Graceful Planet Living

Just Be...

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:56:00 +0000

On Doing Less...

We live in an overscheduled and busy world. There are distractions everywhere. You're probably reading this on your phone or some other device while you're doing something else.

When we create space we permit choices to emerge. When we do less we allow for balance in our lives, stress begins to settle and the inner storm quiets. We encourage natural creativity and as we relax we open ourselves up to the possibilities. By taking time in our own innate wisdom can arise as well as new perspectives.

Try closing your eyes and inhaling and exhaling for the next few minutes. Just focus on your breath.

Join Kat for 9:30 Kripalu Yoga on Thursdays @ The Graceful Planet, suitable for everyone.

Mindful Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:08:00 +0000

I decided my main focus in my resolutions this year would center around being more mindful. Mindful eating, mindful meditation, mind-body practices, mindful listening....I'm sure you are getting the idea. Basically, I want to live more in the present. Pay attention to what is happening right now. Being mindful is the path to bring more happiness into your life.

Mindful Tips:

1. Do less. Don't over schedule, think about what you need do.
2. Be deliberate and slow. If you rush through your tasks you might miss something.
3. Do one thing at time. No multi-tasking.
4. Meditate for at least 5 minutes a day, more if you can.
5. Don't worry about the future.
6. Savor your food and eat slowly.
7. Be present when you are with others. Don't scroll your emails or Facebook when you just asked your kids "How was school today?"
8. Exercise, do something you enjoy.
9. Get enough sleep.
10. Smile!

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:34:00 +0000

Making Peace...

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 23:06:00 +0000

by
Kathleen Way Barton

I am apart of Sandy Hook Peaceful Arts, Inc. is a new non-profit created out of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy that happened eight months ago. We are a grassroots effort committed to healing and spreading peace through the arts.

Over the last few months we have been creating Peace Flags. We started with the idea of sending Peace Flags as a "Thank you," to the many people and organizations that reached out to our community. Then the Boston Marathon bombing happened, and we knew we should make our first Peace Flags for the Boston community. We made hundreds at Newtown's Earth Day. Then the tornadoes happened in Moore, Oklahoma, and we made Peace Flags for them. In between, we made Peace Flags for the "Within Our Reach" event in town, and we made some for a few of the organizations that had reached out to us.

We discovered Peace Flags feel good. Kids like to make stuff, and they like to give. We were afraid at first the kids wouldn't want to donate their flags, that they would want to bring them home. That didn't happen. They wanted to spread peace. They wanted to say "Thank You."

Our volunteers are ready to spread more peace and bring our Peace Flag Workshops to more children in Newtown and beyond. Our workshops are educational and character building. Coming together creating peace and art is healing.

Please support our fundraising effort on the Newtown Patch, your donation will help us make peace.

https://newtown.patch.com/patchworks/projects/
www.sandyhookarts.org
www.facebook.com/SandyHookPeacefulArts

Coming Out of Hibernation....

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:03:00 +0000

It's March. Daylight savings time is here. Time is marching on. I called this blog "Coming Out of Hibernation," but I've been busy, doing stuff, going places. I think we all have been busy. It's more like my brain has been hibernating. A kind of on hold, or something.

It's pouring outside, a reminder that March is a terrible weather month. I find it best to have low expectations of March weather. Best to think of it as a winter month. That way you are thrilled with a 50 degree sunny day.

But you know Spring is out there. The sun is closer and I know sunny days are coming because you see there's this daffodil outside the door and it decided to bloom.

Training the Mind to Lead a "Compassionate Life"

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:51:00 +0000

I wrote this blog this fall for a class I was in at WCSU. It is startling how these lessons are applicable to what we are going through as a community. Take a moment and read through it. Then maybe share it with someone who might need it. This blog appeared in the Danbury Patch in October.

Training the Mind to Lead a "Compassionate Life"

Kat Barton

We’ve been talking a lot about compassion in preparation for His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s visit to WCSU. But what does it mean to live a compassionate life?

Compassion is defined as the sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. In other words you are aware of another’s distress AND you want to make it better.

In the Dalai Lama’s book “The Compassionate Life,” he discusses the Eight Verses for Training the Mind that summarizes the key teachings on both wisdom and method.

Verse one focuses on holding dear all other sentient beings. The main point is to develop an attitude that allows you to feel all sentient beings are precious.

Verse two builds on the idea of holding sentient beings above self. Thinking of others as superior provides a basis for restraint.

The third verse rejects negative thinking. The Dalai Lama goes on to explain that it is important to cultivate mindfulness from the beginning.

The fourth verse continues on the negative theme focusing on those who suffer negativity or pain. Cultivating empathy is the goal with this teaching.

In mind training the fifth verse discusses accepting defeat without anger.

The sixth verse talks about disappointment from the acts of someone we’ve trusted and rather than reacting with outrage that we look at this as an opportunity to learn.

In the seventh verse the student takes on the suffering.

In the eighth verse we are cautioned not to allow worldly concerns such as fame and wealth become more important than leading a compassionate life.

“It could be said that the Eight Verses for Training the Mind contain the entire essence of the Buddha’s teachings.” ---His Holiness The Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will speak on Oct. 18 and 19 at Western Connecticut State University, and the public is invited to a free showing (video simulcast) in the Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St. To help promote this opportunity, WCSU students in the Writing and Linguistics Department's Advertising, Copywriting and Promotions class created a Twitter page. and they are writing this blog daily.

Do you know where your jeans come from?

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Take a moment and check, read the labels in your clothing. You might be surprised at some of the places your jeans and t-shirts have been.

Over the past few weeks, there have been two major fires in Bangladesh resulting in 123 deaths. U.S. Retailers like the Gap, Wal-Mart and even high-end fashion like Tommy Hilfiger make clothing there.

The experts say we don’t care. We don’t care enough to pay more. A teenage Bangladesh girl named Lovely is hoping that we do.

It was February 23, 2006, Lovely was 11 years old and working in a garment factory in Bangladesh, when her life changed forever. The factory where she was packing socks caught fire. There was never a fire drill. Exits were locked. Panic and chaos spread with the fire and 63 workers died and 150 were injured. Lovely was left with injuries and can no longer work, a burden to her family, with not enough to eat.

But hey, that was a great deal you got on Black Friday.

Lovely has found the courage to speak out and has started a petition online. She’s petitoning H&M, Wal-Mart and Gap to commit to a real fire safety program that will save the lives of the Bangladeshis who sew the clothing that we wear. You’ll find the petition www.change.org, search for Lovely from Bangladesh.

Guilty Of Going To School Pakistan’s Daughter, Malala Yousafz

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:59:00 +0000

It’s been over a month since Malala Yousafzai was shot on her way home from school. Two of her classmates were also wounded that day. The girls were guilty of going to school.

Malala is an activist for girl’s education in the Taliban ruled area in Pakistan who blogged for the BBC about the fear of living under the Taliban. Her blogs became a rallying cry for girl’s education.

On October 9^th the Taliban boarded her school bus, found her and shot her in the head. The nation of Pakistan was stunned along with the world. The prayers of a nation were for the future of this young girl.

Malala was nominated to receive the Children’s Peace Prize and was awarded the National Peace Prize by the Pakistani Government. Currently there is a campaign to have her nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, visit www.change.org and take a stand with Malala.

Malala is recovering from her injuries in Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, in the UK. It is not known yet if she will fully recover.

“One defiant ‘NO’ can break the silence of fear,” Malala Yousafzai

Wake up!

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:56:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I have decided to wakeup Graceful Planet Living again. I just completed two articles for two different classes I am taking that I feel good about and that fit with the theme of this blog. I have been thinking about Graceful Planet Living lately and what that means and plan to post here more often.

Breathing in, breathe out...

Day 21 The Pursuit of Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

That's what it's all about, our pursuit of happiness. A healthy lifestyle, eating well, exercising and have strong personal relationships, that's what we all strive for in our lives.

According to a recent study the following are the
10 Most Enjoyable Activities:

Listening to music
Playing with children
Attending a sporting event
Hunting, fishing, boating, hiking
Parties or receptions
Purchase of personal services
General out-of-home leisure
Cafe or bar
Sports and exercise
Worship and religious acts

That's a nice list. Listening to music is one of the most enjoyable activities because people report being happier when they're listening to music and it's associated with very low levels of stress. Playing with children is tied with listening to music and actually increases happiness more than listening to music, but has slightly higher stress levels. Watching TV falls somewhere in the middle of the list, however, on average 15 -17% of our time is spent watching TV.

The more time you spend around friends and family members the more likely you will have a nice day.
Create your own happiness list! And start pursuing your happiness!

Source Well Being the Five Essential Elements by Tom Rath & Jim Harter

TheGraceful Planet Eat Play Live

Day 20 - New Discoveries!

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

It is day 20, you have been reflecting, taking good care of yourself, eating well and exercising. Have you discovered something new about yourself?

Self -discovery never ends. Hopefully we continue to grow and try new things. I find as I grow older and wiser my interests grow and are more creative. It takes courage to try new things and to put yourself in new situations. The challenges we face when we do this expand our horizons and allow us to learn more about ourselves.

In our daily practice, we are reflecting on what has worked for us during our 21 day journey. Take sometime to think about what practices you would like to continue and make apart of your lifestyle.

The Graceful Planet Eat Play Live

Day 19 - Journal Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I hope you have been writing in your journal. Even if it is sporadic, it can be a motivating tool to right down your thoughts and musings. Writing can also be a form of therapy. Writing can help us heal, grow, and change.When we write with purpose it creates focus and clarity into our thoughts. It allows us to question and clarify our beliefs, concerns, goals. Our most inner thoughts and fears can be explored,

In our daily practice, we are using prompts to help us tune in and begin the process. Your journal does not need be a fancy book, it can be your computer, a note book or anything you're comfortable using.

The Graceful Planet Eat Play Live

Day 18 - Managing Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

We have been talking a lot about being aware and mindful. In order to manage stress in our lives we need to be able to recognize the symptoms of chronic stress. Stress will always exist, it is apart of our lives. The part that can be managed is our reaction to stress. Do you fly off the handle? Or do you simmer for a time and then boil over?

Stress and health are intrinsically connected. I don't believe you can be healthy and stressed out. Physical exercise is a great for releaving stress. Meditation, yoga, walking are all beneficial. In our daily practice today we talked about taking "Time In", discover what works for you and dedicate yourself to practice.

If you want more tips on stress release, I recommend Dr. Ornish's website.

The Graceful Planet Eat Play Live

Day 17 - Finding Balance - Mind, Body & Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Creating balance is a challenge for all of us. When we are in balance we feel good. We all balance work life, family life, personal relationships and other demands on our time. Fitting it all in is a challenge. Living a full life can be messy. I like to live with a "good enough" attitude. Perfection is not something I strive for in my life. My desk is usually a mess. I work with every thing pulled out, it's just my style. Neatness and cleaning I see as temporary states. It helps me feel like I am in control of my life if my personal spaces look that way, but they are far from perfect. And whatever the state is it in it is only temporary. That idea gives me comfort.

Balancing is difficult. I find when I balance in Tree pose (standing on one foot) that it is easier when my life is in balance. I believe it's difficult to find physical balance if your life is not balanced. Some of us have injuries or limitations, that make physical balance more of a challenge, I accept that to be so. However, that should not exclude you from practicing your balance. Practice is my favorite word. Practice is not about being perfect. It is about not giving up.

Our daily practice today is about finding your state of balance and what that looks like. This takes thought and time. And yes, practice.

The Graceful Planet Eat Pray Live

Day 16 - No Bad Foods!

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

There are no bad foods

There are no bad foods or good foods. Some food is better for you than other food. You have lots of choices. Sharon has been helping us navigate the world of food inspiring us with healthful recipes on Eat Play Live. Hopefully you are discovering new attitudes toward food and cooking that are pleasurable and sustainable.

Food and cooking should be fun. If you dread cooking and don't know what to eat then you are missing out on one of life's great pleasures. Here is where your attitude and feelings come in. We need food to live. The quality of the food is up to you. Luckily we live in a place that quality food is abundant. So much of our world has no or very little food choices and tragically no clean water. But you have choices to make.

We have been talking about being mindful as we progress on our journey. Being mindful, being aware and most of all being happy with our choices is sustainable. In our daily practice we are focusing on our favorite foods and recipes, what a joy!    Celebrate the wonderful healthy choices that you make!

The Graceful Planet                                Eat Play Live

Day 15 - Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

When we think of medical advances we tend to think of new drugs, high tech surgery and other types of powerful treatments. What if simple daily choices could impact your health in powerful ways?

Medical research has proven that a low fat mostly plant based diet, stress management and exercise can dramatically improve health and well being. Need more proof? Visit Dr. Dean Ornish website.

This week we will continue to focus on improving your lifestyle. Our daily practice today is about awareness and focusing on how the choices we make impact how we feel. Tune in.

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive

Day 14- Authentic Success

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

How do you define success? Who do you think of? Is it Angelina Jolie? Or maybe it's Lady Gaga. What is it that makes them successful? Money, fame, or maybe the good things they do is what you like most. Let yourself think about how you define success.

Money is important. We need a certain amount to meet our needs and to be comfortable. And let's face it, life is easier if you don't need to worry about money. But success is more than just meeting our basic needs.

The daily practice of looking for images of success will help you identify your authentic gifts. Take as much time as you need. It is a journey and a process, discover your authentic success!

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive

Day 13 - The Journal, why write?

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Writing is a form of thinking. It is human nature to write. Writing something down allows us to connect our thoughts. It can be powerful and spiritual to commit something to writing. Many people find it difficult to write. Sometimes the best talkers, say "I can't write." Free writing is non-judgemental. It can be a stream of consciousness. Your journal is for you. I find I always feel better when I write. It can be cathartic or just plain fun. Writing down something makes it real. Even if it is a fantasy or a dream, it can exist in your journal. So set yourself free and get out a pen and paper!

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive

Day 12 - Be Bold

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Be Bold!
What does it mean to be bold? Webster's defines it as fearless, daring and too free in manner. Sounds a bit scary. Are you holding back? Are you playing a role you are tired of? Is it time for a bold move?

Writing a bold affirmation is great first step to embracing the boldness in you. Affirmations are powerful and can be life changing. Affirmations work because your mind believes what you tell it. If you tell yourself over and over again "I am a healthy eater" your subconscious mind will believe it and start to make healthy eating choices. The secret is repetition. So get started!

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive

Day 11 - Authentic Style

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Do you have a mental picture of what you want to look like? Let's talk style, health, and fitness. Are you a wise woman? Or a sassy mom? Maybe you are focusing on your career,or have gone back to school to finish a degree or get a new one. We are all faced with that gnawing question: How do I look?

In our daily practice for this topic we are collecting images of styles we admire. If we make a conscious decision to nurture our bodies and spirits, our authentic self is easier to find. If we live in balance and harmony your authentic self emerges. Authentic style becomes fun and natural. Self-care is not a chore. Think about eating healthy, not dieting. Look for exercise you enjoy and you will want to do it.

The Graceful Planet                                           EatPlayLive

Day 10 - Creating Space for laughter

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Do you remember the last time you laughed so hard you cried? A good laugh feels good. And there is good reason, laughter is the best medicine! A good laugh releases endorphins and natural pain killers. Laughing relaxes face muscles, deepens breathing, improves blood circulation, and even works your abdominal muscles. People who use humor to cope with stress find they experience less anger and less depression.

Surround yourself with fun people. Be a seeker of fun and laughter. Enjoy!

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive

Day 9 - Mindful Eating

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Mindful Eating
We have been talking about mindfulness and paying attention during the past week. Mindful eating is a practice of slowing down. Take time to appreciate the food you have. Have you ever just stopped to admire the produce aisle? It is amazing. We are so lucky to have the amount and types of food available to us.

There are many practices associated with mindful eating. We are starting with slowing down and devoting ourselves to feeding ourselves for twenty minutes in our daily practice. You can also be mindful of your portions. Think about how much food you NEED. If you are hungry, be sure it really is hunger and not some other need you are looking to fill. Being aware is a big step in managing your food intake. Try drinking water before you eat. Be mindful, and make choices.

The Graceful Planet
EatPlayLive

Day 8 - Week 2 Staying Focused

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Congratulations on your finishing your first week of the Healthy Lifestyle Commitment. Hopefully you have discovered some new practices and recipes. And have begun incorporating these changes into your daily life. Staying focused can be a challenge. It takes twenty -one days for something to become a habit.

Practice is my favorite word. It is the only way we get better at something. We have been practicing being mindful, exercising, eating healthy, challenging ourselves to think and act differently, and to write about the experience. That is a lot of stuff,and if everything on the list is new to you, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Relax, and pick one or two things that feel right and try to focus on those elements of the program. Remember this is for you, and should be a joyful experience!

The Graceful Planet. EatPlayLive

Day 7- Cultivating the Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Cultivating the spirit
The practice of being mindful is a wonderful way to nourish your spirit. Being mindful is simply paying attention. Mindfulness is cultivated when we observe without judgment. Our minds are constantly judging and categorizing and get in the way of discovering peace within ourselves. When we become the impartial observer we can let go and focus on the breath.

This practice can be very challenging. The mind constantly interrupts and wants to take us somewhere. This is where patience comes in. Be patient with yourself and gently bring yourself back to the breath.

Approach this practice with a beginner's mind. Allow yourself to experience the moments of your life without expectations and judgment.

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive

Day 6 - Service

noreply@blogger.com (Kat Way Barton) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Adding in Service
Adding service to your life adds meaning. We are all busy, and time and money are more precious then ever. Giving or volunteering does not need to cost a lot of money or take too much time. When you open yourself to a sharing and giving way of life opportunities abound. Take notice of food bank drives, and buy an extra can of something. At the checkout line there are opportunities to make small donations to a variety of causes.

Check out http://www.facebook.com/gracefulplanet
for some of my favorite non-profit organizations.

The Graceful Planet EatPlayLive