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Washington DC brunch

Almost 3 years ago already? How time passes – 3 years ago of which nearly 2/3 spent in this Pandemic. Wondering if this cafe is still open … never got to try any of these cakes on display! Thank you for bringing us there that day to gather, the bright eyed bushy tailed you:)

How I shall miss my righteous one staying true to his moral compass. Treating those with positive energy- that fire in their belly … is such joy. So indulgent… ahhh sigh …That positive vibe so missed. Now back to my oatmeal and bland simple breakfast- still – all good !

Gratitude for the fire in the belly this day, this week. Gratitude for the memories of smiles and laughter shared. Gratitude for any gathering… Gratitude for the hope and dreams we have for our future.

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Beautiful People Healthy Living

All in favor of NVC

“As we’ve seen, all criticism, attack, insults, and judgments vanish when we focus attention on hearing the feelings and needs behind a message. The more we practice in this way, the more we realize a simple truth: behind all those messages we’ve allowed ourselves to be intimidated by are just individuals with unmet needs appealing to us to contribute to their well-being. When we receive messages with this awareness, we never feel dehumanized by what others have to say to us. We only feel dehumanized when we get trapped in derogatory images of other people or thoughts of wrongness about ourselves. ”

Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships

This is an interesting take …during this challenging times when increasing numbers suffer from anxiety and depression, how would this idea be interpreted ? It could be that many have come to face to face with the undeniable truth … a recognizion of having lived a pre- pandemic, so called “normal” life that was actually NOT so authentic – have we been living a life true to ourselves? Or – have some of us merely faking it ? Complicit in role-playing and living a fake life to please others at the expense of one’s own deeper needs and wants … could it be that ?

“My theory is that we get depressed because we’re not getting what we want, and we’re not getting what we want because we have never been taught to get what we want. Instead, we’ve been taught to be good little boys and girls and good mothers and fathers. If we’re going to be one of those good things, better get used to being depressed. Depression is the reward we get for being “good.” But, if you want to feel better, I’d like you to clarify what you would like people to do to make life more wonderful for you.”

Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

When one’s own mortality is felt to be fragile, when lives and relationships appear fleeting, the world out of control, what is it that one can trust and depend on ? What’s still within our own control? What is forever to be trusted and relied upon ?

A dear friend who recently had a huge setback of a loss said to me earnestly ” You know, I only have maybe another XX good years left if I am lucky … so I want to spend them with family and friends like you …”.

Yes. Our needs are sifted, filtered, and distilled, wants are clearly defined, and our heart and soul untethered to seek what’s authentic and real. Out of fear, we had been fooling ourselves leading a distracted life – but the Pandemic has reminded us this: We don’t have eternity on this earth. Life on earth is quite finite; So we come to relish each breath, each hour, each day as life as we know it is no longer guaranteed – so with that in mind – gratitude for today, this life. Our intentions are clearer; we know what we want. We cannot afford to waste or play a game, act in a charade, winging at this thing called life. We live it like our lives depends on it in full awareness.

Categories
Beautiful Deeds

“Over familiarity breeds”

“CONTEMPT.”

Once again my mom again … and a little piece of her wisdom living through the horrific and boom times – the highs and the lows…and sadly at the twilight phase of life phase, this time is the lowest imaginable – not able to see her family and kin she worked so hard all her life to protect and preserve.

Familiarity can give us that warm fuzzy feel … one of peace of mind and comfort BUT what is OVER-Familiarity? Situations when someone does not keep the bountries of common sense and common courtesy. Perhaps when one does not respect the feelings of others and uses the relationship as a dumping ground of one’s garbage in negative observations and unnecssary information sharing that furthers everything but the feel-good sense of community.

We hold space for those we care about, always respecting and valuing our personal boundaries. Boundaries of Chi- the life force – the vital energy are sacred to each living creature.

When we think about over-familiarity, we think also about the term and concept of “holding space”. What does it mean to “HOLD SPACE”? And why is “holding space” for a friend and family members such a valued gesture of care more than ever during this time of collective strain and agitation?

More on this …