Posted by: Suzan | July 5, 2010

The Ocean Horizon Beckons Me

*Inspired by a week in our Del Mar Timeshare

Ocean horizon

As far as I can see,

Beckons me to explore more of who I can be.

Shall I keep my ship at moor?

Shall I leave the shore?

Travel to remote places and

Explore all the new spaces.

Set my spirits free to

Sail the open sea

where I relish possibility.

Release my nagging thoughts and become free.

Obsession on what lies below –

Thoughts of sharks, barracudas, stingrays, jellyfish, grow.

And then my mind wanders to what is above and near –

Strong winds, currents, lightening storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, I fear.

Then the wind gently whispers

And the waves softly murmur:

“Keep your attention on within –

On your peace, strength, and will to win.”

When I let go of my stranglehold of above and below

And take myself inside,

Where my wisdom does reside,

Where I really do know,

This is where I choose to go.

Comments Off on The Ocean Horizon Beckons Me

Posted in Inspirational, nature, personal development, poem, self care, Spiritual Growth, well-being, women's issues | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | June 11, 2010

Still the Hatred and the Fear – For We are a Nation Founded on Immigration

He was pulled over in his landscaping truck. Immigration authorities demanded his papers. He said, “I do not have them with me. My wife can bring them here. Please.”

They grabbed him, threw him into the back of their vehicle, and carted him down to the border where they dumped him off on the Mexican side, leaving all he loved and all he owned on the U.S. side.

This young man had been in the midst of our citizenship process. He had legal papers to work with the landscaping company. Immigration did not file a deportation. Since there is no record, no proof of any sort, they can claim he abandoned his citizenship process by leaving the country when explicitly warned not to do so. Our laws dictate he cannot return.

On the other side of the border, in Chula Vista, lives his 8-month pregnant wife, my housekeeper. She will soon not be able to work for several months and had counted on her husband to provide for her during the first few months of the baby’s life. Now her son whom had been accepted into an out-of-state college has been forced to abandon his dream and go to work to provide for his mother and her baby.

 My housekeeper appealed to his boss, the owner of the landscaping company, to help her out. He began taking the steps. Immigration showed up at his door. “If you open your mouth, we’ll find a way to shut your business down.”

This man does not employ anyone illegal. All Latinos who work for him have the legal right to be here. Though he feared they would find a way, through deceit, to close his livelihood. He remains quiet.

In shock, the young man languishing across the border did not get any information. He has no names, no license plate, only the story of a serious civil rights violation.

His baby will be born in about another six weeks. His wife will go through her labor without him. He will not be there to experience his young son’s delivery.

His wife cannot even cross the border to be with him. She is almost complete with her citizenship application. If she leaves the country, she must be willing to leave permanently.

How many other Latinos are experiencing this? Ripped from their families. Young children are even coming home from school to no parents. Latinos are being pulled over on highways and treated inhumanely as a routine now, especially in the areas closest to the border.
So many people encouraged hard-working Mexican people to come here to work and improve their lives. They’ve toiled and given to the point of nothing left to give. What do we give them? Fatherless children.

We’ve slapped the very hands we’ve asked to work to the bones. What will it take to notice the similarities between the treatment of the Latino people and the atrocities of the Nazis in Germany? It started out with demanding Jews carry their cards everywhere. This same thing is happening with the Latinos and their ‘papers.’

Have we forgotten that we are a nation founded on immigration? What will it take to still the hatred; the fear which has run amuck in the hearts of people?

3 Comments

Posted in Human Rights, Immigration, personal essay | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | May 27, 2010

Making the Pilgrimage to Glen Ivy Hot Springs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently made the pilgrimage to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, California to celebrate my close friend’s birthday. Nothing can surpass a day spent with girlfriends on pool floats sipping sangria; soaking in mineral pools; basking in the mud baths; swimming in the salt water pool; and being pampered with a massage and/or a facial, if you so choose.

My only complaint is the days spent here are far too short. Why is it that the 9:00 am – 6:00 pm work days seem to crawl like a tortoise and a Glen Ivy day zips by like a bullet train? This is why I continue to make the 1.5-2 hour drive with my foot pressed firmly on the accelerator and a few friends to share the drive. One cannot really get enough of a good thing!

 If you are not as fortunate as those of us in Southern California to have Glen Ivy within driving distance; by all means check out your local day spa or resort facility. Create a day to remember and share it with your close friends.

 Here is an excerpt from my book, “Awakening the Wise Woman Within You – Reigniting Your Passion, Purpose, and Playfulness” from the Chapter entitled, Nurture Relationships with Nearby Friends and Family:

  • Gather a group of your favorite girlfriends for a spa day. Book some treatments; have your spa lunch together; lounge in the dry sauna/steam room/and Jacuzzi; and/or swim if there are pools. Be queens for the day and soothe away any tension with the calming waters and spa services. Most cities have an array of day spas to choose from. Research to find the one your friends’ recommend and/or the one which meets your needs.
  • If you live in Southern California visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona, California http://www.glenivy.com/ for the day with its luxuriant pools; mud baths; mineral waters; a floating pool; Roman Jacuzzis; and full services, including water aerobics classes. With the lush landscape and mountains in the background, it is as if you’ve escaped to the tropical Hawaiian Islands.
  • If you have any extra time, book a hotel room nearby so you can continue your mode of relaxation rather than returning to the freeway and life as you know it so soon http://www.glenivy.com/index.php/resort/C42/.

4 Comments

Posted in Health, Inspirational, self care, Uncategorized, well-being, women's issues | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | May 10, 2010

Sleep Well – It Will Make Your Day!

What really makes your day? If you’re anything like me, a good night’s sleep the night before does it. It shapes the energy I bring to all my activities, affects my mood, and essentially defines my level of productivity.

 According to The National Sleep Foundation, adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and effectiveness. Operating on less than six hours of sleep a night on a consistent basis is like being drunk. It can affect one’s judgment, reaction time, mental alertness, and coordination.

 Rob Stein of the Washington Post wrote that living in a 24-7 society deprives us of our sleep and ultimately, our health. Citing studies done by Harvard University, irregular sleep is being associated with obesity, and an increased risk for colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. “Lack of sleep disrupts every physiologic function in the body,” said Eve Van Cauter of the University of Chicago. “We have nothing in our biology that allows us to adapt to this behavior.”

Harvard’s Nurse’s Study, involving more than 82,000 nurses, found a relationship to increased risk of death among those who slept less than 6 hours per week. So if we want to stay alive and thrive, collapsing into a deep, long sleep on a regular basis is paramount.

 Here are some tips from The National Sleep Foundation to help induce better sleep habits:

  • Establish consistent sleep and wake schedules, even on weekends
  • Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music.  Begin an hour or more before the time you expect to fall asleep.
  • Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
  • Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
  • Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex (keep “sleep stealers” out of the bedroom – avoid watching TV, using a computer or reading in bed).
  • Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.
  • Exercise regularly during the day or at least a few hours before bedtime.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol products close to bedtime and give up smoking.

Finally, a few methods I use to fall asleep which work every time:

  • Journal furiously. Unload your mind of anything which may be clogging it and keeping you awake.
  • Drink some hot milk with honey. Sip it slowly. I prefer almond milk.
  • Sit in a massage chair if you have one for 15 – 30 minutes. Release all of your tension here. If you don’t have one, put two tennis balls into an old sock and use this as a roller to relieve stress in your shoulders, back, or anywhere else.
  • Count backwards from 100 slowly while focusing on your breath.
  • Practice yoga style breathing techniques. Breathe in for 4 counts; hold for 4 counts; and then exhale for 6 counts.

Sleep well. It will make your day!

5 Comments

Posted in Health, Inspirational, personal development, self care, Uncategorized, well-being, women's issues | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | April 22, 2010

How to Stress Less and Thrive More with Life’s Unknown Challenges

Have you ever felt as if you were trapped in Edvard Munch’s painting, The Scream? With life revving up like a bullet train and work piles resembling a small mountain range, it is easy for us to feel this way.

 As I approach my theater performances after 50 plus rehearsals, more evenings out than even my husband’s baseball schedule (Padres), I’m elated. I know it has a lot to do with how much fun I’ve been having, yet it is also because I soon reclaim 20 hours per week of my time. I’ve really missed it.

 While in the midst of my first theater experience, my dream work situation arrived. I don’t believe there is ‘perfect timing.’ Life happens when it happens, so we must be ready to climb aboard. I did this by saying yes, showing up, and combining my new work experience as a trainer in an unfamiliar field with theater rehearsals. With so much to learn this train is moving fast, yet I’m hanging on.

 Then recently my husband accepted an additional, extensive work project. Not here in San Diego where we live. In Cincinnati, Ohio. So he’s away just when I could appreciate some big hugs from my dearest friend. Yet I realize it is a positive career move for him, and temporary, even though he doesn’t yet know exactly how long. He insisted to be flown back for each week-end of my performances, and I’m grateful he’ll be in the audience. With the bright lights on the stage, I won’t see him. Knowing he’ll be there brings me joy.

 So, how does one cope with this current pace of life? Do we cling on and suppress our screams? So often our day-to-day realities require every ounce of energy, courage, and willingness. We aren’t meant to muffle our voices or hold our breath. This is when we must embrace self-care, set healthy boundaries, and allow our voices to be heard.

 Here are five suggestions on how to deal effectively with life’s unknown challenges:

  • Be mindful. Stay in the present. Do not anticipate negative things which may occur. Handle things as they happen rather than making up stories and suffering needlessly.
  • Avoid distractions and anything unnecessary. Focus only on your top priorities. By doing this you are putting yourself first.
  • Be patient with yourself. If you are beginning something brand new accept that it will take some time to ‘learn the ropes.’ Don’t use the ropes to hang yourself!
  • Re-frame situations. For example, I’m choosing to use the time Jim is away to enjoy the freedom in time alone; and to get a lot of my work accomplished. I sure appreciate him more when he is around!
  • Set healthy boundaries. For example, I asked to be excused completely or early from some of my rehearsals to accommodate my new training schedule with work. During the two weeks with performances, I told my new colleagues I could only work a light schedule. I ensure I have time for rest, daily exercise, and mindful eating practices. My health and energy are at stake, and I rely upon them to get me through life’s unknown challenges.

2 Comments

Posted in Health, Inspirational, personal development, personal essay, Relationship with Significant Other, self care, Spiritual Growth, women's issues | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | March 30, 2010

Learning from the Ancients (Redwood Trees)

Have you ever stood amongst a grove of towering Redwoods? The silence lingers longer. Dropping to one’s knees in prayer is not uncommon, no matter one’s persuasion. There is a sacredness which permeates this land.  For they grace our earth at 5-700 feet high with diameters of 8-20 feet. They reflect our ancient history, having seen the likes of dinosaurs in their day.

Yet, the Redwoods have much to teach us on how to survive and even, thrive. The Coastal Redwoods actually require fog to flourish. They cannot reach their true size without this moisture. This reminds me of how life can cloud up around us, and we may shrink in confusion. Yet every time ‘our fog’ lifts, we learn new lessons, painful or otherwise, and we GROW.

 The Redwoods have intricate survival mechanisms. If they catch on fire, the trees char and form a heat shield for protection. Their chemical composition is distasteful for ants and termites, and they are resistant to water rot. If a tree is knocked over, it begins to grow anew through its limbs!

 Wouldn’t it help us to be more like the Redwoods in having thicker skins? By setting clearer boundaries with others and not becoming so disturbed by other’s words, behaviors, or choices.  What if we did not allow anyone or anything to get ‘under our skin’? When we make mistakes, why not brush ourselves off and press on again, in a new way. We can allow the Redwoods to point the way. Even when fallen, they move forward.  They exemplify, “If there is a will, there is a way.” 

Finally, the Redwoods know the power in forging a strong community. They do not go it alone. They have shallow root systems (6 to 12 feet) so they live close together joining with other root systems thus, supporting life for all. What if we could reach out in unison to one another as freely? What would our lives be like if we created such strong connection?

The Ancients have much wisdom to share with us. Let us lean in, listen, and learn.

4 Comments

Posted in Inspirational, nature, personal development, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | March 18, 2010

Wherever We Are, If We’re Together – We’re Home

My husband, Jim, and I entered America’s Top Couple Contest recently with the following entry. I thought I’d share it with you, since we were chosen as one of the top 10 finalists. We do not know the results yet; however, we had so much fun creating this together – we’ve already “won.”

 We were introduced at a mutual friend’s party, but I was soon embarking on a lengthy European journey, so I barely noticed him. Three months into my travels, surprising both of us, he joined me. Over four romantic weeks we discovered how simple and fun it was to be together. Sharing our passion for being active in nature, we married atop Mount Whitney. Our 22 mile, full moon hike to the 14,494’ altar symbolized, ‘the longest aisle.’ Our journey is a metaphor for our marriage – occasionally challenging, yet with persistence and mutual support, we strive forward. Early in our partnership we committed to having a therapist guide us. These ‘relationship tune-up’ sessions explore issues ‘beneath the iceberg’, and our supportive ‘Imago dialogues’ ensure we both feel heard. This deep intimacy helped sustain us when a wildfire destroyed our home and kept us together during the long rebuilding process. That experience crystallized for us that relationships are what matter – the rest are ‘things.’ We recently fulfilled a lifelong dream to travel the world for 14 months, a 24/7 exercise in the 3 C’s of marriage. For three of those months we shared an RV smaller than a king size bed. After all that closeness, we remained friends! We’ve learned to appreciate our differences. He’s had the same career his whole life while I continuously reinvent myself. We truly enjoy each other, yet I welcome his male bonding at baseball games and poker nights, while he encourages my theater involvement and meditation classes. Fortunately, we are neither jealous nor needy, and we keep the trust jar full. We’ve shared many triumphs and tribulations in our decade as partners. While we cherish our shared values, our foundation is believing that wherever we are, if we’re together, we are home.

 

4 Comments

Posted in Inspirational, personal essay, Relationship with Significant Other | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | March 1, 2010

The Answer to Life is in Slowing Down

Weary from coughing, tired of feeling ‘tired’, and outdone with my crowded counter of cold meds – I am reminded of the value in ‘slowing down.’ It is the clutter in my life, as in the too much going on, which contributes to my lower resistance. My body is begging for rest so it does what it knows best. It puts out the red carpet for the next cold germ on my pathway to get me to finally…………S L O W DOWN!

 I’ve written a tribute as a reminder to slow down as a way of life so that life no longer must find a way to do it for me. 

The answer to life is in slowing down.

It isn’t continuing the pace

Of a marathon race.

The joy of living is in the smile –not the frown.

And if we ever forget –

Gaze at the next sunset.

Life exists between each musical note

And the inhale and exhale of each breathe.

It is ever close to us –not distant and remote.

It is the slowing down which leads us to the now,

And allowing which helps us release the clutches of how.

Slow down to know who you truly are.

Discern what matters –

For each moment is rare.

Focus on what brings your mouth ajar,

And trust life will lead you to the where.

Life is meant to be savored

Like a delicious meal.

Rest your utensils in between the bites.

Allow your taste buds to feel

Every ounce of aroma, every drop of the flavor.

Slowing down allows you to see

All things in clear vision

Like a cloudless blue sky your life will be

you’ll feel connected as “one”.

Slowing down will set you free

As you hear the whisper of who you are meant to be

Like a drop of water joining the sea

You’ll find your place as “me” amidst “we.”

The answer to life is in slowing down

Not in looking all around

Because you’ve already found

What you’re looking for –

It is your own reflection in the mirror

Life need not be so obscure

Because now you know – you are so much more.

8 Comments

Posted in Inspirational, personal development, poem, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | February 17, 2010

Thrive in Stillness

*inspired by camping trip to Borrego Springs Presidents’ week-end 2010 

How I thrive in stillness ­­        

In the silence of this rugged terrain

Shrill sounds of birds refrain

The chance to release my cluttered thoughts and duress

To feel Mother Earth’s comforting caress.

 I ask myself what really matters – it is clear

It is all right here

The chance to rove around far and near

To revel in simplicity

To set my soul free

To watch an ant crawl

And let this be ‘all’.

 To realize I take myself everywhere I go

On a deeper level I really do know

I’m at home wherever I take me

And with Jim is where I want to be.

 Yet I release my attachments

To any confinements

Of how I insist life ought to be

I leave them in the sand

Of this mind and heart expanding land

And open myself up to a whole new decree

Life fully supports me

I own the key!

4 Comments

Posted in Inspirational, nature, personal essay, poem, Travel Adventures | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Suzan | February 1, 2010

Got an Attraction to Distraction? Release it and Embrace Your Life Satisfaction.

Do you have an attraction to distraction? At the end of the day – do you feel satisfaction? Does your desk pile resemble a local mountain range? Does wondering where your day went no longer seem strange?

 I’m recovering from this malady; and working at home has been the ultimate challenge. I’m pleased to share I can now pass by my laundry basket without rushing it to the washing machine. I can also let the dishes rest in the sink awhile. The advent of social media does create a whole new distraction. That I’m still figuring out.

 Below is a poem I wrote some time ago about what I learned when in the grips of the ‘distraction gremlin.’

 My Attraction to Distraction Provides me NO Satisfaction!

My attraction to distraction

provides me NO satisfaction.

It keeps me from taking action.

Disguised as fun –

I get no work done!

It’s in the way of my fulfilling life.

Creates stress, duress, and loads of strife.

Yet why do I continue to explore all the side trails

Which lead me to nowhere, it never fails.

I hide out from any activity

Which will in truth connect me to me and set me free.

Instead I run over there

Around in circles – not getting anywhere.

 

I’d like to share some methods I’ve used which have helped to lessen the vice-grip of the distraction gremlin.

 

  • Create a weekly/daily intention list the night before each work day. Suggestions include: Priority Intentions for Week; Business Priorities; Personal Priorities; Exercise; Evening Plans; A space to fill in how many times you check e-mail and visit your social media sites; Waiting For; and Pending. This list will help keep you honest and on track.
  • Accomplish your most important projects first (in that order). Be willing to not complete your ‘less urgent’ items. (i.e. paid projects are at the top of my list).
  • Focus on one project at a time. Research has shown that multi-tasking is not the most efficient way to get work done.
  • Set a timer (i.e. a travel alarm clock) for a defined period of time and work until it sounds. (i.e. I like to work in hour chunks).
  • When engaged in a project, allow your phone calls to go into voice-mail, unless it is a client or another important call.
  • Build in breaks throughout your day – for exercise and to move around. (i.e.  Exercise is something I do not compromise on. It is part of my every day.  I also put some music on and dance for a couple of minutes to shake out any stale energy now and then. Other times, I’ll sit outside on my balcony and listen to the birds).
  • Create space in your week to meet with a friend for a walk, tea, or lunch. Whenever possible, phone a friend or family member for a few minutes to connect. I’ve found when working alone; support from my community is critical. 

 Releasing your attraction to distraction will lead to your life satisfaction. Isn’t it time to take action?

4 Comments

Posted in Inspirational, personal development, personal essay, poem, professional development, women's issues | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories