Though the weather’s been lovely, our region’s news has been bleak.
I hope all of you have been safe and healthy during the pandemic, and continue to be so.
Category: Healthy Living
A new concept for me: smokestorm
The greater Seattle area has been dealing with unhealthy air quality for the past few weeks. Smoke from wildfires, first from California then British Columbia has choked us. So Cliff Mass, a well regarded climate scientist from the University of Washington, coined the term”Smokestorm“.
The air quality has impacted most of us. I don’t have any asthma issues, service felt the impact. Mostly that my chest has felt congested, and I get winded far more easily. People in vulnerable looks have her but much, much worse.
The rain over the past few days, though light, has been welcome. Most of us, though, wanted a good, solid rain. First to clean the air, but also to help extinguish these fires.
How have you dealt with the smokestorm? Hopefully you’ve been able to find ways to make life pleasant. I’d like to hear what you’ve learned, seen, felt.
Edmonds Kind of Play: Quiet Heart Wilderness School’s beloved Hawkeye ready to say farewell – My Edmonds News
Quiet Heart Wilderness School’s beloved Hawkeye ready to say farewell
Funny that I don’t recall ever meeting “Hawkeye” in my journeys about Edmonds. I feel a bit lesser as I read about him in this article.
This local school and daycare program is a unique enterprise, and one I’m glad will continue under competent hands. Hands that share its creator’s vision.
A few thoughts on cycling this Saturday morningÂ
Was just reading through a bunch of articles about cycling, all centered in the Pacific NorthWest. Urban cycling, bicycle touring, city planning, healthy living and how cycling fits into a sustainable culture; filling my brain with ideas. A big thing: I need to get out and ride more. Of course, it’s been been quite chilly here around Puget Sound. And such things challenge my desire to ride.
I’ve become much more of a fair weathered cyclist. At one point, the notion of being such horrified me. I was committed to riding, bike commuting, cycling as urban transport. A few accidents with cars (with broken bones and other fun) and myriad close calls, my tolerance for urban riding waned. Plus, moving back home to Seattle’s suburbs threw me deep into car culture. Riding became a weekend hobby. I hate this.
The desire to return to deep immersion into bike culture hits me regularly. It rebounds off of the suburban car culture, but bounces back. The overcommitted life, which is only manageable with a car, my 20 mile commute, the geographic spread of suburban life all factor in.
I’m also weary of the challenge of getting exercise. I need to block time to get to the gym, versus just walking/riding all the time. There’s a community around cycling that’s pretty amazing. So many benefits to the cycle-centric life, and I miss them.
Bruce Lee Quote Of The Day: Life and Learning
Some powerful advice, especially for me. My nature seeks stability and structure. “Constant learning” is somewhat counter to that. At least if I don’t anticipate the learning, the change that’s coming.
Something to continuously meditate on.
Some wisdom from Rumi
Of long loved Rumi’s poetry. Many great ideas about life, love and God. A great influence upon my life.
Quote of the Day: Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee’s wisdom, always good for motivation and focus.
This gem reminds me that we must continuously strive, push forward. It’s very easy to become complacent, to be simply satisfied.
For me, fear speaks to me at those moments. Fearing failure, laziness seems quite tempting. But I know the emptiness therein. Pushing through requires discipline, forcing through the inertia.
Know the value of that push. A worthwhile exercise of force.
Blessings upon all of you, dear readers.
Realizing my influence
I had a powerful realization today. While training some junior belts, I noticed one, a high-school aged young woman, was watching me closely. Everything I said and did was watched closely. I saw how much potential I had to build her up, or tear her down.
It’s sobering and humbling. Knowing how nuch influence I have. I love the idea that a few well placed positives: words, smiles, can add so much to her life. And screwing this up can really mess things up.
Long ago, I pledged to be powerfully positive. Seeking, still, to master that. But I’m moving forward.
You ever had such an epiphany?
Walks, Hikes, Life, Community
Earlier today I talked with an acquaintance about walking. He, like me, loves to walk. Lately, it’s been my main form of exercise. I’m a bit wimpier than my chum, not really willing to walk when it’s pouring. Perhaps I need to invest in some rain gear. But, being outside… that’s beauty.
Hiking brings joy to do many. There was this chap, Paul, who loved the AT (Appalachian Trail). After he died, far too young, his wife had the idea for his boots to take to the trail. A call went out, the great community that resides on the trails stepped up. Facilitated by the folks at REI, the collective took the journey and have shared it with us. Watch and listen with your heart. It’s worth it.
October Fitness & Health Thoughts
Last night I spent about an hour in the gym, mostly focused on cardio. It’s been a bit since I focused like that. Miss it. Yet I was pleased at my performance. My intermittent workouts haven’t been too detrimental.
I noticed my weight creeping back up, though. Probably a function of a dreadful diet. So I restarted using my food tracker. That works nicely, nuisance that it is.
This time of year challenges me, fitness-wise. Dark, wet and cold: getting outside becomes uncomfortable at best, painful at the worst. The darkness adds a bit of danger, since cars have a hard time seeing me. I manage that well, I think. But it’s still unpleasant. And fatty, yummy foods start manifesting more. Double negatives.
My health concerns don’t wane, though. Things like diabetes lurk, and I want nothing to do with that disease. Must. Keep. Focused. The value of gym memberships, and bit being to off-put by them
Another area of active balancing.