celebratory sound to welcome the new year. Underworld Full Albums 1994~2010 @Best Dj Mix Edition by TomatoRemix

Ode to a Nap

Had it not been for Chrysalis,
I might not have ever learned
how to adequately
fully and completely
lay down for a nap

Certainly my association with
productivity and things to do
and obsession with constitutional
habits and relationship with leisure

Had nothing to do with
my inability to rest for just a moment
with no other interruption
motivation or intention

But rejuvenation
restoration
recharging and taking a time out
for myself

My mental capacity improved
my emotional and nervous systems
calibrated
my immunological repair activated

All with simply becoming
horizontal.  cozy.
warm.  comforted.
snuggled.

With time limit or not
12 minutes preferred for even those
like Einstein in four hour intervals
looking to replicate certain circadean phenomenon

And some really just do it to dream
Heel Neurexan Tablets (Google Affiliate Ad)Heel Neurexan Tablets (Google Affiliate Ad)

The Spirit of Christmas

The Spirit of Christmas

according to Yogi Bhajan

The Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points: Masters of Low Back Pain

The Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points: Masters of Low Back Pain

this from Denise Aubin, Dance of Qigong

Transitioning into the season of Fall (the Metal Element) ~

In nature, during this time, the sap of the trees moves into their roots, leaves change color, and animals begin to store food to prepare for the winter. This is the time of year for us to start focusing on internal cultivation.

 

According to Chinese Taoist philosophy, the Fall season is associated with the metal element. Metal corresponds to the Lungs and Large Intestine (or colon) and the emotions of grief and compassion. It also represents the characteristics of clarity and organization.

Grief and Compassion:
Fall represents the end of summer and the coming of winter. The abundance of growth and greenery is starting to fade, the leaves are starting to change colors as winter approaches. It is a reminder that nothing stays the same and that all things have a beginning and an end. The emotions of sadness and grief are linked to fall in Chinese philosophy because of this change. As we say our farewells to summer these emotions are often felt as we prepare for the darkness of winter.

When we are sad and grieving, it affects our lungs. Grief causes our Qi to descend. Our lungs feel heavy and deflated. It can be hard to take deep breaths. But it is important to remember that grief and sadness are normal human emotions. It is ok to experience it from time to time in our lives when life has hit a rough spot or a loved one has gone away. By not denying these feelings and by accepting them as part of the cycle of life, we can move through the grief to cultivate compassion. Experiencing and dealing with a deep sense of loss allows us to understand and be compassionate about the suffering of others.

Lungs and Colon:
This is the time of year that a lot of people come down with colds, sore throats and respiratory issues. Constipation, skin problems, and allergies are more prevalent now. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, eat well and take care of the health of your lungs and colon proactively.

Clarity:
The metal element represents clarity — like the mirror-like finish of a polished piece of metal or the crystal clear reflection off the surface of a lake. After the growth and expansion of the spring and summer months, oftentimes there is a lot of chaos left behind. The mind can get scattered and distracted by the joys of summer. It is important now to find clarity in the aftermath of so much outward activity. Like harvesting crops, this is a time to sort out the seeds, fruits, and other useable parts in our lives from everything else that should be returned back to the earth.

Organization:
The metal element also represents organization. It’s time now to organize your life and get your house back in order. No more slacking off or getting distracted. Finish gathering all your acorns and start storing them in a safe place. The warm weather is nearing an end and the cold winter is fast approaching. Nature is shifting from expansion to contraction. Get yourself prepared physically, mentally and emotionally for this big shift in activity and energy.

Since autumn is a dry season, we need to protect ourselves from cold air evaporation of moisture from our skin. Moistening, softening, and nurturing foods for this time include white rice, white beans, pears, radishes, sea vegetables, potatoes, cabbage, turnips and parsnips.

 

Talking Heads - "Once In A Lifetime"

Border terrior pal

Source: manxscenes.com via Peter on Pinterest

she's flexing her muscles

Today I am awe of an e x t r a o r d i n a r y organ called the uterus. 
her fibers                  s   t   r   e   t  c  h     
in every direction,
I get a sense of what our human
female
body is truly capable of. 
miracles. 
She reminds me of a sail
powering a sailboat,
a fan
cooling an engine, a heart
beating,
a pair of lungs inhaling,
eyes
blinking. 
As I sit
quieting myself
waiting for the miracle
of life to continue with and through me,
she reminds me she is here
with balanced work AND rest.
She commands my awareness from time to
t i m e when i'm not moving
s l o w
enough or listening.
we've become
really good
friends

The River She Is Flowing

what a rush!  this mornings district meeting was cancelled because Allison's water broke.  She's delivering at Kaiser, but apparently Oakland and Walnut Creek are ALL full.  She's doing her best to stay calm and get to SF.  It occurred to me today that the eclipse in gemini is happening.  I can't wait to meet her little being.  Here's a song dedicated to her and this sacred passage.  It's pretty incredible what kind of rush another can go through upon hearing a woman's in labor.  What a sacred journey. 

Pros and Cons of 11 Common Labor Positions

Pros and Cons of 11 Common Labor Positions

Get Posh To Push: an afterbirth herbal bath blend

Get Posh To Push: an afterbirth herbal bath blend: tops my 'Super Posh Post-Partum List' of things for comfort, healing and care in those early weeks. This blend of Comfrey leaf, Lavender...

nice applicable quotation

 “Creating a new theory is not like destroying an old barn and erecting a skyscraper in its place. It is rather like climbing a mountain, gaining new and wider views, discovering unexpected connections between our starting points and its rich environment." - Albert Einstein

Dark Star Orchestra - Looks Like Rain

spring showers bring may flowers.   today, another day of pouring buckets of rain... 

Snatam Kaur | Deep Blue Sea

Item Quantity Protein (g) Almonds (dry roasted) 1 oz. 4.6 Apple, with skin 1 0.3 Asparagus 1/2 cup 2.3 Avocado 1 4.0 Bagel 1 10.0 Beans, refried 1 cup 15.8 Beans, garbanzo 1 cup 14.5 Beans, navy 1 cup 19.7 Beans, soybean 1 cup 28.6 Beer 1 12 oz. can 0.9 Broccoli 1/2 cup 2.6 Cashews 1 oz. 4.4 Cheese, cheddar 1 oz. 7.1 Coconut 1 oz. 2.5 Granola cereal 1 bowl 3.7 Grapes, concord 1 cup 2.0 Macadamia nut 1 oz. 2.4 Macaroni 1 cup 6.7 Oatmeal 1 cup 6.0 Oats, rolled 1 cup 13.0 Oranges 1 1.2 Orange juice 8 oz. 1.7 Pancakes 2 4.5 Peanuts 1 oz. 6.6 Pistachios 1 oz. 5.8 Raisins 1 cup 5.3 Rice, brown 1 cup 4.5 Rice, white 1 cup 4.8 Sesame seeds 1 oz. 6.5 Soybean 1 cup 28.6 Spaghetti 1 cup 6.7 Tuna (water packed) 3 oz. 25.1 Walnuts, black 1 oz. 6.9 Wheat bread 2 slices 4.5 Waffle 1 7.2 Wheat, enriched 1 cup 11.6 Wheat gluten 1 cup 58.0 Yogurt, plain 1 cup 13.0 Burrito with beans, rice, veggies 42.5 grams Cereal with soy milk, 1 bowl 26.4 Deli sandwich with meat replacement, bread, and condiments 39.2 Not Dog (hot dog replacment) w/ two slices of bread 15.2 Pancakes (3 pancakes w/syrup) 8.2 Peanut butter and jelly sandwich 19.6 Pizza with cheese, 1 slice 26.4 Potato, baked with sour cream replacement 12.5 Rice, brown with stir fried veggies and soy sauce 21.2 Salad, basic with veggies, sunflower seeds, raisins 19.4 Soup, 1 bowl vegetable soup 10.2 Spaghetti with marinara sauce and meat replacement meat balls 32.1 Tomato sandwich 9.6 Tuna sandwich 34.5 Vegetable chow mein w/Braggs liquid aminos 12.5Item Quantity Protein (g) Almonds (dry roasted) 1 oz. 4.6 Apple, with skin 1 0.3 Asparagus 1/2 cup 2.3 Avocado 1 4.0 Bagel 1 10.0 Beans, refried 1 cup 15.8 Beans, garbanzo 1 cup 14.5 Beans, navy 1 cup 19.7 Beans, soybean 1 cup 28.6 Beer 1 12 oz. can 0.9 Broccoli 1/2 cup 2.6 Cashews 1 oz. 4.4 Cheese, cheddar 1 oz. 7.1 Coconut 1 oz. 2.5 Granola cereal 1 bowl 3.7 Grapes, concord 1 cup 2.0 Macadamia nut 1 oz. 2.4 Macaroni 1 cup 6.7 Oatmeal 1 cup 6.0 Oats, rolled 1 cup 13.0 Oranges 1 1.2 Orange juice 8 oz. 1.7 Pancakes 2 4.5 Peanuts 1 oz. 6.6 Pistachios 1 oz. 5.8 Raisins 1 cup 5.3 Rice, brown 1 cup 4.5 Rice, white 1 cup 4.8 Sesame seeds 1 oz. 6.5 Soybean 1 cup 28.6 Spaghetti 1 cup 6.7 Tuna (water packed) 3 oz. 25.1 Walnuts, black 1 oz. 6.9 Wheat bread 2 slices 4.5 Waffle 1 7.2 Wheat, enriched 1 cup 11.6 Wheat gluten 1 cup 58.0 Yogurt, plain 1 cup 13.0 Burrito with beans, rice, veggies 42.5 grams Cereal with soy milk, 1 bowl 26.4 Deli sandwich with meat replacement, bread, and condiments 39.2 Not Dog (hot dog replacment) w/ two slices of bread 15.2 Pancakes (3 pancakes w/syrup) 8.2 Peanut butter and jelly sandwich 19.6 Pizza with cheese, 1 slice 26.4 Potato, baked with sour cream replacement 12.5 Rice, brown with stir fried veggies and soy sauce 21.2 Salad, basic with veggies, sunflower seeds, raisins 19.4 Soup, 1 bowl vegetable soup 10.2 Spaghetti with marinara sauce and meat replacement meat balls 32.1 Tomato sandwich 9.6 Tuna sandwich 34.5 Vegetable chow mein w/Braggs liquid aminos 12.5

you take after me

Think not of how, whether in terms of logistics, people, or inspiration, but of the end results you dream of. The end, in thought, combined with action, in its general direction, will always create the necessary circumstances, serendipities, epiphanies, ideas, and discoveries necessary to bring about the desired manifestation. The hard part is done for you. Your part is the easy part: Think and let go. Knock on every door and turn over every stone. Do not insist upon the path, but upon the overall change you wish to experience, and never take no for an answer.

You can do this. You've been doing it all your life.
  -
    The Universe

community

Community
Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion
without having the words catch in our throats.
Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us,
eyes will light  up as we enter, VOICES WILL CELEBRATE US
WHENEVER WE COME INTO OUR OWN POWER.
Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that
needs to be done.
Arms to hold us when we falter.
A circle of healing. A circle of friends.
Someplace where We can be free.
by Starhawk
from Dreaming The Dark

Delving into 2012 - The Year of the Water Dragon

by Terah Kathryn Collins

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Water Dragon arrives on January 23rd bringing the Feng Shui principle, "Everything is always changing", into full play. Although the Dragon's natural element is Wood, 2012 is associated with the Water element, making this the Year of the Water Dragon. In the Chinese Five Element theory, Water nurtures Wood, fueling the Dragon's already powerful strength and vitality. The Water element is associated with spirituality and Wood with intuition, promising to lift spiritual and intuitive veils and enhance your extra-sensory perceptions. Meditation and other practices that deepen your relationship with the Unseen world will go a long way in helping you remain calm, clear, and connected throughout this year's profusion of inner and outer transformations.



If you haven't already de-cluttered your material world and released excess possessions, now's the time! The same cleansing and clearing process is also vital within your body, mind, and heart. Create space for the Dragon to land by attending to any stagnant areas in your life. This year's gifts can only be fully received by the unencumbered. The lighter you are on all levels, the better.



The only mythical animal of the twelve in Chinese astrology, the Dragon is known for bringing Heaven to Earth and making dreams come true. "Watch what you wish for, 'cause you're going to get it," is a phrase to remember as synchronicities multiply, breathing life into whatever you pray and wish for. Visions you've been holding deep within your heart, such as experiencing loving community, lasting peace, spiritual illumination, and restoration of Mother Earth become potently activated and, like magic, could manifest 'right before your eyes.' And, the changes that accommodate such manifestations can occur in any size or shape, underlining the importance of cultivating your lightness of being and doing.



The magnanimous spirit of the Dragon is entwined with a practical, no-nonsense attitude that simply reveals what is so. This is no year for secrets of any kind. Truth will prevail as all that has been personally and collectively hidden is exposed to the light. This could make for some very interesting 'plays' in the Theater of Life.



With the growing, flowing attributes of Wood and Water leading the way this year, dreams could launch without a stable platform in place. Feng Shui observes that the qualities of the other three elements - Fire, Earth, and Metal - can balance Wood and Water and help you to birth your dreams into a healthy existence. Attend to the emotional well-being of the people in your life, taking the time to 'tend the fire' and create warm, harmonious relationships. Honor every step of the earthy physical processes that provide a firm foundation and keep you organized. Maintain mental clarity by thinking things through, forging creative collaborations, and refining your choices along the way. Taking all five elements into consideration can widen synchronistic pathways and help you be in the right place with the right people at the right time.



This is the year to turn-up the magic in your life and let it shine. Consider how you can weave more wonder into every day. Open yourself to the vast realms of inner guidance and outer communion with all 'who' surround you. Spend as much time as you can connecting with expansive natural settings and drinking in the elixir of Mother Nature's ever-present majesty. Let the Dragon guide you in bridging Heaven and Earth in your life, then step through the portals of magic as they open, ready to be enchanted!

Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk off the Earth (Gotye - Cover)