mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Little Old Ladies, Laughing, and Lunch
March 28, 2016
— 5 Comments
not real dogs
About two years ago some friends and I were gathered at my house to taste homemade bitters. Bitters making is kind of complicated, yet once you make a batch it becomes easier. Even though we only tested very small spoonfuls in fizzy water, the base for bitters is alcohol and some of us are pretty light weight when it comes to consumption of spirits. We started to joke around and laugh a bit more than usual as the tasting progressed. Our police chief at the time had been invited to the White House for lunch. I joked that there was no way he would have the nerve to come to lunch with us in our neighborhood. A few weeks after the bitters party Tucson Police Department joined our local Nextdoor private social media thread. The chief introduced himself to the city on Nextdoor. I could not resist the temptation to send him a direct message inviting him to come to lunch at my house and take a look at the evidence I had been trying to show TPD for years. It was no surprise that he did not respond. We knew he did not have the guts to come out here in person to face us or look at the evidence we wanted him to see.
We have a problem with response time here in our city. Most are concerned with the lack of response to 911 calls, but here we we just trying to get a response after years of working to get some rule of law in our area. We had been reporting the same crimes by the same people for years, but could not get any help stopping the crimes or the 24 traffic caused by the criminal operations. We petitioned the mayor because he is a lawyer. We thought he would recognize the need for law enforcement to stop traffic from crimes where we live. He never answered after a couple of different petitions were sent to his attention, two years in a row. It was disappointing to say the least. I was called by a detective who blew off the reports of crimes. The following year when we petitioned the mayor a Lieutenant on the force called to say inviting the public to drive through and donate to a charity scam is perfectly legal in a residential condo village, but I might be able to get some help from the IRS. I did file a report with the IRS, and followed up with more information when there was more activity, but I guess the case has not been pursued.
Finally after years of reporting this problem to the city in all different departments TPD dispatched a cop in person to assess the situation. Later a mental health team was dispatched last week to assess my wellness level for wanting and expecting rule of law in midtown Tucson. I passed the crazy test as a frustrated tax paying citizen who had been reporting the same crimes for years with no response from our city government. I hope they will be as interested in finding justice as they have been in obstructing it for years. Our neighborhood has been damaged by the constant flow of traffic.
What Law and Order? #BlackPanthersPBS
February 17, 2016
— 4 Comments
I am a revolutionary. I am in flashback mode during this political season. When I watched the PBS documentary about the Black Panther Party my mind was blown thinking about the similar tactics employed by our government today. Police are still outside the law, are still involved in brutality rather than community protection. In my neighborhood the police force protects criminals and refuses to respond to those who want to stop crime. I think it is scary that abuse of power continues to be our greatest obstacle to peace and prosperity. In 1968 J Edgar Hoover had absolute power to invade privacy and snuff Americans at will. Today the FBI is asking Apple to give them a back door to everyone’s iPhones. Today we have drones out killing people for our “freedom and democracy”. Have we ever had freedom and democracy for all our citizens? I think not.
I was involved, but not old enough to vote, in the 1968 election that sent Tricky Dick Nixon to the White House. I was in the audience at the University of Texas at Austin to listen to Eugene McCarthy, and later to Hubert Humphrey, during my freshman year on campus. I decided to register to vote as a Libertarian as soon as I was 21. The Democrats were more to my liking but both parties struck me as corrupt anachronisms dedicated to keeping war and prejudice alive around the globe. I was not alone in this belief. I am still not the only person who sees our system as dangerously off course.
We all feel that things have gotten out of hand, and we all want a better future for our country. I know that is true, even though the campaign rhetoric has become vile and toxic. With the new twist of a Supreme nomination stakes are high and emotions are higher. If we the people allow super pacs and nasty grudges to continue to drive our political outcomes we will all continue to feel let down by our government. This election, very much like the election of 1968, will have profound consequences on our image around the world as well as our own economy. No matter how you feel (Bern or no Bern) it is time to register to vote and exercise your right to elect officials you trust. History is being made very rapidly. Get out the vote, gentle readers. Do it now before all the hippies drop dead from exhaustion.
Banking on Bernie
January 23, 2016
— 1 Comment
This election of 2016 gives us an unprecidented opportunity to change our federal government for the better. The American people have been through the economic ringer while banks “recovered” nicely with taxpayer assistance. The real estate market where I live is still on a very slow track to recovery, and the stock market is tanking right now over the price of oil. Ordinary tax payers have felt powerless and probably resentful to see the way our government conducts itself and spends our treasury’s money. Various movements from #OccupyWallStreet to #BlackLivesMatter have coalesced to express rage against the system. As these feelings and political movements grow the ability to share our thoughts has expanded exponentially.
This election may be televised, but the instant power of twitter has changed the way the candidates compete. The playing field is more open to view than the games in the past that decided our national political future. Anyone with a twitter account is free to comment, disclose, and persuade. It reminds me of the University of Texas tower (site of the very first famous mass shooting by a veteran at a school), which says “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) Truth and freedom have been generally under siege from all corners. Each of us has personal truth and freedom, but it gets very gnarly trying to decode the nation’s truth and freedom. These words evoke talk of war and the military, always used to protect our national freedom. The irony now that the veterans of our freedom wars are in bad shape and need care and attention sends a signal that all is not well. All is not revealed. Truth about what happens to our troops, and in our wars has been buried under a giant pile of PTSD. The brave men and women of our armed forces have taken the biggest hit to their freedom and security. Someone has lied to us about the entire nature of this war business.
The economy may or may not be in peril for banks and the super wealthy Americans. The economic outlook for the middle class looks gloomy to me at the moment. Poverty is spreading among the senior population and children. Homelessness and addiction is common for the hero veterans we sent to fight for our “freedom”. These truths should motivate the voters of this nation to look for a better solution. I endorse Bernie Sanders for president because #WeAreBernie. I believe the truth will set us free from unreasonable government, but we need to face the truth together to make this happen. How do you feel, gentle reader? Do you think we can come clean and make the government work for the people? No matter what you think I hope you will vote and make your voice heard.
UT tower
Digesting the Past
January 20, 2016
— 2 Comments
fermenting beverages
Our bodies alert us to imbalance and disease long before a diagnosis can be made. I have always had excellent digestion, but a couple of years ago I had to make some dietary changes to stem some new symptoms I had acquired in my digestive tract. My thermogram showed inflammation all along the digestive system, but the real issue was that I felt bad. I had become a burping bubbling mess. I eliminated wine and beer, which made a huge difference in the problem. I also decreased, but did not totally stop, my consumption of bread. These changes, together with some attention to adding the foods that heal the spleen, helped me conquer my indigestion.
During the time I was studying my spiritual path as it coincided with all this unexpected indigestion in my body. I believe there is always some soul element of every physical manifestation. Indeed, I had unresolved, undigested issues about my home and environment that had serious consequences. Stress from trying unsuccessfully to put a stop to crime in our neighborhood had become a permanent drag. I was really sick and tired of reporting crime with no response and no effort made by authorities to stop it. The culture of willful blindness had won the day, and no progress was possible. Now there is a breakthrough!!!
This week our new police chief, Chris Magnus, starts his job running the Tucson Police Department. I have very high hopes that his new energy will uplift the community and bring people together to improve conditions in our Tucson neighborhoods. His reputation for community policing and success in reducing violence precedes him. We need to improve the working relationship between the cops and the citizens here. His experience should prove very valuable to improve the culture of TPD.
My new hobby is fermenting raw foods. I have tried concocting several beverages that are super simple to make and taste great. They have the added benefit of probiotic culture which boosts immunity and assists digestion. Over time the healthy bacteria growing in my beautiful beverages will improve my health, but for now I just love the flavors. At the moment I am fermenting some red cabbage kraut juice, a batch of swizzle, and a batch of ginger beer. When the ginger beer is ready I want to try a second fermentation to add more fizz. The possibilities of delicious new ways to digest the past are endless. Here are directions for you if you want to try making your own switchel, packed with electrolytes from the apple cider vinegar. To your health, gentle reader!!!
Patience vs Violence
December 4, 2015
— 3 Comments
Doc, Me, Wyatt
I recently gave thought to the question “What is the opposite of gratitude?” I decided it is entitlement. This exercise works well for all kinds of grand concepts and world events. Our violent world is punctuated with opinions and some bravery, but the violence itself looks more powerful all the time. I am a believer in Chinese medicine and the power of understanding opposite forces. I go to acupuncture every week for my health to balance the chi in my body. There are macro and microcosms of chi as well, like the environment, social order, etc. Energy balances energy and life continuously flows. Balance depends on constant movement and exchange, like inhale and exhale.
With the bigger picture in mind I wonder what is the opposite energy to contradict and balance violence. I don’t own weapons or use them. My life is easy, comfortable, and fun. I don’t think about encountering violence even though there is plenty of it right in my neighborhood as well as across the globe. I agree with the sentiment of the Parisians who believe that fear to go out and live it up is what terrorists want to see in their victims. Caving in to fear may be the worst reaction, but what is the best one? I live in Tucson where we were shaken by mass shooting early in the game. Our city is plenty violent all the time with the full time smuggling at work here. Most people go about our business without any thought of the crime and violence we know happens. I have started to wonder if this is unrealistic or healthy.
As long as I stay aware of the shadow of violence I think it is healthy to be happy and free of fear. The only thing that has worked in my life as a cure for big and little violence is patience. Patience must be the opposite of violence. Patience develops into empathy if practiced for a long enough time. When you restrain your emotions long enough to see the bigger overview you always find ignorance was the cause of all problems. Ignorance continues to cause trouble, but if I sincerely practice patience I can stop myself from adding my own portion of violence to the boiling pot of trouble. What do you think, gentle reader? Have you found any new truths by observing all the horror lately?
Transformation Time, New Moon
November 11, 2015
— 1 Comment
Tucson Racquet Club
Today there is a new moon. When the moon is obscured each month the heavens create a new canvass on which to paint, a new field in which to plant. I like to notice and honor each new moon because it allows me to recommit to goals on which I have slacked and create new ones. Now I am working on a new routine for my fitness and creative life. I am going to classes at my health club in order to develop a habit for the future. I have found enough excellent classes taught by highly competent teachers to keep me busy, but have to manage to create a new schedule for myself. Although I am a big fan of the classes I am also a bigger fan of a liberated life. There is a little struggle going on between the sensible analysis that clearly appreciates and supports the value of movement classes and the free spirit who is challenged by any organized regime. This is not my inner child per se putting up objections, but my inner slacker. I am reminded of a phrase one of my favorite yoga teachers always used. He says, “Practice is the root of transformation.” I have been freewheeling for years, moving when and where I felt like doing it. I mix weights, yoga, Pilates, walking, dancing, and water work as my heart desires. It is a fine way to be, but now I will shape a new pattern and make it my continuous practice.
Looking back on skills I have learned I see it does take practice to work talents into strengths. I also notice I am drawn to creative and unseen projects and people. Invisible is my favorite way to exist. I like to maintain a certain woman of mystery status. This new moon falls in the sign of Scorpio, a ruler of transformation as well as mystery. I went to postural fitness class this morning and met a new teacher I think is grand. The time of day suits me and her personality is exactly what I like. I plan to harness this intention this month to get completely into the practice of taking at least 4 classes a week in different disciplines. There is no demerit for failure, but I plan to succeed in this effort. Everything is working in my favor, so I need to apply some attention.
Between now and the next new moon I dedicate my concentration to:
- Patience- there is no rush
- Gratitude- it is fortunate to have so many excellent choices
- Beginner’s Mind- I may be jaded from having spent too much time in spa universe
This new habit will serve me well for years to come, and is worth the investment to establish it. Do you have any transformational plans for this special month, gentle reader? It is a most propitious time to go for something new. By the time January rolls around I plan to be firmly established in my new routine.
Seeking Refuge
September 9, 2015
— 1 Comment
sunrise
Many of my ancestors came to North America seeking refuge. Most of them had religious problems in the old country that caused their exodus. My Irish family fled the potato famine in the 19th century. I don’t think any of my family came to escape war. When I consider the conditions on a sailing ship in the 17 or 18th century I am amazed that so many survived the journey across the ocean. The earliest arrivals had the most difficult time establishing their culture and society on land that had previously belonged to native peoples. The European settlers conquered the continent and took control of all natural resources to create comfortable lives for themselves. Slave labor was one of the practices that made the cultural dominance swift and complete. The Europeans enslaved Africans and made war on the native people to “win” and develop the land we now occupy. In some places a natural alliance between slaves, former slaves, and native people developed based on strong mutual distrust of the ruling culture.
In school the manifest destiny business is taught to children as if European culture had been sponsored by European God to spread across the North America. Very little mention is made of the treatment of the tribes who opposed the conquest. By the time I was born we had taken all the land we would claim, but had not yet made Hawaii or Alaska states. We still have territories around the world, including in the South Pacific. Our political reach extends beyond the boundaries of our nation in obvious ways. Our military and our intelligence community reach across the globe. In the name of defending democracy the United States has made many enemies. In the precarious balance of worldwide power we play the role of peace keeper. In this role we have fought and are fighting wars on other people’s homeland. No matter which side eventually may surrender the residents who must flee or live in a battle are the real victims of these wars.
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The refugees arriving in Europe will not be stopped until the war that they want to escape is contained. The situation is complicated and strained in every way. We can see no winners anywhere from London to Afghanistan. Chaos and suffering are moving across very large landscapes with no remedy in sight. There is not enough money, infrastructure, or housing to deal with the crisis that will continue to flow into Europe. This is the most serious issue in the world right now. Containing the disaster and stopping the violence deserves all civilization’s attention. Compassion is the only responsible response.
Back to Class-Fall for Fitness
August 30, 2015
— 3 Comments
Tucson Racquet Club
I enjoy my membership at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club very much. The facility is open 24 hours and is kept clean by a friendly and competent staff. As a steam room fan I am mighty particular about the cleanliness of our spa. The indoor jacuzzi/steam area is thoroughly cleaned, and the water in the jacuzzi drained and replaced twice a week. I have worked at fancy expensive spas that do not maintain such a level of attention to cleaning spa facilities. The steam room is the only one I have seen with a view of outdoors. The natural light and view of the mountains adds to the pleasant steam experience for me.
The Racquet Club an open, family oriented place with acres of space for recreation. The tennis, handball and volleyball teams are active. Pickleball and even a ping pong table add extra fun for the competitive sport. Two olympic sized heated pools provide plenty of room for lap swimming and classes at the same time. The cooler lap pool is shaded from the Arizona sun. Since I use the private pool at my condo village I have not used the pools very much. In the 7 years I have been a member I have taken two classes. I am happy to do my own thing in the weight room without a set time. This has suited my lifestyle and may still be my favorite way to use the club. However, Medicare Advantage, for which I will qualify next year, will give me a Silver Sneakers membership at no cost. If I want to include all the classes offered I will be charged $22.50 a month. This is a screaming bargain, but only if I go to class. The next step in my health care journey is to analyze the cost benefits of taking fitness classes.
This is ironic because I have taken and taught thousands of fitness classes and private lessons. At one time in my life I spent lots of money and time to seek teaching from accomplished yogis and other master teachers. I do appreciate the value of good instruction, but I believe I have become jaded and stagnant. I don’t know exactly why I took such long break, but I now see many reasons to go back to fitness school this fall. For the next four months, while I still pay full price for my membership I will take classes at least five days a week in order to establish a habit. I can only benefit from what I learn during this fall fitness semester of training. To pick and choose from the wide variety on menu of classes is a luxury I might as well enjoy. If I find that I like classes attending again the $22.50 monthly fee will be super reasonable in the future. The classes I plan to incorporate into my schedule on the first week are:
- Postural Fitness- an excellent system based on the work of Pete Igoscue
- Pilates- there are two levels of mat classes for me to try
- Yoga- the club offers 5 kinds of yoga for all kinds of tastes and abilities
- TRX- I have never tried this popular training method
Do you have a fitness routine, gentle reader? Are you loyal to classes or do you like to mix and match with your own thing? My investment into trying new classes this fall will be an adventure back to the future for me. Whatever the outcome I am sure the time I spend will be well rewarded. Health is our only real wealth.
What is Fiduciary Responsibility?
August 20, 2015
— 2 Comments
Americans are not financially literate as a group. The depressing collapse of the markets in 2008 followed by a bank bail out has left the country with gross inequity. Working folks with real estate holdings, retirement plans and other investments took big hits while the banks returned to business as usual. Regulations designed to curb the abuses of financial institutions, like Dodd/Frank have not been implemented. We are still in a situation dominated by lenders, bankers, and mortgage brokers. Stock brokers have been able to operate under an assumption that suitable, reasonable investments were the only offers made to clients. In reality any system that is commission based encourages transactions. The broker makes a cut from each trade, and wants to maximize the client’s contribution to his total commission. His company also rewards him for selling in house products by offering a higher commission for the sale than competitive products may have. The client becomes the least of the broker’s concern within this structure.
I switched to a fiduciary to manage my investments years ago. I am much more secure and happy with my portfolio since I made the change. I worked with brokers from different brokerages in the past, but never found one with my interests in mind. There is a simple reason for that. The rewards were structured against my financial well being and in favor of trades to create commission. Now I split the profits with my fiduciary firm, which works perfectly. I make as much money as they make. If they make nothing for me I pay them nothing. This incentive to make good decisions for both of us carries weight and works like a charm. I do discuss the strategy a few times a year to make sure we are on the same page, but my involvement is very light. We are in the same financial boat which makes me feel happy.
Brokerages are starting to lobby the public with misleading ads about this new proposed regulation. I urge you to take some time to understand the issues. Brokers pretend that fiduciary responsibility to you will somehow cut you off from good advice. What it will do is make it illegal to sell you products that are not the best investment or the best deal in terms of fees for your situation. This is a protection Americans need to stay financially stable into retirement. Caveat emptor, gentle reader.
Grounded in Acceptance
July 19, 2015
— 2 Comments
Yoga and meditation are designed to focus the mind and keep it focused when distraction happens. The very nature of being alive involves change and the unknown. We may have habits and patterns, but we have no way to predict what is just around the next bend. Our futures collide with destiny and fortune to become our realities. Much unnecessary stress is created by attempting to control too much. We can educate and improve our minds, train and feed our bodies with the best nutrition, and stay within strict guidelines for safety and still meet with disaster. It may also be true that through no real effort of our own we may be lucky, blessed, and well loved. If we ascribe good and bad labels to each of our experiences we may find that what seemed the best at the time was a prelude to downfall, and vice versa. We are not 100% in charge of our fates.
Dependent arising is the awareness that desire and fear are driving forces in human evolution. These strong emotional forces dominate our thinking, leading to suffering. The Buddha became enlightened while sitting under a tree eating sweets. His realization liberated him from all his previous desires and fears. He taught his followers saying:
“Whoever sees Dependent Arising sees the Dhamma.
Whoever sees Dhamma sees Dependent Arising”
This essential teaching of the Buddha explains how one thing leads to another when the untamed mind is permitted to ramble. Dependent arising is cause and effect. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I think it also explains how we create suffering for ourselves and others by refusing to accept things as they are. If we start by accepting ourselves as we are we can extend that good feeling to others. Once we can stay grounded in a practice of acceptance we develop the power to change. Certain traits are present in a soul still striving to control rather than accept:
- Perfectionist and hyper-critical demeanor
- Either too demanding or unable to stand up for one’s self
- Codependence in relationships and with substances
- Self doubt
- Inability to complete plans
To live happy free lives we must find acceptance for ourselves as well as others. We must see that we are dependent on all of our ancestors and everyone alive who contributes to our well being. Nobody exists without a great deal of help from others, many who will remain anonymous. The worldwide supply chain now means we depend on folks in distant lands to make our goods and provide our services. When Amazon delivers a package to your door hundreds, and maybe thousands, of people have been involved in making and delivering what you want. To create a world with more compassion and less violence and terror each of us can start where we are to accept ourselves the way we are. By reaching a state of self compassion we can light the way for others still struggling to find acceptance.
rose
On the 20th of each month bloggers join to speak up for compassion. Click here to visit more posts on acceptance or add your own.
“1000 Voices Speak For Compassion is a blogging initiative started in response to violence and alienation in our world. If you would to be part of a movement for loving change, join our Facebook Group, like our Facebook Page, or look for our posts on Twitter with the hashtag #1000Speak.”
