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My Medicare Miracle
January 14, 2016
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View from the exercise bike, JCC
My life has changed dramatically in the last two weeks. I have been looking forward to Medicare because it saves me a significant chunk of cash each month. I shopped and researched wildly, reaching the conclusion that the new Iora Primary Care is right for me. I am signed up with Humana on a Medicare Advantage plan that costs me nothing and offers benefits I can really use. I went to my first appointment with Dr Julia Jernberg, my new primary care physician, on Monday. She is the smartest, coolest doctor I have ever seen. She gave me a simple practice I can do at home to relieve a chronic pain I have had in the front of my ankle. She specialized in this orthopedic technique at University of Arizona School of Alternative Medicine. She nailed the diagnosis (always key to success), then taught me how to do my own simple hands on healing. I find a position of comfort and gently coax my muscle out of trauma for about three minutes at a time, twice a day. It is ridiculously easy to do, but she cautioned me not to be too zealous and overdo my remedy. She nailed the zealous diagnosis too. I have followed her instructions for three days and believe I can feel improvement. Dr. Julie is truly my dream doctor, a teacher of self care. She is assisted by the best staff in the most well designed environment. I could not be more pleased with this fantastic upgrade to my health care.
My Silver Sneakers card arrived in the mail this week too. This card provides free membership privileges to Medicare recipients at health clubs all over the country. In Tucson many clubs participate in the program, but each one offers a different set of privileges. I am already a very happy member at Tucson Racquet Club, and have arranged to pay a fee over and above my Silver Sneakers membership (covered by my insurance company). I think it is worth paying $22 a month to be able to attend all the classes at my club. However, I took my Sneakers card to the newly remodeled Jewish Community Center and was given full membership privileges. The JCC does not restrict me to Silver Sneakers classes with my special membership. They offer a wide array of fitness options. This thrills me, but not as much as the fabulous Zuckerman Family Wellness Center does. The gym is the feature I use the most at a club. This one is spacious, modern, well staffed and super clean. The view from the equipment room is spectacular, and like the Racquet Club, it is situated right on the Rillito River walk. They have new state of the art equipment and professional trainers. There is free high-speed WiFi which I used to read some magazines on my iPad while I peddled the new age exercise bike. The bike even has arm rests.
I am highly impressed with the quality of the operation, but my favorite part of the JCC gym is the special needs population. Some special needs individuals work out independently and some come to the J with care givers who encourage and help them. I watched a young man who appeared to have Down Syndrome have such a great time on the TRX equipment that he inspires me to try it. He was so comfortable and happy swinging on the rings and attempting super difficult moves that I decided I can do that too. I think it is really fun to share the gym with the special population, and it is the first time I have experienced that cool thing. You just go, JCC!!!
My Very Own Medicare Paraclete
January 6, 2016
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Haley in the greenhouse
I am excited to have lived long enough to make it into Medicare. I have expert guidance and very good luck in my choice of providers. Iora Primary Care recently opened very near my home. I will go to my first appointment next week, but yesterday I met my new Paraclete. Her name is Haley and I like her a lot. She will be my helper/guide/uplifter at the medical practice. We visited the Tucson Botanical Garden yesterday while getting to know each other. I am an enthusiastic new patient of this brand new model for Medicare Advantage clients who are insured by Humana.
Haley has experience in different kinds of yoga and fitness. She is assigned to me as a coach. The problems with using the word coach are various. For one thing everyone and their dog is a coach now. It is impossible to know what the term is supposed to mean in each case. Also coaching implies some kind of external pressure rather than helper by one’s side. We tried out the word paraclete on some people we met at the gardens. It does sound exactly like parakeet, and nobody knows what it means, so it is high comedy. We met the botanist in charge of the butterfly greenhouse, whose first language is Italian. He was able to guess the meaning, but I think it will be an uphill struggle to get this word into common use. Religious people use it to connote Holy Spirit. I like the idea that Haley is my personal Paraclete, provided and paid for by Medicare. Whatever we call her she is the bomb. This was worth the wait.
Haley in the greenhouse
Haley at the Gardens
Haley at the Gardens
Three Words for 2016
December 29, 2015
— 1 Comment
Suzette in her kitchen
Chris Brogan was my first teacher of social media by way of his books. He is very smart in my opinion, and constantly evolves. One of his practices for which he is now very well known is finding three words to inspire at the first of every year. To replace resolutions, the words are meant to inspire and represent goals. On January 1 Chris will drop his words, as is his custom, for the eleventh year in a row. Well done, Brother Brogan. I know I am not the only one who appreciates your leadership in this exercise. Three is plenty if they are kept alive daily for an entire year. That is the idea of having only a few….. no excuse not to work on them. I am looking forward to a happy and fun 2016. My words are:
- Independence
- Simplicity
- Adventure
I plan to combine forces with a wonderful woman I met in Phoenix by chance. She makes the best artisanal sauerkraut I have ever tasted. The Garden Goddess was planning to expand her distribution to Pima County, where I live, when we met. There are some logistical issues to work out, but we are looking at an arrangement that is extremely simplistic and independent. I am very interested in the teaching part of the concept because I have become a fermented foods crusader and believer. I am reading books and experimenting like a mad scientist in my own kitchen as well as eating Suzette’s kraut daily. This is a very exciting adventure for me. I know most people might not be so turned on about teaching others to make their own sauerkraut, but I feel a complete sense of mission to teach the world to ferment raw food and feel so much better. Fermented foods themselves are a simple, independent adventure you can enjoy at home. It is an explosive and exciting new hobby/passion I look forward to cultivating in 2016.
fermenting artisanal kraut
More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
December 16, 2015
— 1 Comment
The “meaning of the holidays” is a phrase that has been diluted. Although this commercial venture of the company was done for public relations purposes, there could be no better public relations. I wish all the gentle readers comfort and joy for the season and beyond.
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?
Ikebana in the Garden
November 29, 2015
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Ohara School
outdoor exhibit
outdoor exhibit
outdoor exhibit
indoor exhibit
Tomorrow is the last day of the annual Ikebana event at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson. This delightful addition to the garden’s peaceful atmosphere is wonderfully worth a visit. The works are displayed in all parts of the gardens as well as in two interior galleries. There are well defined spaces that allow contemplation or mindfulness practice at Yume any time you visit. To see these adorned with Ikebana is a real invitation to deep meditation. The work itself is done as a meditative practice, finding the best way to use the plant materials to express art. The relatively short life of the materials is an element of the contemplative experience for me. Like sand mandala they will be discarded in the future, with less ceremony.
I was very lucky to be invited to the arranging pre party where I met artists and teachers working on the show. The universe of Ikebana was unknown to me, but it took a very enjoyable guided tour. It was clear to me that in the group situation some found it more difficult than others to be immersed in the creative process. I asked questions but did not want to get carried away and become a big distraction. Once I tuned in to what was happening it reminded me of yoga. The teacher comes around and gives assistance and guidance to to student while the work is in progress. There is a reverent attitude toward the plant materials, and quiet concentration. When I saw all the finished pieces in the show I was impressed with the work in all of them. They caught a seasonal natural harvest in whimsical harmony with the moment in which it was created. The curation of the show is done so that every piece looks natural and harmonious with the surroundings. For this Thanksgiving weekend Yume, which means dream, is one big flower arrangement containing many arrangements. It is the perfect place to be one with nature right in the center of the city of Tucson.
Ikebana in the garden
Ikebana in the garden
Make sure you take a look around all the corners because there are arrangements tucked into the gardens like a treasure hunt. The indoor galleries are also very well curated to show a range of styles. I am a happy newcomer to this exciting form of art and meditation.
indoor gallery
indoor gallery
indoor gallery
Transformation Time, New Moon
November 11, 2015
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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.
Tucson’s Japanese Garden
November 4, 2015
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family crests
family crests
lotus and koi
architectural accent
lotus and koi
Yume Japanese Gardens
architectural accent
water garden
gravel
gravel
Yume Japanese Gardens
gravel
gravel
tea house
architectural accents
lotus and koi
koi
color
bamboo
I recently joined Yume Japanese Garden in my neighborhood. This choice little private garden space provides peaceful surroundings and privacy in the center of the city. When I visit I enjoy sitting for meditative times in the little tea house shelter. I plan to bring tea and art supplies with me in the future because the space is energetically serene and beautiful. The artful surroundings invite creativity. I think it would be a great setting for composition of poetry or drawing. I plan to make it my picnic spot/ art studio this winter.
There is a gift shop, an art gallery, and a small display for education in Japanese culture. Currently the museum space is showing examples of Japanese versions of coats of arms. The tightly packed show informs and enlightens the viewer about families and history. Special events are planned to share cultural experiences. I plan to attend the tea ceremony this month, and am very excited about the big flower show over Thanksgiving weekend. Classes in Japanese language and flower arranging are offered as well. I am curious about the flower arranging, which sounds like fun.
I have been a member of Tucson Botanical Garden for many years, but my new membership is an different and welcome way to enjoy gardens. Yume is located just south of Tucson Botanical Gardens, in the same block. I had been curious in the past, but was inspired to join when the TBG thew out the members for 3 months. I am really savoring this opportunity to continue my garden visits with a new twist. There are sometimes concerts of Japanese music held in the evenings. I am both learning and feeling lucky to have this great opportunity so close to my home. If you live in Tucson or visit I highly recommend spending time at Yume Japanese Gardens.
Death, the Party
November 2, 2015
— 3 Comments
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead
Beliefs about death and afterlife vary, but we all share the knowledge that we will die. If you have helped anyone with end of life issues you know each departure is unique. If you are close to anyone who has departed you have had the experience of some eternal bond that is not broken by that exit. Some essential part of your relationship remains and feels alive. I started to study my ancestry after both of my parents were dead. I had a few brief conversations with them about their families in history, but they had little information. My dad said he was Scotch Irish, which is true. My mother thought she was a relative of Zachary Taylor, which does not seem to be a fact. I believe they would have been very fascinated to learn about their ancestors, but maybe now they are one with all our relations.
My dad died in a a hospital setting, but my other died in her own home. She had severe dementia at the end of her life. We had excellent help from hospice for the last months of her existence. The hospice nurses know all about death since it is their specialty. They let us know that it is common to have visitations like my mother did before she passed. Some people have brief encounters but my mother had large crowds of visitors for months. It was clear that she was in touch with other beings, and sometimes we had the sensation of feeling their presence also. They were not ghosts, but were the ones who had come to accompany her across the bridge. She was able to die peacefully in her bed after all the interaction.
This week celebrations mark the remembrance of the dead. As we in the northern hemisphere journey deeper into winter and darkness the departed are free of time. Neither global warming nor the stock market has power over them. They are in an eternal state we will know someday.
Day of the Dead
Parts We Play
October 15, 2015
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
William Shakespeare sets out seven ages of man in this monologue from As You Like it. Carl Jung used characters as archetypes to describe the different aspects of one human life. These archetypes are played out in ancient Greek drama and mythology. From biblical proverbs to modern fiction characters based on eternal qualities of humanity are employed to tell stories. We embody different characters during our journey toward the end of life, sometimes joyous and other times somber. We act as students and as guides, as teachers and as pilgrims. Our energies are spent on our greatest passions, and we become known for our most obvious traits. Both our view of the world and the world’s view of us is constantly changing. The way we relate to one group may be different from the way we act toward another one.
Before we die we play parts that we have never considered. The soul is intricate and connected to the past as well as the future. Spirit and soul demand that our basic clay be sculpted into figures that arise from our dreams. The figures are fired in a kiln of experience and discernment. We are asked to step out on a ledge of unknowing in order to satisfy our inner longings. Some of our feelings come from the ancestors and some from our society. By observing our inner lives we can make the acquaintance of our own archetypes at work. By looking into patterns from the past and present we may notice how we fit into the story with other archetypes, the other players on the stage with us.
October is time for costuming and honoring the dead. Let us notice which characters cross our paths, and which ones we are playing. We are the casting directors of our own dramas….scary, isn’t it?
miniature Halloween
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