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Posts tagged ‘wellness’

Wednesday

Yes, good day, may I help you?

Remember when there was actually a human ready to assist you if you had a problem or needed assistance with something? Where if you had something go wrong with an order, or needed clarification, there was actually a human who took your call, listened and directed your call to the appropriate desk?

There was a time when you could walk into a store, or office and be greeted by someone who actually cared about whether or not you were being serviced properly… or got the right product for your needs.

The other day I went for a massage, and literally had to ask the question of the person I was talking with… what exactly are you allowed to do??? why? because if you want to total relaxation, your body is divided into sections.. this they will do,, this they won’t unless you sign a paper that they can touch you.. (in this case it was my abdomen)…AND heaven forbid in some instances, the therapist who took a course to be an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) will not do your feet!!!!! Last time I looked, my body from my toes to the top of my head… its all connected.

If I want only a specific part of my anatomy done, a limb, leg, arm, hands, I will check in with a physiotherapist.. if I want a massage I expect,especially when I pay for a registered massage therapist who one is told has studied ALL THE ANATOMY, and knows how to relax and work the whole body.

“When in doubt, use “massage therapist.” It’s accurate, gender-neutral, and reflects a trained, licensed professional. So when comparing a therapist and a masseuse, remember: the biggest difference is professionalism and credentials. If you’re seeking therapeutic care, always look for a licensed massage therapist.”

Sounds simple, but try to find one that actually works on the whole body and not have specific areas, they don’t want to touch. Or want to practice a special technique, that involves only certain movements and specific parts of the body.

This rant is not a sudden vomiting of frustration, for a couple of years now I have tried a sampling at various clinics in the area… only to be left totally unsatisfied by the lack of experience and inability of many “RMT” to actually do an aging body in a way that leaves me feeling like I have had a massage.

Please .. I am not saying personnel were not friendly, or that they didn’t perform an hour of manipulations, quote ( Whether it’s targeting specific areas of the body or providing a comprehensive full-body approach, RMT offers a tailored and holistic approach to promote optimal joint health and overall physical wellness.Feb 13, 2024) its finding someone who actually really cares if you leave the clinic feeling like you’ve had a massage.. or are there simply to earn their % of the fee.


Make today a “give back day” Kindness for others is the best way to give back.

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FYI I do have a wonderful gal I go to, she is not an RMT she is certified in other areas, ie. reflexology. But when she works on you, her intent is to relax you, work with what ails you, and help you cope with stress and tensions in the body. AND I do have an experienced seasoned RMT who is multi talented, in that he has done a lot of extra courses and modalities ( in therapy, the word ‘modality’ refers to the method of treatment. )

Thanks for listening to my “tirade” – this moment will pass.

Oyashikiri

Sunday

Hi everyone. I see I missed yesterday. What an upside down day it was. You have all been aware that I have had this nasty flu virus for the last month plus.. Some days barely able to even try to be social, never mind thinking of getting up and going out. The last week so much improvement, I even (as shown above) went into SL (Second Life) to do some photography using the two dogs I found for posing with. The internet world of Second life ( Second Life is a persistent, 3D virtual world where users, represented by customizable avatars, can socialize, create content, explore diverse virtual environments, and even conduct real-world economic activities, functioning as a vast online platform for entertainment, education, and community beyond a typical game. Launched by Linden Lab in 2003, it allows people to build virtual lives, own property, attend events like concerts, and interact through text or voice chat, offering extensive freedom for self-expression and digital ownership. ) is a wonderful “adult sitter” when we are confined at home dealing with a stubborn virus.

When you re not having fun, could it be because you rare being lazy?

Sometimes you feel blue or can’t seem to find the joy in doing anything. At times like this, just get up and move your body, or work your mind to the fullest extent.

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I went to church today, it was “Day of Appreciation” unfortunately I had to leave early, my body/mind said enough enough, I was getting overtired, it wasn’t even 10:30 a.m. yet. I excused myself and silently slipped away… came home and climbed back in to bed. I felt it was important to say “thank you” to the Universe, because…. even though I’m not 100% yet, I feel so much better.

How are you all doing? How is the year spinning for you so far? Do your best to stay healthy, stay home if you start feeling a cold/flu coming on, stay away from friends/family if they are sick.

Sending positive and healing energy to you …

Oyashikiri

Thursday

“I’ll do it later. No, I’ll do it now”

To make progress do anything while it is still fresh.

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These words of wisdom have a message for me… I am a do it now person, I have always been like that, this morning has found me dragging out my medical books and researching and refreshing my “tired’ gray cells on my actions of the past few days.

I woke to the searing discomfort of the neuropathy symptoms all clamoring to express and shout their discontent at having to share my limbs with each other. Nerves screamed, and went into an unwelcome screaming fit. I could barely manage to balance as I made my way to the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. I will not bore you with medical terms, the long and short of it was my muscles cramped and toes jerked up in protest… I have learned to quiet the mind and try to still the mounting urgency to rectify the physical reaction that happens when the the tendons and other fellow body parts go into their trauma mode.

I had a small amount of success with calming the body by using a cream infused with magnesium. I had done it faithfully for weeks, and I was having night after night with no symptoms… I got lazy, or forgetful, and took to reclaiming activities/tasks that needed to be done. but I did it all at once, I threw out my support pillow (for under the legs) and then didn’t follow through and get to the store to replace it. That meant I had to use a substitute knee pillow that was not the same angle/depth and composition of what my legs were used to.. I went out the next day and got the correct pillow, but meanwhile, the legs started to grumble…

AND that didn’t trigger or jog my gray cells to remind me to use the magnesium cream after my shower. I allowed myself to be distracted and and and.. I didn’t do it when the thought came to mind, I put it off and of course, it got lost.. I didn’t do it at all.

This morning my body told me in no uncertain terms… “it was not happy” and I had to deal with the fall out.

No its not just the magnesium, there are of course other factors.. but all could have been better planned and executed. … “do it now” when you can, if something comes to mind, and it is something that has shown to be helpful, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING…or not doing… and act accordingly.

Our bodies are our life long companions… we should not take them for granted.

Have a good day everyone…

Oyashikiri

just because – I bought an exercise stretch band ( the idea was a good one) , help with exercising the arms/shoulders… a good stretch… did I use it.. no it hangs on the back of the door. because I searched it out, found it, brought it home.. if I don’t use it… it is not helping me… right? Right !!!!

Just because – I studied and researched .. gathered info. sought solutions.. if I don’t apply them .. I am not being proactive to my well being… right? right!!!!

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Easy movements, slow, mind focused on how your body is able to move easily into the different stances. then taking the time to sit and reflect on how we are coping with the day to day opportunities that come our way. That is a personal activity that one should do daily. The world around us is busy, constantly moving, so often, we move into the day and adjust our energy to merge in and out of the constant ebb and flow of what is happening around us, Not taking into consideration the affect the jarring and the noise will have on our own peace of mind, The effects are not always positive. In making time to take 10 – 15 min. in the day to meditate, contemplate you can give yourself an energizing lift. Even 3 – 5 minutes of silence with your elbows propped on a desk.. and your chin, cupped in your hands can produce a quiet calm that gives you an energizing lift, the body/mind relaxation during a busy day can increase productivity and do wonders for YOU, YOU matter.

With a prayerful mind, put your heart into everything you do,

Even when you’ve put in your best effort, you may have overlooked something . With a humble mind, take a second look to check for mistakes or oversights.

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We work better and we are more efficient and effective when our energy is balanced. We feel better and are able to get a better night’s sleep when we are happy with ourselves. There is an expression, “Misery loves company” ….. ….. personally, I’m happy to let the miserable enjoy their chosen way of life.. I prefer to be happy and live with kindness and goodness in my life. it is so much more freeing.. and it all begins with a genuine smile.

Oyashikiri

Monday 4.10.17

pic.Darren 2015

After a visit to one of the hospitals I’m  truly overwhelmed at the number of “sick” people contained in a maze of corridors and multiple floors.  This being only one of the large hospitals in this city.

In Japan one of the wellness programs they introduced was to spend more time with and around trees.  I guess this came out in the early 80’s  Japan in known for its spring time blossoms, people flock to the parks to take pictures and enjoy the refreshing ambiance of trees in early bloom.

Not spending a lot of time confined to a hospital, or home environment it is  an eye opener to visit one of these places.  Yes my Mother had been hospitalized, but my attendance there was focused on my Mother, and where I would have noticed or seen that the place was humming with activity and a lot of people, the thought came and went.  Today I had  occasion to have to track down my sister-in-law, she had been moved from the area I had been told she would be in.  The hospital is big it has grown and expanded over the years, even staff were not sure exactly where or how to get to certain rooms, didn’t help that you had to know if you were in the right “section” never mind floor.  Like a Chinese menu, there are  multiple choices.

Darren 2015 Monterey Bay Ca

I came away with the determination to work harder at obtaining and maintaining a good health report card.  Like most, I can cheat at sneaking in a dessert or extra starchy snack, now I have a visual reminder of where I do not want to be.

What about you…   are you setting attainable goals, then sticking to them?

PL Principle #8   I will not have a mind to be greedy

PL Principle # 2  I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather,  Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

Oyashikiri

pictures in this blog by- Darren Su

Taste, delight & savour

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Sauted black fungus and mixed vegetables…The veggies are done just right, with a  crispness to them, and the sauce is light not drowning in starch and sugars. Looks good, and it is.

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There is a whole array of salads too, some very nice ones, but I skip those,  in the background you see, just beyond the  customer is a whole delight of cooked dishes.  There is a plate of scallops that my friends delight in, they are plump lightly breaded with not a hint of “fried”  Next to that dish, you will find the  different noodle dishes and I believe that is where the fried rice is for the North American taste buds.  BUT to the right of that customer, is also two dishes that I find hard to resist, One is green beans stir fried and tossed with a few sesame seeds, I pile as much of that as I can over my other goodies.  In front of that dish is a mixed veggie dish that I supplement my other choices with.

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From this side of my plate, you can see the green beans, and the crisp broccoli, on the top to the left is salt and pepper fish, the dumpling on the right there is a pot sticker, and under the broccoli is a small piece  salt and pepper pork .. the stick you see, holds a wonderfully roasted piece of chicken, moist and succulent.

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This side of my plate shows you the  larger helping of black fungus and veggies.   Buried under all of that is freshly steamed Basa fish, a nice big slab of it. Note, no rice, no noodles. You can’t see it, but I likely have a couple of sushi there too.  They have a good sushi cook and serve some traditional sushi, not North American …

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All this side of that round server going around to the right there, where the customers are, is DESSERT.   The counter on the right is where the steamed or baked fish dishes are. You can not see that portion because of the back of the bench.  Sorry.. behind the bench is another serving area, of ice creams. Off to the left or other dishes, and the server behind the benches on the left, holds the soups, and more steamed dumplings and Chinese steamed spare ribs in a garlic and black bean sauce.

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You are witness …. I did have dessert.  that cake  or whatever it is on the left is to die for.. it melts in your mouth, it is like a whipped cream, only the colour of pistachio.. the square on the right is mouth drooling tasty, it looks innocent, but oh wow it is good, and so is that silly looking cup of  what you think is a little bit of pudding,  I’m not usually a dessert person, so I cannot tell you what they are, just that I will go back for more.  The little macaroon didn’t stand a chance next to the other goodies, it was good, but… hands down on the green whatever it was.( looked like a cake)

All this to say….. seize the moment………live each day making choices that you will enjoy….. choose wisely, but get out there,  try new challenges..  

In Pl, we have a Principle, PL Principle #13  – Concerning food, I will not have complaints, likes and dislikes, nor preferences; nor will I overeat, over drink,nor eat irregularly

Not easy peasy all the time to follow… in this case… I did my best to choose wisely, I didn’t waste, I ate what I picked, taking only a bit of this and that, meant that should something not please my palate, I could still eat it.. and I do try different dishes.  Some I do not have because I won’t like them, but because I know they will affect my sugar levels.  Eating moderately means that I can enjoy these buffets, and not suffer later.

Delight in what you eat.

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

 

Eclipse,Ottawa,Canada

a quiet interlude

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Fingal’s Cave off the coast of Scotland

Good Morning, thought I’d share a little more of yesterday’s experience.  Like many others around me, I live life at a rather “active” pace.  True not always, I know to take breaks, and  have a slow down time, the key words here, are I know… just because I know, doesn’t mean that I do it.  I was happy yesterday to disrobe and get on the waiting table in the small room I’d been assigned to.  Nothing magical, just a quiet place, soothing music and the implements used for doing facials.  The table was the ordinary table used in spas, and salons all over.  The table had been prepared, the colours of the towels and sheets were calm, soothing colours, the terry towels were big a fluffy.  Already I could feel myself relaxing, and when I slipped unto the table and felt the warmth on my back (the table was heated) I knew I had made a good choice.

Our minds are chatty little characters,  often even if we want to rest and know we are tired, the little voice just keeps babbling away at times like a broken record. I closed my eyes, letting the moment surround me.  I was getting a holistic facial, the herbal fragrances were intoxicating, never mind the knowing trained hands working their magic. My mind began to still, my thoughts drifted into quiet spaces that’s I’d found along the way and wanted to explore.

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Melissani Cave, Greece

There is no rhyme or reason for where the thoughts will drift.  The mind and body are strongly connected and tuned to one another.  When the body begins to let go and release pent-up stress, the mind feeling less smothered and pressured, will also relax.  Being able to find, quiet moments where the body truly let’s go of the daily ritual of “activity” is an awesome experience.  It really truly is.

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The promise of spring, a new season, when we see the first signs of new growth peaking through the soil…. this is rejuvenation.  we see it and we love the discovery, it is pleasing, it is a new moment. Our bodies deserve the same care and attention that we give to our gardens, our hobbies, crafts, work, it is ours.

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When we invest in ourselves, in having a facial, a massage, a skin and body treatment, we are looking after ourselves, the part of us that often is taken for granted until it nudges and pushes back at us.

 PL Precept# 20   Live Maintaining Equilibrium between Mind and Matter

Having a quiet interlude, enjoying the moment, was a re-energizing experience.  I had booked a full hour of body massage after the facial, needless to say, my mind took itself to exactly where it wanted to be…. my smile was a mile wide… total immersion in a happy reverie is good for the soul, you really should try it.

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Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

ps. am I still smiling, you betcha!

another way of letting go

 

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This is one of the walls as one enters into what appears to be a store front in a shopping mall.  The sign says TEAL. Mind,Body,Wellness, and although there is a rather spa like setting as you enter, it is basic, clean, simple and you immediately feel,  “nice”.  Looking around, it is open, and bright, and coming from outside where it is cold, and very much winter, the atmosphere inside is warm and inviting without being pretentious.

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Theses are some of the options offered at Teal.  I’ve been twice now, and both times I’ve come away looking like a greased monkey, high on a lot of TLC and expert attention to my – in need of a holiday body.  We all can’t get away on an exotic holiday, nor do we all have the time or inclination to spend weeks working over time so we can manage a few days off, only to get back to work and find the work we left on our desks still there.

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My first visit there, I went for the Ayurveda treatments.  I had a full body treatment and a head massage and a full body Kalp Ubtan treatment.  It was an amazing experience, I have had Ayurveda treatments before, and I always came away totally “spaced”  I am telling you that this combination I experienced that day, was out of this world.  Let me share with you their wording from their website. tealwellness.com

Harmonize your body, mind and senses and experience instant calm and rejuvenation with this ancient Indian shirodhara treatment. Lay back and let us wrap your head and neck in warm towels while gentle botanical water drips over your forehead. The fragrant liquid flows in a rhythmic stream falls into your forehead and rivers around your head nourishing your hair and scalp. Find deep peace and let your tension melt away with every drop.

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Ubtan is a very influential lymphatic system intoxicant that is used in variety of body treatments; an aid in the detoxification process. The Ubtan (a herbal paste) is a mixture of fine herbs, spices, grains and selective essentials oils. 

Ubtan, when initially applied over the body, the nature of herbs and spices is induced in the deeper tissues of the body, which eliminates stiffness and blockages. 

Thereafter, massaging on the body with herbal Dosha Oils, it creates the friction that helps open up the skin pores, enhance metabolism and dissolving fat tissues. Ubtan; due to its enriched ingredients, is highly advantageous for toning body muscles, reducing cellulite from the body and stimulating weight loss. 

Finally, 15 minutes of steam sauna will relive all your muscle tension and  make you feel rejuvenated and re-energized. 

My recent visit, today. I had the Kalp Ayurveda Facial (1 hours), followed by a one hour massage from a RMT (Registered massage therapist)… need I tell you that I did not drive home, my thoughtful husband, drove me there and picked me up.  I was totally on a ME day.

Thai body massage

 

Have you ever wondered about a Thai Yogic Massage?  You’ve heard about it, and thought about it, but never got around to looking it up.  Maybe you want to try Reiki, or Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, maybe now while we are in the winter season, and life can get blah… you could consider doing something for yourSelf…. In every major center, smaller towns, and most communities, there are Alternative Health Care providers.

Yes, it is looking after your body, yes the very body that houses who you are, and will be your constant companion all through your journey in this lifetime.

When we look after our bodies, our mind functions better.  It really does.

PL Precept # 18 Each Moment is a turning Point

PL Precept #20  Live Maintaining Equilibrium between mind and matter

Don’t wait till your body breaks down, or stalls before you take it in for a tune up.  This is about being proactive about your health, mental and physical.(your body)

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

 

Teal is in Ottawa, Canada visit website for more info.

 

missing – 1 gym bag

PL Principle # 6    I will not be stubborn, being captured by my own thoughts.

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For weeks even months I have talked of getting back to the gym.  Always there was a reason why I just couldn’t get there. Now with the sun shining into my office, and a day facing me with my feeling blah and ho hum, I thought, I’ll go to the gym after my morning meditations etc.  The Virgo/goat that I am, I wanted to organize.  Couldn’t find my gym bag, I looked and just couldn’t find it.  Husband to the rescue, he came and looked with me, wandered down the hall and came back, “its in your office, you can’t miss it”

PL Principle # 3  I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

“How did it get in there, that isn’t where I usually keep it?” said I with a bit of the morning

surliness.  Wise husband, quietly says he doesn’t know and returns to his morning activities.

PL Principle #10  I will live in true harmony with my spouse.

I come into my office and there it is sitting in the corner waiting to be found again.

PL Principle # 2        I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather.  Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

punching bag

Are you  someone who goes to a gym…. have you ever considered working out with a punching bag.  The jabbing, kicking and punching gives an immensely powerful take no prisoners feeling, and it also helps with weight loss, co-ordination and strengthening.   Great for sharpening reflexes too.  Find someone to show you the how to’s though before you jump in.

PL Precept 19.  Begin once you Perceive.

Have a great day, thanks for sharing this moment with me… you’ve helped me get going today… thank you, thank you, thank you!

PL Precept # 21. Live in Perfect Liberty…..

Namaste     –     Oyashikiri

 

# NB – In the Pl Church we live by 21 Precepts and 21 Principles.

 

* gym bag – Q

** woman.thenest.com

I have a cold…

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Good day everyone….

I have a cold… blanket statement…  What does that mean exactly.  It is a response that I have used for a number of symptoms, and it usually satisfies the person to whom I am talking.  I realized the other day that my making that statement doesn’t always stem from my having the same symptoms, if I were to really examine and say out loud why I was making that statement, I think the listener would have lost interest and moved on.    Saying “I have a cold” is much like the other conversational throw away “how are you”  reply “fine”

They are openers that more often then naught are merely cordial greetings.  In conversation with Rev. Eugene the other day, when i verbalized that I had a cold/flu, his response was, “why”.  My internal response, “hello, why” of course that was an excellent PL reply.

Exactly … he brought the statement, the thought back to me for closer examination.  After all if I have a cold, or say I have a cold, what is it that brought this on, why do I feel like I do… No one can answer these questions but myself.

If my body is rebelling on me, giving me grief, I have to ask myself why. what am I doing, saying or thinking that is creating an imbalance in my thought pattern, or harmony in my body,mind and soul.  Speaking about me, I know that I have a tendency to get really busy, stay actively busy looking “out”… when I am not wanting to perhaps address something that is “stewing” “inside me.

Having a cold means that I can retreat with an excuse.  I can take to my bed and sleep the whole morning.totally oblivious to anything but the “mode of BEING” I’m in..  Since I can’t sleep all day.. guess what.. I will keep busy till I can hit my bed once more and sleep till next time I wake.  I have a cold.

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this is an ant pushing a drop of rain

found on huffingtonpost.com

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