Though I taught a class this morning, I finally had a day to sit and relax with my goofy movies, books, magazines, and cat. I'm still reading Dr. Sagan's book and flipping through my Vegetarian Times. I watched Housesitter (I miss Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin) and The Meaning of Food (a PBS documentary exploring food with a more sociological bent) and a little bit of The Dean Martin Show.
I'm going to continue to bask in my lazy contentment, recharging my batteries for the week to come.
So, here's a clip from my quiet day: Dean and Dom
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Assumptions and Atheists
I finally agreed to Google's generous offer to send me "alerts" for astronomy news.
Most of the articles sent to me are interesting. There's a new type of variable star out there (well, I think it's interesting), there's a Jupiter-sized planet being torn apart by its sun somewhere far away from our solar system, and President Obama is "aiding" a get together with atheists.
Wait a minute.
What does that have to do with astronomy?
While I am actually interested in the content of the article, it's really only by accident. Is there an immediate correlation between astronomy and atheism... or did Google pick up on the one book in the article that is next to the astronomy section in the bookstore (Christopher Hitchens' G-D IS NOT GREAT: A CASE AGAINST RELIGION)? How many really stupid articles will I receive alongside my pulsars and an exploding stars? I deleted the alert that had an article on Molly Shannon in the list.
As it turns out, President Obama had little to do with this meeting. This reminds me of why I'm not a big fan of newspapers or current events. The title sort of blames the president for this meeting... while later admitting that it was unlikely that he would even be there. It was a morning meeting during which organizations such as the American Atheists and the Council for Secular Humanism sat "quietly" to discuss certain significant issues. Among the topics of the meeting were issues involving "child medical neglect, military proselytizing and faith-based initiatives."
The story that bothered me the most was the story of a young teen whose Christian Scientist parents refused to send her to a doctor when she contracted a bone infection which, a little over 30 years later, cost most of her leg. This problem is not so easily answered. If the government were to say this was wrong, then they condemn a religion, a large group of people, and alienate them due to their way of life. It's like calling them unfit parents, maybe even crazy or cruel. If you or I say that, it's our opinion. If the government says that, we have problems bigger than untidy arguments at a table on the White House campus.
However, this woman, as an adult, seems to wish things had happened differently. She joined the meeting by phone hoping to affect change by sharing her story. She was an innocent child who could not act on her own behalf and her parents put her in a position to lead a highly "un-normal" life.
It reminds me of why I cry at infant baptisms. I get angry and devastated to the point where I have had to leave services to calm myself. I feel that the parents are committing the souls of these innocents to something they don't understand. I have no feelings whatsoever about adult baptisms or even when teenagers choose to get baptized. If it's your conscious choice, knock yourself out. But, infants don't even know what's happening. Not only will they not remember this supposedly significant ritual, they weren't given the time to elect to enter into the church ritual on their own.
So, I agree with this woman that something probably should be done to prevent truly life-altering problems parents inflict upon their children due to religious beliefs. Problems beyond the relatively "harmless" church ritual of baptism. As to what should be done... I have no idea. People in this country have a right to believe what they want to believe... that's one of the main reasons our ancestors got onto those big scary boats and sailed away from the comfort of a developed, European society to rough it out in the American wilderness. I suppose, if an adult chooses to use prayer instead of antibiotics, that's totally his or her business. However, for a child who can't decide on their own yet whether or not they want to risk life and limb to support a religious doctrine, I'm not as sure that's right.
I'm not interested in debating faith however. Weird things have happened, and I'm not going to dispute that. Still, I can certainly understand the concern of this coalition for children like the girl in the article. While many of us uphold the faiths of our families, I'd bet just as many of us change our mind and go in another direction in adulthood. Still, how involved should the government be in the private lives of citizens? Who is the government to tell us how to raise our kids? How far would it go? How many other choices would we then allow the government to make for our children?
I have no answers... but I'm definitely happy that the conversation has begun.
Most of the articles sent to me are interesting. There's a new type of variable star out there (well, I think it's interesting), there's a Jupiter-sized planet being torn apart by its sun somewhere far away from our solar system, and President Obama is "aiding" a get together with atheists.
Wait a minute.
What does that have to do with astronomy?
While I am actually interested in the content of the article, it's really only by accident. Is there an immediate correlation between astronomy and atheism... or did Google pick up on the one book in the article that is next to the astronomy section in the bookstore (Christopher Hitchens' G-D IS NOT GREAT: A CASE AGAINST RELIGION)? How many really stupid articles will I receive alongside my pulsars and an exploding stars? I deleted the alert that had an article on Molly Shannon in the list.
As it turns out, President Obama had little to do with this meeting. This reminds me of why I'm not a big fan of newspapers or current events. The title sort of blames the president for this meeting... while later admitting that it was unlikely that he would even be there. It was a morning meeting during which organizations such as the American Atheists and the Council for Secular Humanism sat "quietly" to discuss certain significant issues. Among the topics of the meeting were issues involving "child medical neglect, military proselytizing and faith-based initiatives."
The story that bothered me the most was the story of a young teen whose Christian Scientist parents refused to send her to a doctor when she contracted a bone infection which, a little over 30 years later, cost most of her leg. This problem is not so easily answered. If the government were to say this was wrong, then they condemn a religion, a large group of people, and alienate them due to their way of life. It's like calling them unfit parents, maybe even crazy or cruel. If you or I say that, it's our opinion. If the government says that, we have problems bigger than untidy arguments at a table on the White House campus.
However, this woman, as an adult, seems to wish things had happened differently. She joined the meeting by phone hoping to affect change by sharing her story. She was an innocent child who could not act on her own behalf and her parents put her in a position to lead a highly "un-normal" life.
It reminds me of why I cry at infant baptisms. I get angry and devastated to the point where I have had to leave services to calm myself. I feel that the parents are committing the souls of these innocents to something they don't understand. I have no feelings whatsoever about adult baptisms or even when teenagers choose to get baptized. If it's your conscious choice, knock yourself out. But, infants don't even know what's happening. Not only will they not remember this supposedly significant ritual, they weren't given the time to elect to enter into the church ritual on their own.
So, I agree with this woman that something probably should be done to prevent truly life-altering problems parents inflict upon their children due to religious beliefs. Problems beyond the relatively "harmless" church ritual of baptism. As to what should be done... I have no idea. People in this country have a right to believe what they want to believe... that's one of the main reasons our ancestors got onto those big scary boats and sailed away from the comfort of a developed, European society to rough it out in the American wilderness. I suppose, if an adult chooses to use prayer instead of antibiotics, that's totally his or her business. However, for a child who can't decide on their own yet whether or not they want to risk life and limb to support a religious doctrine, I'm not as sure that's right.
I'm not interested in debating faith however. Weird things have happened, and I'm not going to dispute that. Still, I can certainly understand the concern of this coalition for children like the girl in the article. While many of us uphold the faiths of our families, I'd bet just as many of us change our mind and go in another direction in adulthood. Still, how involved should the government be in the private lives of citizens? Who is the government to tell us how to raise our kids? How far would it go? How many other choices would we then allow the government to make for our children?
I have no answers... but I'm definitely happy that the conversation has begun.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Another long night
I will not burn out.
I will giggle until this week is done.
I will be grateful for the components in my life that keep me busy.
Here's a twist on the Olympics... to keep me, and maybe you, giggling.
Click Me.
I will giggle until this week is done.
I will be grateful for the components in my life that keep me busy.
Here's a twist on the Olympics... to keep me, and maybe you, giggling.
Click Me.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Where do you go when you Need to go?
Had "one of those days..." The kind where, whether you're intuitive or not, you can see that someone is just having a tough time. Even if you knew nothing about me, it was obvious that I was barely keeping it together.
Times like this are few, I am fortunate enough to say. But, when they occur, I need to get out of the house. There are just a few places that will do when I require a change of scenery to clear my head.
These are precious places. Places you share carefully. You don't need to have a bad time to taint the sacredness of this space. You need to be free to be yourself. Surround yourself with even false sympathy rather than feel you are boring someone with your need to vent.
I needed two of my safe places the other day. First, I went to the Art Café for a cup of coffee and my book. I probably shouldn't be reading it (since it often makes me cry), but it's reminding me so very much of myself, my current spiritual climate, that I am continuously drawn to it during whatever down-time I can capture. The kind owner offered me a hug and some sympathy... she could see I was struggling. That gesture is not necessary, but it's nice to not feel crazy, to feel safe enough to collapse for one day.
I can count on the coffee to be strong. There's soda water and my favorite breakfast plate (small salad, brie, eggs, and a croissant). The servers are attentive without hanging over your every bite. It's often quiet. Plenty of natural light. Here, I can turn inward and turn the volume down on whatever is bothering me.
Though, that wasn't enough the other day, so I went to Anya's. The coffee there is pretty good, too. But, better still, I am lucky to know someone who always makes an effort to understand how I'm feeling, to never judge me, to allow me to vent. Once I can get out my issues verbally in such a protective environment, it's easier to let them go and move on. To get back to feeling like myself again, balanced and content. A call to Tristan, a letter from my pen pal, a chat with Mom, and so on... these and few others calm the heart as well.
Where do you go when you need to go? I've heard of people who work out... I guess I do that, too. Some nights I know I need a yoga class to work through my emotions. However, I find I need a chance to talk things through at some point. I've heard of people who would rather distract themselves than deal with their problems. I suppose, given the right climate, I might feel overwhelmed enough to want to delay the process of talking through some troubles, but I would ultimately need to get back to the issue and break it down. I find it better to face things head-on before those things interfere with my work, relationships, and personal peace.
I've tried thinking about whether I can find a way to relate to others who prefer avoidance to confrontation. I suppose I avoid certain types of differences. For example, if I don't like "the way" in which someone is doing something, I will almost always avoid discussion. The issue in this case is based on my opinion, and just because someone is doing something differently from how I would do it, it doesn't make it "wrong" or worth the awkwardness of bringing it up. I won't bring up problems with someone who won't listen either. If I know my words and worries would be wasted, I'll keep my mouth shut.
That's all though. Even in those instances, I'll talk them through with someone I trust. I'll calm down in Art Café or class, but then I need to bounce my ideas off those who respect my process.
I hope to be a safe place for others to vent... to "have one of those days" as I pour a cup of tea. I have some strong opinions, it's true, but my goal is always to take care of my loved ones, to work towards what would give them peace. I am not prone to distraction, but I'll pull out a movie and popcorn if someone doesn't care to talk.
So, where do you go? What do you do? See a friend? Take a walk? Run to the gym? Open a bottle of wine at home and smoke on the porch? Call your sister?
I hope that, maybe just for today, that no one else is "having one of those days."
Times like this are few, I am fortunate enough to say. But, when they occur, I need to get out of the house. There are just a few places that will do when I require a change of scenery to clear my head.
These are precious places. Places you share carefully. You don't need to have a bad time to taint the sacredness of this space. You need to be free to be yourself. Surround yourself with even false sympathy rather than feel you are boring someone with your need to vent.
I needed two of my safe places the other day. First, I went to the Art Café for a cup of coffee and my book. I probably shouldn't be reading it (since it often makes me cry), but it's reminding me so very much of myself, my current spiritual climate, that I am continuously drawn to it during whatever down-time I can capture. The kind owner offered me a hug and some sympathy... she could see I was struggling. That gesture is not necessary, but it's nice to not feel crazy, to feel safe enough to collapse for one day.
I can count on the coffee to be strong. There's soda water and my favorite breakfast plate (small salad, brie, eggs, and a croissant). The servers are attentive without hanging over your every bite. It's often quiet. Plenty of natural light. Here, I can turn inward and turn the volume down on whatever is bothering me.
Though, that wasn't enough the other day, so I went to Anya's. The coffee there is pretty good, too. But, better still, I am lucky to know someone who always makes an effort to understand how I'm feeling, to never judge me, to allow me to vent. Once I can get out my issues verbally in such a protective environment, it's easier to let them go and move on. To get back to feeling like myself again, balanced and content. A call to Tristan, a letter from my pen pal, a chat with Mom, and so on... these and few others calm the heart as well.
Where do you go when you need to go? I've heard of people who work out... I guess I do that, too. Some nights I know I need a yoga class to work through my emotions. However, I find I need a chance to talk things through at some point. I've heard of people who would rather distract themselves than deal with their problems. I suppose, given the right climate, I might feel overwhelmed enough to want to delay the process of talking through some troubles, but I would ultimately need to get back to the issue and break it down. I find it better to face things head-on before those things interfere with my work, relationships, and personal peace.
I've tried thinking about whether I can find a way to relate to others who prefer avoidance to confrontation. I suppose I avoid certain types of differences. For example, if I don't like "the way" in which someone is doing something, I will almost always avoid discussion. The issue in this case is based on my opinion, and just because someone is doing something differently from how I would do it, it doesn't make it "wrong" or worth the awkwardness of bringing it up. I won't bring up problems with someone who won't listen either. If I know my words and worries would be wasted, I'll keep my mouth shut.
That's all though. Even in those instances, I'll talk them through with someone I trust. I'll calm down in Art Café or class, but then I need to bounce my ideas off those who respect my process.
I hope to be a safe place for others to vent... to "have one of those days" as I pour a cup of tea. I have some strong opinions, it's true, but my goal is always to take care of my loved ones, to work towards what would give them peace. I am not prone to distraction, but I'll pull out a movie and popcorn if someone doesn't care to talk.
So, where do you go? What do you do? See a friend? Take a walk? Run to the gym? Open a bottle of wine at home and smoke on the porch? Call your sister?
I hope that, maybe just for today, that no one else is "having one of those days."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
And so it was...
I survived my first hour and a half Vinyasa class. I worried. I rehearsed. I even went to Anya's to demonstrate my Vinyasa sequence to see if she thought it would do for a class of "warrior" types.
And now it's over.
I can't even remember how it all went any longer... save that I probably moved a little too fast and had more extra time than I had hoped to have by the end of class to help these hard-working students relax. No one avoided my gaze or made fake-y comments on my class. People seemed to like that I just offered them something different.
All that worry and fuss... for what?
I'm actually, as smarter people than I probably predicted, ready to try it again. The next opportunity I have to teach a Vinyasa class, I won't shy away from the challenge. While it's not my favorite style to teach, it's all yoga. It's all the same joy. It's all breath and movement... and the awe of seeing students produce the postures with effort and beauty.
But, for now, I'm wiped. Here's an interesting clip of news about which a client informed me:
And now it's over.
I can't even remember how it all went any longer... save that I probably moved a little too fast and had more extra time than I had hoped to have by the end of class to help these hard-working students relax. No one avoided my gaze or made fake-y comments on my class. People seemed to like that I just offered them something different.
All that worry and fuss... for what?
I'm actually, as smarter people than I probably predicted, ready to try it again. The next opportunity I have to teach a Vinyasa class, I won't shy away from the challenge. While it's not my favorite style to teach, it's all yoga. It's all the same joy. It's all breath and movement... and the awe of seeing students produce the postures with effort and beauty.
But, for now, I'm wiped. Here's an interesting clip of news about which a client informed me:
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Somedays, all you can say is, "AH!"
All I can say for myself today is that I'm having a conniption.
A number of issues arose in the past several days for a handful of people at the studio... which has put me in a position to teach 12 classes in one week (2 down, 10 to go as of this evening). It's not the number of classes that worries me... in fact, that part is pretty exciting.
It's just one class that might keep me awake tonight...
I'm substituting for a girl tomorrow night whose class is very popular. It's a Vinyasa class... for those of you who don't know, Vinyasa is a more dynamic and creative practice compared to the slow, consistent, meditative, and endurance building hot yoga series I usually teach. While I think I'll have a challenging sequence by tomorrow lined up in my head, I teach Vinyasa very infrequently, so I'm naturally nervous. I also would hate to disappoint this teacher's regular students. I'm definitely not her. She teaches a unique and great class.
I'm having a flashback to college. The nerves you get the night before an exam... Even if you tell yourself that, once you sit down to the test, it will all be over before you know it (in my case, in 90 minutes), it doesn't help the jitters beforehand.
I'm going to go to bed and hide under the covers until morning... I just so want to teach a great class that won't make students groan if they see my name on the schedule should I teach a class like this one again.
A number of issues arose in the past several days for a handful of people at the studio... which has put me in a position to teach 12 classes in one week (2 down, 10 to go as of this evening). It's not the number of classes that worries me... in fact, that part is pretty exciting.
It's just one class that might keep me awake tonight...
I'm substituting for a girl tomorrow night whose class is very popular. It's a Vinyasa class... for those of you who don't know, Vinyasa is a more dynamic and creative practice compared to the slow, consistent, meditative, and endurance building hot yoga series I usually teach. While I think I'll have a challenging sequence by tomorrow lined up in my head, I teach Vinyasa very infrequently, so I'm naturally nervous. I also would hate to disappoint this teacher's regular students. I'm definitely not her. She teaches a unique and great class.
I'm having a flashback to college. The nerves you get the night before an exam... Even if you tell yourself that, once you sit down to the test, it will all be over before you know it (in my case, in 90 minutes), it doesn't help the jitters beforehand.
I'm going to go to bed and hide under the covers until morning... I just so want to teach a great class that won't make students groan if they see my name on the schedule should I teach a class like this one again.
(To make matters worse, I'm not with Beth on her birthday today. At least we have Alice in March, right Beth?)
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