from Judy's Desk

The Lost Art of Sweeping

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:23:00 +0000

One day last year I tripped over my vacuum cord and fell flat, face-forward. Luckily, I raised my left arm to protect myself. I did hurt my arm though, but that's another story. The point here is why was I vacuuming in the first place?

While recuperating, I had time to think about that question. I remembered that when I was young, and just starting out, I didn't own a vacuum cleaner. So, did my apartment get dirty, and what did I do about that? Aha! I must have had a broom!

After a few days, when my arm was less painful, I took up sweeping. At first, it was just another chore that I reluctantly performed every few days. But, after a while, I found myself looking forward to it. I discovered that it was a quiet, contemplative few moments, sort of relaxing, and more like a meditative exercise than a chore. Soon, I was sweeping more often, and enjoying it. I've stopped using my vacuum cleaner.

I have found that my sweeping time is a no-thought time, in the very now that I often neglect. Sometimes, my mind wanders in whatever direction it chooses, back and forth between half-forgotten memories and future desires. Even intuitive solutions to problems have appeared from the well-spring of inspiration.

Since I began sweeping, I've thought a lot about low-tech and how I can incorporate more of it into a simpler lifestyle. Recently, I started doing dishes by hand, instead of using the dishwasher. This simple act brought back childhood memories of spending time with my mother and sister in the kitchen, complaining or gossiping, and flicking soapy water at each other in fits of laughter.

There is a certain comfort in warm, soapy water and in the routine of a mundane chore. It must be a part of the stability of home and something to count on. I've come to appreciate my quality of life (a roof and hot water) and wonder how I would survive without them. How hard it must be in some parts of the world not as fortunate.

I've been finding other ways to reduce noise and stress in my life, like walking more often instead of busing, and turning off the television (in fact, I just canceled my cable). The important thing is that anyone can do this, and it costs nothing; in fact, it may even save you money.

The benefits of a low-tech lifestyle can be astounding. Imagine hearing your own inner voice, and finding a part of you that has been lost in the midst of constant distractions. Many people say they don't have time for just meditation, so implementing a 'working holiday' from stress may be the perfect substitute.

So, my friends, select a good broom and sweep your way to a calmer mind and a more relaxed, peaceful lifestyle. Or, start with any suitable low-tech activity and see where it leads you.

Happy journeys
from Judy's Desk

It Takes Guts to Be a Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 03:13:00 +0000

Blogging is for anyone!

Have you ever had the urge to be a writer, maybe as a career, or perhaps just for fun?

Do you think you couldn't be a blogger because you don't know how to write well?

Does your self-talk tell you that you're not creative enough, lack imagination, or don't have the tools or time?

It's true that it's a good thing if you know how to use grammar and punctuation, and spell correctly. But, if less than perfect skills are why you don't try, think again!

Here are 5 reasons why you should write:

find your 'true self' - what makes you laugh, cry, rejoice and love
release old ideas and gather new ones - purge your self-defeating beliefs
learn about other people and explore topics that interest you
keep your cognitive powers working at any age
promote self-growth and self-esteem

Writing is good therapy - and it's cheap too - all you need is pen and paper, or a journal or notebook. If you have a computer, even better, since you can start a blog for free, like this one, on Blogger or Wordpress.

Blog your way to a better life.....

If you have the desire to write, but keep making excuses why you haven't yet, it could be fear that is holding you back. Fear of change keeps us 'stuck' in situations, relationships, old habits or whatever isn't really benefiting us. Writing takes guts, not only to expose our deepest thoughts and emotions, but also to know that someone else might be reading about them.

How to start writing.....

Whether it's with pen and paper, or on a computer, start small. Don't worry about who might read it, maybe no one ever will but you.

Be willing to reveal some truths about yourself, your genuine thoughts and feelings. Even if you think what you've written is silly, or not great style, remember that you are your own worst critic.

Relax into the process, even a little writing every day will encourage you to keep going. Know that things are always changing, and what's true for you today, may not be true for you tomorrow. If you're blogging on a computer, don't worry, there is always a delete key.

"To change the nature of our experience, we must only choose a new course. A new choice breaks the structure of a present pattern and promises a new outcome." Gregg Braden

Happy journeys
from Judy's Desk

A little more about me.....

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:46:00 +0000

I love to solve puzzles. That's why I just spent the last year researching my family history. I didn't just want to know who my ancestors were, but how they influenced what I am today.

Did I succeed? Not entirely. But I opened the door to the most intriguing times and places that shaped their lives. It's now five generations and counting! What a wonderful legacy I've created for my family.

I hope that through puzzle-solving, research and blogging, my descendants will also know something of me.

And so it begins!

The purpose of this blog is to give you a little of myself through ideas and experiences gained from various sources, while expressing my own unique perspective.

I say 'unique' because no two people think exactly alike or have the same experiences. Even when they are mutually present at an event, their memories, interpretations and reactions to that event can be worlds apart.

How are we and our fellow globeites going to know
each other without exchanging our thoughts, feelings
and hopes for a better world?

Blogging as therapy.....

I think anyone could try blogging, not just for the sake of Internet Marketing, or to gain readership and popularity, but to re-create themselves by sorting through their own issues, by continually learning, and by writing passionately about the topics that are near and dear to their own hearts.

Writing is like house cleaning.....

To me, the process of writing is like house cleaning -- if you keep putting it off, it becomes harder to get started. But if you do one small task every day, you soon develop a habit that is hard to break. After a while, you'll be delving into every nook and cranny, navigating around obstacles, reorganizing and rearranging all your bits and pieces, discarding some no longer useful, seeing some in a new light, and finding treasures that you forgot were there.

Why do I blog?

I like to encourage people, and since I’ve had some success in life, I think I should pass along any helpful tips I can.

I love the excitement of the Internet, designing blogs, and writing articles.

I believe in creating and maintaining health through good nutrition, and a balanced lifestyle.

I still hope there is time to save our planet from the ravages of misuse and pollution before it’s too late.

So, if a novice writer can learn from my experience, or if those who need a hand with health or lifestyle issues find support here, then my blogging will be worthwhile.

Always Think Success…!

Happy journeys
from Judy’s Desk

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