Category Archives: This -n- That

Blogging for good health!, Stress Reduction, This -n- That, Titles Worth Reading

Making A Positive Entrance

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What kind of an entrance are you making?

“To what? A meeting?”

Well, let’s start with your day. How are you entering this new day?

“Yawn, well after that first glass of water you told us about, it’s coffee for sure.”

Is your cell phone already in your hands? Are you immediately scrolling for the latest?

Or perhaps that mental reel is still playing in your mind, filling you with stress? You are supplying both sides of the conversation, and the message is full of labels – never good ones.
We can’t make that good first impression entrance to an event, a conversation, or our day if we are pulling from empty or poorly replenished reserves.

With the daily challenges that we are all facing with personal issues – let alone world issues – daily resets are no longer optional for me. How about you?

I will offer two points and a change in perspective for you today.

One. Find a happy place for daily resets.

It could be a park bench on your lunch break. Perhaps the top step going to your front door.

No cell phone.

Listen.

Be aware of what’s around you. Observe. Drop your gaze and mindfully breathe.

Read something that inspires you, directs you to a higher path, and that gives you peace.

Journal. The power of unfiltered brain dumps through journaling is not to be underestimated. Paper, pen and a few minutes of sharing with that page is utterly transformative – and cheap therapy.

Release your cares to the fresh air above, the universe, or your higher power. Our fretting mental reels never solve our problems. Just make yourself open to receiving the answers or guidance for your next steps.

Two. Assume a positive intent in others.

Reading a quote from business executive and former CEO of Pepsi, Indra Nooyi, recently blew me away with its simplicity. She speaks of approaching others:

“When you assume negative intent, you’re angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, you will be amazed.”

She goes on to explain how such an approach changes us – we become more intent on understanding the other person and are listening more carefully to them without being defensive at the onset. This sends a positive message to the other person that will often lead to more constructive, respectful interactions.

A change in perspective:

We’ve all seen those humbling, awe-inspiring images of Earth from space—our small, radiant planet suspended in darkness, wrapped in a thin, fragile atmosphere.

Do those views stir something in you—a sense of love, protectiveness, even responsibility? From that distance, “world peace” begins to feel less like an abstract ideal and more like a shared necessity. Perspective changes everything.

The minutia falls away – of no importance – as the big picture gives us pause.

Taking that same kind of perspective on our own lives can help quiet the worries and negative loops, making space to reset—with more compassion for others and for ourselves.

Find that happy place to regularly give yourself a reset and assume the positive in your daily interactions – now, that’s a good way to make a grand entrance!

Deidre

If you are looking for some resources to build up your resilience, get these FREE downloadable Resilience Practices HERE.

Originally designed to help family caregivers, these resources are universally applicable and can guide you through practices that will help you build your inner strength.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods, Blogging for good health!, Habit Building, Recipes, This -n- That

The Pancake of Champions

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Once again, I saw something healthy and yummy online and tried it – tweaking the ingredient’s list as always.

There was already a great lineup of gluten-free, high-protein ingredients, but when I was through, it kind of looked like a recipe list for Kitchen Sink Pancakes!

Any recipe for pancakes – for me – is more of a concept recipe. I might not have all the ingredients and/or I might make substitutions.

So, knock yourself out with this one.

The core of the concept is to create pancakes that are:

1. Naturally sweet – needing no syrup to raise blood sugars

    2. Gluten-free – to be non-inflammatory and to support a happy belly

    3. High in fiber – to aide in digestion

    4. High in protein – to support growth and repair

    Pancakes are often the antithesis of these concepts because they are high carbohydrate, pro-inflammatory sponges begging for tons of butter and rivers of syrup.

    The original recipe featured 2 grated apples – which was great because I had two apples that needed to be used. I also had one last banana needing a home, so I added that, too.

    Because of the overall course texture from the apples, oatmeal, and nuts, this pancake batter started looking more like fritter batter. So, that’s what I am calling these – pancake fritters!

    Here’s the recipe for Pancake Fritters:

    First, stir 1 Tablespoon of chia seeds into 1/3 cup of water and set them aside to soak for at least 10 minutes to use in the wet ingredients. This provides fiber and protein.

    Then, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl:

    -1 cup gluten-free oatmeal
    -1 teaspoon of baking powder
    -1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    -Pinch of salt
    -2 grated apples

    Optional: a handful of chopped walnuts.

    In a food processor or in a bowl using an immersion blender, blend the following wet ingredients until smooth:

    • Soaked chia seed mixture
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
    • 2/3 cup of Greek yogurt
    • 2/3 cup of cottage cheese
    • 1 banana, broken into pieces
    • Vanilla to taste

    Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and combine. Add milk of choice to thin batter as needed or, if the batter is too thin, stir in 1-2 Tablespoons of gluten-free flour at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.

    Rather than normal-sized pancakes, I created smaller, fritter-sized ones, using a spoon to pat down a small scoop of batter placed on the hot, oiled griddle.

    This recipe will feed a small crowd, so feel free to cut this in half – I will, next time, for the two of us.

    The apple, banana, vanilla, and cinnamon help create a ‘sweet’ profile that simply doesn’t need syrup.

    Please download this delishiness, PANCAKE FRITTERS, HERE:

    Pancake Fritters for DownloadDownload

    The high-fiber and protein elements support lasting fullness and satisfaction.

    There are so many ways to adjust this according to personal preferences and what is in the cupboard or fridge at the time.

    I hope you enjoy it!

    In health –

    Deidre

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    Blogging for good health!, Recipes, This -n- That

    Raspberry Tarts

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    Ahhh … Raspberry!

    Raspberries are beloved by many; although there is a small cadre of folks who aren’t fans of their little, tiny seeds. That’s why I put cooked raspberries through a strainer at Thanksgiving, when I add the resulting raspberry ‘essence’ to my cranberry sauce.

    Today’s recipe does not require using a strainer. In fact, additional seeds are added just seem to melt away!

    Back story: I was in search of a tasty, light dessert which would offer the right touch of sweetness after a hearty meal that would not overwhelm.
    Inspired by a reel in my Facebook feed that paired raspberries with chia seeds in a crustless frozen dessert, I went in a different direction using phyllo shells – adding a creamy layer – and using refrigeration to set the creation.

    The result was everything I had hoped for, and our guests are still raving about it!

    Here’s what you do using two packages of the Athens Foods Mini Phyllo Dough Shells.

    Start with a cup of fresh raspberries in a small saucepan with 1 Tablespoon of chia seeds, along with 4 Tablespoons of water over medium low heat, stirring constantly to combine and to help break apart the raspberries.

    Continue to cook until the stirring spoon/spatula leaves a drag mark that lingers in the sauce as it crosses the pan’s bottom. (PIC)

    Remove pan from heat when desired thickness is achieved. Let cool while you prepare the chocolate.

    Melt approximately 2/3 of a bar of a 60 – 72% dark chocolate. I used Ghirardelli’s 60% chocolate, but Lindt’s 72% works fine.

    Using the tip of an iced-tea spoon, a baby’s spoon, or some other very small spoon, (PIC) put just enough melted chocolate in the mini-tart shell to cover the bottom.

    Prepare the creamy filling. Using the whip attachment to your hand mixer, beat 1/3 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup cream cheese and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. I added a few drops of vanilla extract. The consistency needs to be suitable for piping and holding its shape. (PIC)

    Continue assembling the tarts by spooning in about 1/2 teaspoon of the raspberry mixture – enough to cover the chocolate. (PIC)

    Fill a piping bag fitted with a size 12 round tip with the cheese mixture. Pipe filling onto each tart. (PIC)

    There should be leftover chocolate, (otherwise, melt a bit more), adding just a touch, (1/2 pea-sized amount), of coconut oil to thin it for drizzling.

    Fill a small piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag. Snip off the tip/corner to create a small opening for drizzliing.

    Don’t skip the drizzle – it is the WOW Factor! (PIC)

    There you have it. The perfect light dessert with a big visual appeal!

    The chia seeds thicken the raspberries, yet there is no noticeable seediness. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the tarts before plating.

    Dark chocolate, chia seeds, raspberries – why, one could almost call this health food!

    In health –

    Deidre

    Shout-out to my friend, Cathy DuFour, who helped me finalize the proportions for the cheese mixture!

    Download our Raspberry Bite Tarts recipe below:

    Raspberry Bites TartsDownload

    Next week, I’ll share a recipe that promises to be The Pancake of Champions! Thank you for being a reader and for sharing our ideas with your family and friends using the options under the MORE button below.

    Anti-Inflammatory Foods, Blogging for good health!, Habit Building, This -n- That

    FAT! (No, It’s Not What You Think)

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    It’s a holy trinity of sorts … the three macronutrients found in the food we eat: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. These three, along with the micronutrients in food – vitamins and minerals – are what keep our bodies functioning at optimum levels. Macronutrients are the three elements we need to consume the most, followed by the micronutrients we also need, but in lesser quantities.

    Like most things dealing with our health, each element is linked to others in ways which creates dependency for successful functioning.

    Case in point – a recent email from Chris Kresser, reminded me of one of these vital connections between a macronutrient having a crucial role in our ability to absorb micronutrients derived from vegetables.

    He emphasized – eating nutritious food is just half the battle. How we prepare that food, either in cooking or presenting it – with a sauce or dressing, totally influences how much of the vital micronutrients we will absorb. And, absorbing the nutritive elements is why we eat, right?

    How sad it would be if we bought the best organic produce we can find, only to miss out in absorbing the nutrients we need.

    Take the powerful carotenoids found in kale. Carotenoids are natural, fat-soluble yellow, orange, and red pigments synthesized by plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria. As powerful antioxidants, they protect cells from damage, support immune function, and are essential for eye health. 

    We want carotenoids, for sure!

    But in a 2025 study by the University of Missouri, researchers found that raw kale alone, produced very low carotenoid absorption, and cooking it slightly reduced the bioavailability further.

    A significant increase came when researchers added an oil-based sauce to either the cooking process or when the oil was added after cooking.

    You see, some of the micronutrients are fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K – along with carotenoids like lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene. These nutrients require dietary fat to be absorbed; and without it, a meaningful portion of these compounds pass through the digestive system largely unused.

    So, preparing and serving your healthy veggies without fat (eating raw or steaming), and then serving plain or with some kind of fat-free sauce or dressing, will work against your goal of absorbing the nutrients you are hoping to get.

    The no-fat craze definitely has its drawbacks.

    Another study by the University of Iowa found a dose-dependent relationship, with two tablespoons of oil producing a meaningfully greater absorption than smaller amounts.

    Whether you are sautéing greens, roasting veggies using a drizzle of oil, or using an olive oil-based salad dressing – these oil-enhanced methods are effective in ramping up absorption of the critical elements we need.

    Next week, we will look at various kinds of oils because, of course, there’s a difference there, too.

    In health –

    Deidre

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    Blogging for good health!, Exercise, Habit Building, Stress Reduction, This -n- That

    Peace and Love? Groovy, Man!

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    Is this a throw-back post about hippies?

    No, it’s about a change in a protocol we have all learned well.

    WELCOME TO KIM’S CORNER

    In our first issue of Kim’s Corner at Foodtalk4you, Physical Therapist Kimberly Attwood, PT, DPT, FDN, will explain something which surprised us during a recent visit to her office.

    You may have heard about the RICE method of treating soft tissue injury, such as a sprained ankle.

    Well, throw out the RICE to make way for PEACE and LOVE!

    Remember, the inflammation that happens with soft tissue injury acts as a defense and cleanup crew to initiate healing by sending immune cells and repair substances to the site, removing pathogens and debris, and setting the stage for tissue regeneration. While prolonged inflammation can hinder recovery, making a balanced response is crucial.

    Here’s Kim with information about the better approach for soft tissue injury in the acute phase, 1 – 3 days after injury, and the days that follow:

    The latest research shows that treating minor acute injuries with RICE is outdated and potentially detrimental to your overall recovery. 

    RICE = Rest, Ice (NSAIDs), Compress, Elevate 

    Anti-inflammatories (commonly ibuprofen, naproxen, ice, etc.) are very effective at interrupting the inflammatory process. 

    Knowing this relationship, hopefully you can see how anti-inflammatories on board during the first stages of healing could slow down the healing process.  

    But wait, it hurts! What should I do about my pain?

    Well, this is where the elevation and compression come into play. Being able to keep swelling to a reasonable level will help with the pain that you have during those first few weeks. Keep in mind that pain is a sign from your body, and it’s meant to protect you!

    What exactly do PEACE and LOVE mean for me after an injury?  As Physiopedia quotes: “Immediately after a soft tissue injury, do no harm and let PEACE guide your approach.”

    PEACE = Protect, Elevate, AVOID anti-inflammatories, Compress, Educate 

    P = Protect; give the injured body part a break from strenuous activity. Not complete rest, but don’t go jogging on a freshly sprained ankle! 

    E = Elevate; the injured body part needs to be above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling .

    A = Avoid anti-inflammatories; stay away from ice and medication that reduces inflammation – let your body do what it is designed to do! 

    C = Compression; use an ace wrap or other bandage to help reduce swelling.

    E = Educate; ask your favorite physical therapist to teach you about your injury, recovery expectations, and prevention strategies

    Then, after the first days have passed, soft tissues need LOVE:

    LOVE = Load, optimism, vascularization, exercise 

    L = Load; gradually increase your activities and weight bearing  

    O = Optimism; A positive mindset can carry you a long way in your recovery 

    V = Vascularization; participate in low impact cardiovascular exercises to encourage blood flow 

    E = Exercise; Go see your favorite physical therapist to learn how to best restore motion, strength, endurance and balance

    While diving into the anti-inflammatories and ice packs is what we have all learned previously, Kim reports that the PEACE and LOVE methods are shortening healing times!

    Here’s an excellent video that recaps these concepts.

    Kim may be reached at kimberly.attwood@ivyrehab.com for your questions or concerns.

    In health –
    Deidre

    Blogging for good health!, Habit Building, Stress Reduction, This -n- That

    Faces of Love and Peace

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    Faces of Love and Peace

    February is the month of love, and we will be exploring some very different variations on that theme in the coming weeks at foodtalk4you!

    Love and Peace just go together, don’t they?

    When we are at peace from within, we naturally reach out in love to others and to ourselves.

    Our community felt deeply blessed to witness the monks during their recent Walk of Peace through our state. At a time when the news seemed to grow heavier by the moment, and our spirits were sinking, this quiet band of brothers moved through our shared space as a living testament to another way.

    The image of them stays with me—shaping a quieter presence within myself and a renewed determination to walk each day with intention, toward peace, and toward being a light for others.

    So, how am I doing that?

    True confession. I had succumbed to the siren call of convenience, when I used liquid pods in my dishwasher.

    The pods’ plastic wrap melts in the hot water, releasing the contents to wash the dishes and provide the sparkle we all love from a clean rinse.

    Until I noticed a mysterious ‘dust’ on the back of my plates coming straight out of the dishwasher!

    Enter micro and nano plastics …

    There is no minimum daily requirement for ingesting plastics. None. No level of consumption or absorption is associated with good health.

    Plastic is forever! It does not return to the earth as some kind of compost … it breaks down to particle sizes smaller than dust.

    We breathe it. We eat it. We absorb it.

    Nano plastics cross defensive barrier systems in our body such as our skin and the lining of our intestines. They are now found in our blood, tissue, and organs.

    Consider this quote from the NIH dated January 23, 2024: “The researchers found that, on average, a liter of bottled water included about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic. About 90% of these plastic fragments were nanoplastics.” 

    Many people believe that drinking 64 ounces of water a day from single-use plastic bottles is good for their health—but is it? Doing so can result in an estimated 480,000 plastic particles entering the body.

    Awareness comes first. We cannot undo what we have done, we just take our next steps forward doing better.

    While we just had one pod to eliminate at our house, many people are using pods in the laundry as well.

    Did you know that our skin is our largest organ? It’s an organ of absorption! Plastic dust from laundry pods gets trapped in the fabric of clothes we wear!

    There will be more about finding ways to eliminate plastics from our lives in future posts.

    Now, we have a special announcement!

    Foodtalk4you would like to welcome Kimberly Attwood, PT, DPT, FDN, and Clinical Director of IVY Rehab in Garner, NC, as a guest contributor! Very soon, you will see the first edition of Kim’s Corner as she shares with readers her insights into how we can show love to our bodies through the latest techniques for recovery!

    In health –
    Deidre

    Blogging for good health!, Habit Building, Stress Reduction, This -n- That

    Aye, Aye, Captain!

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    It’s a verb.

    An action verb.

    Not like wishing or wanting but – DOING

    We may want to be healthier, move more, learn more – but without the ACTION to back it up … those wants are nothing more than hot air.

    It’s not the, WHAT we want to be or do – it’s the, HOW are we going to get from point A to point B in our plans? You know, stop talking and start showing by doing.

    That’s why my word of the year is “captain.”

    Not the noun. Not a person with a fancy cap and epaulettes.

    The verb means to lead or command a team or group … or myself.

    I am reminding myself to captain my boat – actively steering it with intention.

    Rather than thinking of resolutions which often turn into wish lists, I am setting my intention on owning my role as “captain of my boat.”

    I steer myself into calmer waters starting first thing each morning.

    The pressure of the news media blowing up every day, and the import of the headlines, is affecting my very soul. I now reject diving into my phone or my emails first thing just to get the latest.

    Rather, gazing out at the backyard view while I sip my coffee, helps ground me for the day ahead.

    Seeking a sunny spot from a south-facing window calms and centers me like nothing else – a far better way to ease into the day.

    Reading uplifting words from a print book – followed by personal thoughts and meditation – is a cherished tool for reaffirming my values.

    There are personal projects that have needed my attention. Rather than saying I should do whatever, I am approaching the need with an ownership mindset – because, well, I do own it.

    Whether the project is small, like drawers and closets that need tidying, or large – like managing finances, I am finding the inevitable delays that come from working with a ‘should’ mindset to a “where are we headed today, captain?” mindset is helping me get a lot more done.I leave you with one question.

    What are you doing to encourage yourself to be intentional amid unsettling and uncertain energy from any source?

    In health – Deidre

    A reminder to all reading today – subscribing to foodtalk4you.com is the best way not to miss any posts. Just fill out the subscription form and you will receive one email each Tuesday with the link to the new post. So, easy! There will be a few introductory emails, but that’s pretty much it. I will not inundate your inbox, and your information is never shared.

    Blogging for good health!, Holiday Celebrations, This -n- That

    So … Did You Spatchcock Your Thanksgiving?

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    The results are in!

    What could go wrong?

    We enjoyed the largest turkey I’ve ever bought.

    Harboring serious doubts about having a pan and rack large enough to accommodate the bird all splayed out; but comforted by the adequate instructions I shared last week – bolstered by the insider tips my daughter gave over the phone.

    After securing the great find of a Wilton Mega Baking Sheet and Cooling Grid at Walmart, I felt pretty confident going into the spatchcocking arena.

    Plus, I had a partner in crime to share duties.

    The day before Thanksgiving, I removed the mostly thawed bird from the fridge, freed it from the package, and placed it on the cutting boards set up on the counter. In retrospect, I should have covered the countertop with an opened up garbage bag, and used just one large cutting board on top.

    Things will get juicy. Have paper towels close at hand.

    After removing the apparatus, keeping the drumsticks together and setting the neck and giblets aside for gravy duty, we were ready!

    The newly purchased poultry shears worked flawlessly. This process does take some strength – especially when navigating around the bird’s hip juncture. Thanks to my daughter’s tip, we manipulated the leg every which-a-way and avoided plowing through the bones themselves.

    I often used a two handed grip on the shears to avoid hand strain.

    My sweetheart and I took turns and we assisted each other when doing the cut around the turkey’s hip. Once the spine was removed, we repositioned the turkey with the inside surface facing the cutting board.

    Some describe flattening the breast like CPR. I followed my daughter’s excellent tip of getting up on a step stool to put myself above the bird while doing ‘compressions.’

    But, unlike CPR, the goal IS to hear and feel the crunch as the breast cage gives way and flattens out.

    Still with me?

    Somewhere in here, we were either ready to never eat turkey again or to become vegan!

    But there was a high-five moment as we celebrated our accomplishments, and we were very grateful for this turkey feeding us and our friends the next night – and providing us with meat for countless meals in the future.

    After salting both sides, and separating the skin over the breast, thighs, and any where we could reach to deposit the savory butter compound (unsalted butter, garlic, herbs combined by the food processor), it was time to let the salt do its job overnight as the uncovered turkey in its huge pan somehow found a way into our refrigerator to rest.

    Whew!

    The baking process was just as I shared with you last week in the link to Crispy Edges. Pull the turnkey from the fridge two hours before oven time to bring the meat closer to room temperature.

    When it’s time to roast the turkey, preheat the oven to 425F. Roast the spatchcocked turkey for 45-60 minutes. When the breast hits 150-155F, pull it and let it rest for at least 30-60 minutes.

    Resting results in juicy meat! I covered mine with foil to retain heat; but after resting, the turkey can return to the oven set at 400F for 10-12 minutes to bring back up to temp.

    Then, be prepared for the juiciest breast meat ever as you slice it to serve.

    Thank you, Mr. Turkey! We honored your life by making your meat the best we have ever eaten!

    In health –
    Deidre

    Anti-Inflammatory Foods, Blogging for good health!, Recipes, This -n- That

    Hunting For Hummus? We Can Help!

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    We have always liked hummus. We buy it frequently, and I have made it on several occasions. But, during our Tucson adventure recently, we ate A LOT of it!

    A restaurant soon became our favorite in Tucson because of its hummus. The Pita Jungle offers an appetizer plate with three kinds of the delicious spread, along with enough pita bread to dip into – until your heart’s content.

    And we did!

    Especially our two-and-a-half year old grandson. We couldn’t figure out which of the three flavors was our favorite – tried as we might.

    So, upon returning home, we longed for some delicious hummus – homemade, please! Why? Because, there is a difference!

    Good hummus is, generally, thick and smooth; and gives you the impression of heaven – floating on a pillow-soft, airy-like fluffy cloud! Ahhhh!

    After perusing old messenger entries – I use messenger like a filing cabinet for things I want to remember. Do you do that? I found a video of some fellow who seemed to know his way around a chickpea, so I followed his lead.

    While the ultimate recipe for hummus may start with dried chickpeas/garbanzo beans, I used the tried-and-true canned variety, using two cans – equal to 3 cups – of chickpeas.

    Before throwing those chickpeas into the food processor, however, there’s a secret first step!

    After draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas, put them into a saucepan, cover with water, and add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Bring it up to boil and lower it to a simmer for 5 minutes. The hull of each chickpea will be released.

    When the time is up and the hulls are starting to release, remove the pan from the stove, pour off the water and the hulls, adding cold water to stop the cooking and aid in eliminating the hulls.

    In practice, the hulls were released but did not easily pour off. I ended up skimming and manually removing most of the hulls as I placed the hull-less chickpeas into the food processor. I look forward to improving my pouring-off technique. If most of the hulls are removed, that will be fine.

    To the food processor with the chickpeas, add the juice of one lemon, ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt, and 2 cloves of garlic.

    Process this mixture for 7-8 minutes. The mixture will get warm so don’t be alarmed.

    Add 1/3 cup of tahini to the mixture, about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and process for 3 more minutes. The tahini is added late because its proteins would otherwise cause a coagulation of the hummus, which cannot be reversed.

    Taste test for any desired seasoning adjustments. We felt it needed more salt and garlic, but I couldn’t add more raw garlic at this point, so we settled on a couple additions of garlic salt with a tasting in between additions to guide us. A few pulses from the food processor did the trick.

    Transfer this very warm cloud of hummus to a bowl and place it in the refrigerator for three hours to cool.

    Please feel free to download the recipe below!

    HOMEMADE HUMMUSDownload

    At home, we used tortilla chips to scoop up this delightful dish. It can be stored for a week in the fridge.

    We served it at a party we held; and are now enjoying lunches consisting of a few chips and our hummus and some leftover homemade guacamole – you couldn’t ask for a healthier snack.

    I hope you will try making your own cloud of hummus soon!

    In health – (and hummus!)

    Deidre

    November is National Family Caregiver month! Show your love and concern for caregivers you know by sharing my caregiver series with them:

    Toolkit for Caregivers

    Toolkit for Caregiver Emotions

    Thanks!


    Blogging for good health!, Habit Building, Stress Reduction, This -n- That

    Camino

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    Traditionally, a Camino journey refers to the Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James, which is a Christian pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where the remains of the Apostle James are said to rest.

    Pilgrams walked this route as an act of faith, repentance, and devotion as they sought forgiveness, spiritual renewal, or a closeness to God.

    Today, the spiritual roots of taking this Camino have evolved into a profound, personal experience that draws people from all faiths, perspectives, and walks of life.

    The actual Camino in Spain is a walk of hundreds of miles, testing physical strength, determination, and fortitude. Yet, the steady rhythm of walking becomes meditative, allowing travelers a chance to listen to their inner voice.

    Also, the Camino is a shared experience as fellow pilgrims from around the world connect with conversation, kindness, and the shared effort – creating a sense of community amid simplicity, generosity, and mutual care.

    Little did I know that our family’s week-long visit to Tucson, Arizona, and specifically, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, would become our Camino experience.

    From the moment we arrived at the hotel campus, we had started our journey. Every day, we absorbed this new terrain, climate, flora, and fauna.

    We learned how to correctly pronounce “Saguaro” – the remarkable sentinels of the desert landscape. Hint: replace the “gu” with a “w” to make: “sa – war- o.”

    This incredible cactus reminded us of nature’s time frame – so different from our frantic, connected world. You can appreciate this landscape more deeply by viewing this growth chart for the Saguaro:

    Then, we capped off our week with a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Just driving through the mountains on narrow winding roads, sharing the way with cyclists and motorcyclists, provided a much slower pace deserving of our awe and wonder.

    The whole outdoors seemed to span space and time, reminding us of the broader truths we each were seeking.

    Getting out of the car at the museum, we experienced the rhythm of our steps trough vistas of dessert beauty.

    Our communal experience as a family appreciating the desert animals – a Puma napping; two very large, speckled squirrels; black bear; prairie dogs, and others – along with a landscape that cannot be contained by words or pictures – was so personally moving.

    On the path through the winding roads, we experienced yet another view of the mountains on our return trip back to our hotel.

    Each new curve around the mountains seemed to take our breath away.

    Then it happened.

    As we approached one particular mountain view, we were all silent. Tears started to form in my eyes. One of us started to sniff.

    Still now, I can cry just recalling the experience.

    We were on our own Camino.

    The intimate messages of this journey are still being absorbed. So much had transpired that week for our family – so much to savor, ponder, and cherish.

    I will be forever changed.

    Have you had a Camino experience?

    In health – Deidre