No pain, no gain

 

Business travel and other commitments kept me away from the hot room for days. I told a friend I looked forward to the simultaneous pleasure and pain of that evening’s practice. Not entirely familiar with Bikram yoga, he asked why I do it if it causes me pain. When I last hiked, my aching body rebelled as the wind sliced through five layers. When I write, oftentimes it’s with my own blood. So, why do we endure the physical and/or emotional pain that may accompany a strong passion(s) we entertain? Sometimes there is pain in the midst of transformation and healing. Of course, there is the adrenaline high that pushes many of us beyond our comfort zones. For me, I do what I do to face a challenge, to squeeze out every last drop of living in a particular moment. To come out a better, more complete version of me. And sometimes that might mean a skinned knee in the process.

Why do you do what you do?

Sweet and simple pleasures

Recently, while shopping at Dollar Tree, I picked up a little plaque—black background covered with white chalk-like printing in varied fonts. Although a ribbon adorns the top for hanging, it resides propped up on my desk at home. The words etched on the plaque are simple reminders: Love one another, always tell the truth, sweet dreams, say please and thank you, share, play nice, work hard, say your prayers, keep your promises, laugh often. My intention to simplify this year (see ‘keep it simple…‘) encompasses not only my words (let them be fewer), but my schedule (say yes less, rest more), righting wrongs as they occur (rather than harboring bitterness) and recognizing simple pleasures daily. Beginning on day six, I received a hand-written thank you card in the mail—a simple gesture, yet one that seems to be a lost art. I hope to chronicle these treasures throughout 2016, a way to recognize and better appreciate life’s simple sweetness.

What is a recent simple pleasure you’ve encountered?

Photo courtesy of people-equation.com.

We see what we expect to see

 

I consider myself a student—not of any university or trade school, but an everyday learner—whether out and about in public, in front of my laptop or with a book in hand. As for reading, not only do I read for pleasure, but also to study the writing craft. While recently perusing* The Writer magazine, I ran across an article titled “Dig in” about the relationship between editor and writer. Within 1,200 words or so, I experienced absolution of every typo I’ve missed during the editing and/or writing process, every omitted detail or similar faux pas. About any shoddy copy edits I’ve been asked in the past—Were you sleeping? How did that happen?—the author reminds: “We see what we expect to see.” The article also speaks upon digging deeper to become better (writers and editors), and highly recommends a second pair of eyes. Oh, and that oftentimes we just need that extra push.

When could you use backup?

*[read: pursuing in the first few drafts.]

Image courtesy of hyena reality at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The simple things

[Image credit: Rawich]

Sometimes I think cats really know how to live life.  They sleep the majority of the days away, most are satisfied with one variety of dry, crunchy food; one of my cats drools his appreciation when his chin is scratched.  Another of mine enjoys a few laps of cold milk in the mornings.  Oh, to find delight in the simple things.  Sprawled out, belly up in the sunshine.  Security in sameness.  Dining only when hungry; never having to worry about what you wear or how you look.  Bird-watching is live entertainment.  I’d shy away from the hygiene and bathroom business, however.  But otherwise, what a life!  And then there are the wee ones who share their furry four-legged friends’ affinity for a natural curiosity; delight in a fresh snow fall or polka dots.  I believe that recognizing the simple pleasures in our own lives will help keep us young at heart and lead to a greater tolerance for the unavoidable hard knocks.

What is your favorite simple thing?