Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Lists, Lists, and More Lists

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Growing up, there were always lists upon lists floating around the house. Shopping lists, our lists of chores to be done, etc., etc., etc. My mom always used pencil, instructing us to do the same as we crossed out the items one by one. This allowed for the computer punch card, or piece of paper to be reused day after day.

I hated those lists! Along with homework, they were what stood between me and going out to play.

When I arrived at adulthood, however, there was a return of the lists. Not only in my job (most especially ICU nursing) but also in my personal life. With the framework firmly set I find familiarity, if not comfort, in crossing items off my lists.

Only now there appeared in electronic format: on my palm pilot, Outlook tasks, or myPhone reminders. This was much better! Yeah. Much better.

It comes in handy for tasks such as trip preparation…

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Fundip

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The time is drawing near for us to pushback from our lives here in the US, speed down the runway toward a land afar, and spread our wings so as to see a world like none other. My teacher warns us that “Anything can happen.” She further advises us that it would be best to adopt the thinking that “whatever is happening is meant for us” to experience and grow from.

Already, my safe and routine world is starting to quiver. I learn that I do not have control over everything and that I must roll with punches so-to-speak. I find that I can actually enjoy things better if I let go of unmet expectations and simply be in the here and now. There will be time to read that book (or rather bookS), do that long run, shop, wash the dirty clothes, shampoo the dog and carpets…LATER.

Today is spent:

  • Watching football games
  • Capturing moments of boys being boys
  • Laughing with YaYa after he turns his mouth blue with Fundip
  • Let the chores wait for yet another day.

And when I am awakened by a phone call from India informing me that my 11:45 am flight from Dehli to Dharamsala has been further delayed, I remember my teacher’s words and thank the airline representative for calling.

Like YaYa’s post game snack, this is going to be a most excellent, life changing adventure for sure!

I am a warrior!

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What color is your sword?

Christy, our yoga instructor, posed this question as we lined up in Warrior 2 pose. I glanced down my forearm in the direction of my hand and inspected my sword. It’s glow was a slightly pink shade of lavender – feminine, yet powerful. I smiled as I gently wrapped my fingers around my invisible weapon.

Nearly a full two weeks had passed since I last visited the studio. My home practice, having fallen away similarly, had declined to the point of being nothing more than another source of frustration. Much to my dismay, months of build up strength and flexibility have withered away to weakness and rigidity. Simply getting to the studio for today’s class was a feat in and of itself.

I think back to one of my last classes where Jenn, looked me straight in the eye as she assisted me to grow my shoulder stand to a level beyond what I had ever envisioned possible, advised me that my next step was to “find ease in my practice.” It saddens me to think about how far-off from that goal my practice has drifted. Ease has been the last thing I have found. But I am hopeful.

For here I am today, picking up my sword once again and heading out to face my fears and insecurities. I gather up my strength so as to hold my sword in a manner convincing enough to covey an inner-confidence I once knew – even if only to convince myself. I am not going into battle however, I do have a big journey ahead of me.

Although it would not be possible without me finding a way to get myself to the studio, I am so thankful for my beautiful yoga instructor’s encouragement in helping guide me back onto my yogic path. No matter what color my sword is, I hold it up just the same. I am a warrior one more!

Box Checking

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I am one of those people that can’t stand to see a long list of to-do’s. It doesn’t matter how far in the future the deadline is. If it’s on my to-do list, I MUST start the box checking process.

Of course, I do prioritize. Obtaining my visa for India was a high priority item. I had my visa in-hand in June (3 months prior to departure). I hit all of the large ticket items up next (i.e. flights, letter of authorization for emergency care for YaYa, travel insurance). Then came the nitty-gritty stuff such as notifying the banks of the planned travel, setting up international roaming to call YaYa, and shopping…

  • Culturally appropriate clothing (including loose-fitting yoga pants)
  • Anti-everything (to ward off germs, diarrhea, headaches, etc.)
  • Universal power adapter/power-strip (gotta keep all of “the stuff” charged)
  • Meal replacements and EmergenC (just in case)
  • Travel size laundry detergent and a flat drain stopper (with only carry on, we’ll need to wash)
  • etc., etc., etc.

I’m just about done. After that, I’ll have no more excuses; I’ll need to start crossing off the required reading. *sigh*

Actually, I have been working on that too – but unfortunately that’s not going as well.

Say

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Even as the eyes are closin.’ Do it with your heart wide open. Say what you need to say… — Say, John Mayer

These lyrics, heard while running, really hit home today. Broadly, the topic has come up on three occasions this week. For that reason, it seemed like I good one to bring up here.

How many times do you have something that you need to say, but don’t? The opportunity to do so passes and kick yourself for not speaking your mind.

When it comes to friends, these confrontations can be tough. You don’t want to compromise the relationship yet, by your friend’s crossing a line they shouldn’t have crossed, the relationship is already in danger.

Hold fast to this concept, before taking on a random act such as coaching a friend in weight loss, running, or yoga. It’s all good, right?

Helping a friend or family member take on such a huge life change is pretty cool. If you’re like me, your genuine want to coach them to know and love the sport is actually a way to rekindle the joy in it for yourself. However, what if they start complaining about high heart rates, pain, and the like? What if they complain when they are out doing the sport with you?

Of course, you have no way of weeding out the real dangers from those perceived in pushing to the next level. Perhaps, you put on the breaks…or suggest that they do. And what if…? What if they don’t listen to their body or you? What if they push beyond their limits and something happens? What then?

This is just one example of crossing the line that needs to be addressed when it comes up. Because if it happens once, it will happen again. Perhaps the next time there will be serious implications. Perhaps 911 will need to be dialed. I told you so means nothing then.

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