Mind, Body & Spirit

Leave it to my children to push me in ways I never thought possible. My thirteen year old son decided two days ago to "not eat" for a week.  My motherly instinct recoiled in horror. You can't do that! You can't survive that long without food! You have to be careful. You can't just will your body with your thoughts. These were all the thoughts that went through my mind, but luckily I have been practicing mindfulness, which has helped me to observe my thoughts before they come out in potentially harmful words. Far from mastering this technique, I was able to administer a small amount of control over my thoughts and hold back from sharing the fears I had inside. I am not sure anything I said would have dissuaded him anyways. He was very determined to try this experiment, I think in some way to gain a measure of control over his chaotic teenage world. None the less, it was a great opportunity for me to observe my own fears and patterns of [...]

By Debbie Must Last week, CTV News reported: In the days following the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan, despite stores reporting a wave of panic-buying that cleared shelves of food and other basic supplies, there were no reports of price-gouging or looting sprees. Rather than panic and fear, the predominant attitude in Japan following the devastating pair of natural disasters appeared to be one of calm, determined resolve. March 26, 2011 marks the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom festival in Washington DC. One hundred years ago the Japanese gifted these magnificent trees to the people of the United States as a symbol of friendship and solidarity. The blooming of the cherry blossoms is an event that has been celebrated in Japan throughout history. The beauty of rebirth is honored and celebrated during this annual event. This year the essence of renewal and hope symbolized by the cherry blossom embodies the sentiment we all wish to extend to the people of Japan. […]