A Change in Course (For Now)

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inCoffee KlatchTags:, , ,

Hello, my friend.  I appreciate your visit today.  I’m sad to report that my family concerns continue, and I just don’t have the oomph for a regular post.  Do you know what I mean? But I miss you.  So for now, I am changing course.

My version of cashew tempeh, which was sold in the deli of New Frontiers Marketplace before Whole Foods replaced them.

Tell me, what’s going on with you this month?  What are you reading or watching?  Are you taking a class?  Joining a club?  Learning to play an instrument?  Planning a journey? Volunteering?  Building/creating something?  Planting a garden? Making a lifestyle change for health reasons?

As for me, frequent travels over the past few months have allowed for a good bit of reading and online classes, and I would like to tell you briefly about what I’m learning.  At some point, I’ll probably flesh out these ideas into full posts.  But for now, I will enjoy reading anything you might want to share about them.

Izzy popping in to say hello. (She’s not big on eye contact.)

  • Transcendental Meditation (TM) – I have recently completed TM training, and am presently reading about different aspects of it, including its fascinating history and health benefits.  
  • Master Gardener (MG) Continuing Education – I’ve attended online classes to maintain my MG Certification, and I’m hoping to plant in early June.  (That’s the normal planting time for my area due to the regularity of May frosts.)
  • Pollution’s role in disease & early death – Pollution is a much bigger problem than we are being told.  Not only is it a strong contributor to debilitating diseases, but in many countries, it is sending 10% – 18% of the population to an early grave.  
We had almost 14 feet of snowfall here this winter season.

This is my new format for now.  What do you think?  Fun?  Boring?  Let’s chat.  (And please know that my response times may lag a bit.)

Many Blessings,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

58 thoughts on “A Change in Course (For Now)”

  2. I have worked at meditating for years. But a few years ago I discovered TM and found it to be positively effortless. I have been meditating every day since. About a year after I began TM I told my husband that what I wanted for Christmas was for him to take TM. He scowled and did not reply. A couple of weeks later when he asked what I wanted for Christmas I repeated my request. He was silent for a few minutes and then said, “I’m afraid I would disappoint you.” I told him that I didn’t want him to take TM for ME but for him and what he did with it would be up to him. He shrugged and said, “okay, sign me up”. Since he has taken TM he meditates twice daily on his own with no comment or suggestion from me. He usually meditates in the morning before I am even up. Sometimes we meditate in the evening together but often we do that separately as well. He has never discussed TM or his experience with me at all but it is clear to me that it has made a difference in his life – as it has mine. I have been forever grateful for it.
    I hope that you will find it as life changing as I have.
    Namaste ~

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    1. Nice to see you, Linda. Thanks for sharing your story. My life partner has talked about meditating, too, but he is working hard to get to semi-retirement, so anything else right now falls to the wayside. How great that your husband took the training & meditates regularly! I am sleeping much sounder since I started. Like you, I’m grateful for the practice, and I expect the benefits will continue. Enjoy your weekend! 🌞

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  3. With so much snow, I can imagine that there are not many options. We have a similar problem with moist en temperatures. We are still hoping for a springtime feeling and it’s almost may !
    Sometimes we have to be patient and look for other things that can distract our minds.

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    1. Hi, Rudy, I appreciate your visit. The snow was really something this year. Normally, our intense sun melts it quickly but this year, the storms followed each other too quickly & the sky didn’t often clear, so it piled up like I’ve never seen! Indeed, patience and distraction help when we’re tired of what we’ve been getting! Wishing you a glorious Spring in the very near future! 🌞

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    1. Hi, Rosaliene, I’ve thought about our chats a number of times over the past couple months. I’m sure you’re probably aware of the devastation that has recently occurred on both coasts of Florida & the 25 inches of rain that fell in 24 hours in the Ft. Lauderdale area, where I lived for many years. I’m so afraid that these events, our extreme snowfall, & the storms you experienced last year are our new normal. I hope the Spring season blesses you with beauty and comfort. 🌞

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  5. Hi Lisa! I love this idea. It feels like a friendly chat. I’ve missed your posts but understand the need to step back and look after yourself.

    This month, I read “Going Rogue”, it’s the first book in a new series by Janet Evanovich. I have thoroughly enjoyed her Stephanie Plum series—a great combination of mystery and humour—and it seems the new series will deliver the same.

    I just picked up a new book at the library today “Breaking the Age Code” by Becca Levy. It’s about how your beliefs about aging can lead to a longer and healthier life. I’m looking forward to diving in.

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    1. Hi, Michelle, glad to see you & hear that you like my new direction. And thank you for letting me know you’ve missed my posts! You’ll have to let me know how you like the Age Code book. I totally agree with the idea that our beliefs affect us profoundly in every way imaginable. Happy Spring! 🌞

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  6. Mostly I make a cup of coffee, go sit in the recliner, go back to the coffee machine, back to the recliner, go to the bathroom, get more coffee, go sit in the recliner. But to change things up, I did try a new brand of coffee.

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  7. Good to hear from you, Lisa, however you want to share. My what a lot of snow you had!!

    We’re getting close to having my parents’ house emptied and then the remodeling can start. I’ve gone to California for a couple of long weekends for grandson time and we’re going to Philly soon to visit our younger daughter (via Illinois and Ohio for visiting friends and family.). I caught some of the superbloom which was beautiful. Reading? Always. 😉.

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    1. Hi, Janet, thanks for stopping by. You have such a rich life with your travel and friends and family. I admire that and hope to get back to it myself before long. I’m sure you & the girls will enjoy your upcoming gathering. I’m looking at the possibility of having to leave for Florida again over the next week. But hopefully June will bring good things & we can plan a meet-up in Sedona. I’m still hoping to see poppies before they disappear. Take care & we’ll stay in touch. 🌞

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      1. I wish you could be at the gathering but hopefully you can make the next one. I hope you get to see the poppies. They’re really something. It’s lovely being so close to California as our grandson changes so quickly now. He’s just over a year old and on the go all the time. We’ll definitely stay in touch. 🙂

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  9. Hi Lisa, it’s great to hear from you and I actually love the short, concise chatty style of your post. Meditation is something I’m still aiming to do daily (but sometimes fail). Still, being in nature is in itself a type of meditation and nourishment. I’ve been reading daily too, lately it’s escapist romances. Sending love and warm wishes your way.

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    1. Miriam, hi, great to see you! Thanks for casting your vote on my new blogging direction. I so agree, being in Nature, if we’re paying attention, can bring us into a mindful state. Escapist romance, huh? I need to read more fiction. Although I consider myself to be a pretty good stress manager, I do believe I can become too serious sometimes. I look forward to popping over to your blog & learning where you are & what fun you’ve been having! 🌞

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  10. Goodness! Only yesterday I was looking into TM. I’m still writing my short seasonal verses and just now reading more Mary Oliver. Also, the temperatures are lifting a bit so all the flowers and trees are showing some signs that the season is changing. Great to hear from you, as always 🤗🌹🙋‍♂️

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    1. Ashley, hi! So good to see you. Are you thinking of taking TM training? I highly recommend it. Already I’m sleeping sounder & feeling lighter & happier, even under pressing circumstances. Reading your verses, as well as Mary Oliver’s, makes me smile. Wishing you & your beloved a beautiful Spring.🌞

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      1. I would like to take the training but think finding a teacher, especially locally, will be difficult. Keep a look out for my next post on 1st May! Bring on the sun 😎🤗🙋‍♂️

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      2. We have only 1 teacher in this part of the state, so it took a few attempts before we could arrange a meeting. But I’m grateful we got it done. I’ll check out your post from yesterday. 🌞

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  11. Hi Lisa,
    I am sorry to hear you are sad these days, so to keep your mind occupied, whats going on with me latley is , just as you mentioned your into TM for relaxation, I’ve taken up Tai Chi & Qigong. It is the most rewarding , satisfying , and healthest thing one can do for ones body and mind. I’ve been taking these training classes since last year, and the experience is really paying off. I also grow my own veggies, ( getting ready to plant my tomatoes by the end of May ) and love to read documentary’s. ( Currently reading about the life of Queen Elizabeth ).
    Have a good week.! Love your beautiful Snow bound house.. ! ( and cat too :o) )

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  12. Hi my friend.. I was just getting ready to dig you up and luckily here you are. I’ve missed you too. Sorry you’re sad and happy to hear you have been on your never ending journey of discovery and leaning which is always so admirable. Now go to the store tomorrow and order that coffee for me and tea for you and we’ll toast together. Cheers Lisa dearest.. Now don’t you feel better now? tee hee.
    You know me.. all balls juggling and making lemonaide.
    Too much to mention here.
    Hugs and love to you!!!! 💗

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    1. I so appreciate your visit, my friend. I’ve thought of you many times over the past few months. I was hoping this would be the year we could put faces with names & blogs. I’ll pop over & see what’s going on with you. Hope the first few months of the year have enriched you! 🌞

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  13. Glad to hear from you, Lisa! The cashew tempeh looks delicious! The online courses are impressive and are sure to enrich your life for years! Take care of yourself! Robert and I have survived Hurricane Ian and some health issues. Life goes on, and all is well!

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  14. I love to read your posts! Your photographs are lovely! Gardening is such a wonderful thing…I like to bring my own flowers into the house. There is something very special about that. It is so nice to spend time outdoors and actually see the yard take shape…flowers, herbs, trees, vegetables, whatever. I like to think of the yard as ‘outdoor rooms’. Each one has a personality of its own! Congratulations on becoming a master gardener, and on all of your pursuits. And thank you for sharing the journey with us…

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  17. Hello Lisa! How are you? The pics are pretty. I think what you’re doing is great in continuing to learn many different things. I am training to receive my CNA license. The work is hard, but it’s worth it. I will be testing in six weeks, or sooner. I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

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      1. I hope so. It’s a lot of hard work and studying, and the hands on training isn’t easy, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. This is something that I have always wanted to do since I was small. It’s very challenging though. Working with everyone who has different needs, and personalities is challenging also. I just take it as it comes one day to the next knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life who can’t take care of themselves. They tell me how much they appreciate me, and they tell me what a blessing I am to them and that they are glad I am there to help them. They are sweet people. Things are kind of upside down right now, but I know it is a test of my faith. It will only make me stronger for what lies next ahead for me in my future. Keep me in your prayers. It is so good to talk to you. I hope all is well with you. Stay safe. Have a blessed week.😇

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      2. It is hard manual labor that can make a big difference in someone’s life & therefore be most rewarding. I have faith in you. Hoping things tight themselves in your life sooner than later. Take good care, Shaunelius. 🌞

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  20. Hang in there Lisa – take all the time you need, we’ll be here for ya’. As far as my activities these days… one word – chaos. Too many projects, too little time, too many miles to run, too many things to do coming out of the cold months. Still smiling as it is better than working ha.

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  21. I’m very sorry to hear you’re going through difficult times, (((Lisa))). May this too pass. I love your written expressions and your photography. Izzy is a lovely furbaby and the MG certification is fabulous. I’m just trying to get through the overwhelm through writing and spiritual pursuits. With every good wish and blessing to you, MW 🙏🩶🙏

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