It seemed a good time to revamp the look of the Calm Chicago website. The aim? Not just another pretty face but a refreshed appearance to coordinate with my sense of wanting to sharpen focus, clarify what we do here, interact with readers/students more and of course, make the site more user friendly. I have to say, I really like the warm look of this theme. Thanks to Jay Halfling and Bold Life.
I always like how Ajahn Brahm’s teachings are quite practical and funny. And I really like this talk because I see myself, how often I am tempted to argue or do argue… stopping arguing is quite a practice. For me, it involves continuously trying to let go of my sense of my self and my very important ideas. It also makes me really wonder about this whole PhD proposition…
I’ll end with this idea that sticks with me from the talk – that is, what kind of world are we creating if we argue who’s faith is better, who’s religion is better or more true? It seems we only create a world of arguing people not a world of peaceful people.
When we stop thinking, then we can FEEL peaceful. Don’t agree? That’s okay with me. I’ll not argue about it. And that from a dirty-old, opinionated Yankee (reformed)!
This is an important piece of work. Wish I knew how to properly re-blog it, but this will have to do for now. Word out any which way! Thanks to Fierce Buddhist for the heads up.
Here’s a great story from NPR, about how tai chi is like a “medication in Motion” for those suffering from heart failure or other heart troubles. Side effects? Increased peace, feeling of well being, greater capacity to breathe, handle stress easily and over all good feeling in the body and mind. Hmmm… a lot different from all those drugs out there which despite their potentially beneficial qualities, come with warnings, like, your head might blow off! And, tai chi and qigong work with your body and mind holistically, integrating the various parts as opposed to a more traditional allopathic approach which in the west tends to slice and dice the human body as if the old song, The leg bone’s connected to the thigh bone…“ wasn’t true. All our different parts are interconnected and the best treatment acknowledges that. So, of course you should see your doctor and get what ever treatment you need. I’m just suggesting what Dr. Andrew Weil and others advocate, the use of a more integrative approach.
So where ever you are, find a good teacher and start to go with the flow.
The Transit of Venus was reminder of what a tiny speck of rock we live upon. A third of the way closer to the Sun than we are, our sister speck is only slightly smaller than the Earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9rM8ChTjY
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This wondrous once in a life-time event took place yesterday.
On June 5 2012, SDO collected images of the rarest predictable solar event--the transit of Venus across the face of the sun.
I really love that this film exists and that someone found it and shared it. Just beautiful and also a little intense looking at all that heat beyond comprehension of the sun boiling away like so many storms. Wow. (I'm an articulate blogger today huh?) Rarity and impermanence. Enjoy.
This is the first in a series of 18-videos breaking down how to do the form, along with tips on how to learn, practice and make the lessons of qigong practical and accessible in your every day life.
I hope this may help you on your journey to your best self as you learn to exercise both the body and mind. And of course, I use the word “self,” as a practical matter of speaking. I’m not suggesting that we get too attached to any form of exercise as a way of making our Self Bigger and having a big ego only that, in order to really enjoy life, living wisely, compassionately and with clarity borne of confidence, having health in mind and body is highly recommended.
When the body is out of shape or in pain, it really brings the mind down.
Let know what you think? I hope this proves useful.
This is a no frills/straight forward guide for those of you looking to make your own wall mounted bike hanger but don't feel like spending a bunch of dough.
Let's Start.
WOW, I can't believe how much attention this is getting, thanks everyone!
I'm on the 2nd floor, no one will be stealing my bike through the window ;)
I don't even know how I found this great blog post. It doesn't matter. Lots of us living I urban environments are increasingly feeling a bit "done," with owning and driving a car on a regular basis. There are so many ways it's a drag, right?
Expensive for starters. Car payment. Monthly parking somewhere which is actually a cheap alternative to dealing with the city that tickets! Insurance. That right there, as a short list of car expenses, can easily be $500! And that doesn't include driving anyplace yet! What a rip.
So, a good bike, might cost you a bit up front but it need not. In Chicago we have Working Bikes (24th and Western) working bikes.org. You can get a good enough bike for around $100+- a bit. That's lots less cost and hassle than buying a car. ( don't get me started on that all day time waster of an affair.)
Biking is a great simplifier too. It puts the joy back into getting around the city. And, what I really love, is that it brings me closer to people and experience as I ride around. I have so many great chance meetings that would not happen if I were sealed into the bubble of my car. If you want to know your neighborhood, I urge you to bike it. The super wicked good news is that generally, it's also faster than public transit.
Anyway, point taken then, yeah? A bike is a great alternative to a car. But where to put it in our smaller urban spaces? The brilliant simple, inexpensive answer : DIY from Kyle Wilson, who also happens to be a terrific artist.
So think green and simple. Try this scheme for storing your bike. And ride on everyone, one peaceful turnof the wheels at a time.
Thanks Kyle!