or hours. And each of the 8 weeks the Challenge is active, participants will receive an email to encourage them and offer some facts on women's health.

Beginning this month (April), women can sign up for the Challenge on their website, listed below. When you register by May 1st, you should receive a pedometer and tracking log before the Challenge begins on May 13th. There is a limited supply of pedometers, so hurry to register! And even if you don't receive a pedometer, you can either purchase one, or simply use the activity tracking log to keep track of your movement.

At the sign-up site there will be several areas to look at. Be sure to read the FAQ page, as they show you what the tracking log looks like, how to enter information into it, and even how to get more exercise during your day.

It's a great opportunity to connect with friends or even the women in your family! Find some women and sign up. Be proactive--Be Active.

To sign up or to look into this, go to http://www.womenshealth.gov/woman/index.cfm.

Oh, and don't forget to schedule a checkup with your doctor for May 14th. The second day of Women's Health Week is National Women's Checkup Day. And help the women you know celebrate too. Remind them, encouraging them, and get active with them. Women can take their health into their own hands.


If you are interested in downloading the tracking log, one should be available at this site download your tracking log.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Yoga--not just for pretzels anymore

I don't know about you, but when I first learned about yoga (many years ago), I thought it was for pretzel people. Or yuppies. Or granola folks. But never for me.

It took a few years to figure out that yoga just might have some answers. Still not for me, but for some ordinary people.

And now, years later, I am one of those people. Not granola, yuppie, or a pretzel. Just one of millions of people around the world who enjoy the benefits of yoga. And there are benefits! I practice at home daily, and enjoy the classes I attend...2 per week.

I still can't turn into a human pretzel. But I am more at peace, my body is healthier, I have less pain, and I enjoy the lack of judgement that comes from practicing yoga.

Look for an article in our blog about several yoga classes and how you might benefit!

For now I have to go. I don't want to be late for yoga! :)