Posts in Midlife
Getting Old is Optional

Last year at this time I was getting ready to run my first ultramarathon.  It was the culmination of three years of training for endurance cycling and running events.  In 2019, I decided to focus on boot camp workouts and shorter trail runs.  A few weeks ago, I began thinking about my next wellness challenge.  I wanted something on the horizon to keep me enthusiastic through the upcoming dark winter months.  But what?

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The Art of Showing Up for Yourself

The disappointment of a broken promise can make us feel unvalued, upset and hurt.  Whether intentional or unintentional, unkept promises erode trust over time.  What about the promises we make to ourselves and don’t keep?  Those broken promises can be subtler and take shape in the form of what habitually remains unaddressed on our to-do lists.  The result is the feeling of not honoring ourselves.

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A Friday the 13th Harvest Moon

It may sound like a tagline from a B movie, but we experienced a rare celestial event this weekend and are still basking in its full moon glow. The last time the United States experienced a full moon across its time zones on Friday the 13thwas in October 2000. It will not occur again until August 2049. The term Harvest Moon was coined because the of the short span of time . . .

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Red Kimonos and Beginner's Mind

In Japan, the 60th birthday is special, as it’s believed that the celebrant begins a new circle of life. It’s called kanreki and is traditionally commemorated by wearing red, kimonos for women, vests and hats for men. It’s believed to be a time of rebirth and the color red symbolizes protection. Red gifts are usually given to babies and expectant mothers, making this midlife rebirth all the more celebratory.

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Pressing Reset

During the first six months of the year, I traveled to five countries and three US cities, mostly for business purposes. While I was able to keep up with my exercise routine, my plant-based diet took a hit, having to rely on energy bars, packages of almonds and peanut butter when fresh fruit and veg were out of the question (e.g., India). As mid-July approached and travel stopped for a bit, I knew it was time for a reset.

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Tea & Ceremony

Last month I had the pleasure of participating in a ceremony based on the tea traditions of Taiwan. Seven of us gathered on an outdoor veranda with an expansive view in the early morning light to share tea in silence. I can still feel the cool, damp air on my skin, hear the water simmer as it approached the right temperature, and smell the earth in the brewing leaves.

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Training as Play

We are having an unusually wet and cool spring in the northeast this year. It’s mid-May and we have seen more rain than sun with temperatures hovering in the 50s. The occasional sunny 70-degree day feels like a gift. The shift from indoor winter workouts to outdoor spring ones has been slow. I’m longing for the nice weather so I can go outside and play.

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The Energetics of Money

Today is Tax Day in the United States, when we settle our tallies with the Federal and State governments. Some taxpayers will be getting refunds while others, like me, will be writing checks. I used a red marker to make a heart on the notes line of the check. I also said a quiet “thank you” as I slipped the envelop into the mailbox.

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Waves of Uncertainty

I often hear scenarios where someone is inspired to make a wellness change but reverts back to old behaviors and habits when the intended result isn’t quickly realized.  The desired changes can include a new eating approach, getting to the gym, meditating, starting a morning practice or being more present throughout the day.  The reason why most efforts cease before true change can take root can be linked back to one word – uncertainty.

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