|
Performance News
Editor's Column
Elephant Distractions, by Valerie Lunden, MA
Don’t think of an elephant!
Did it work?
Let me state
that again: Don’t think of an elephant!
More than likely both times you did think of an
elephant. Big, floppy-eared, long trunk, gray, circus,
tusks - that sort of elephant. This is what I'm calling
the elephant distraction.
The BP editorial this month is about doing the exact
opposite. That is, thinking the exact opposite of
doing. You see during the last month every time I
sat down to write this newsletter, I have done the
exact opposite - that is not write this newsletter!
In regards to this dilemma, a better term might be
thinking of an elephant. Writers tenderly
describe this affliction as having writers block,
although I
have no clue what that means, since writing has
nothing to do with shapes or the condition of a
diminished mental capacity. Instead, I believe it has
more to do with distractions and lately I have had a
few challenges keeping ahead of mine.
My list of distractions includes; relationships,
structures, friends, family,
health and job stuff. You name it, it’s
been on my Elephant List.
So far 2006 has been
a year filled with the unpredictable.
To circumvent this, I have committed to not think
about my elephant, (although I am still seeing a
smudge of gray in my peripheral vision). I have
posted a spotty cheetah on my wall (a subliminal
message).
I have also committed to adding a few new topics to
the newsletter, (not all at once). In this month's
edition, Performance Notions
will replace Wealth Performance. Notions considers
current events and social issues. In
addition,
since this newsletter is all about giving back, I have
decided to include links to several exceptional
charities. Thanks to the Internet giving
is
easier then ever
before, so please take advantage of the links, and
perhaps by the time taxes are due we will all have a
few extra deductions!
If you like Performance
Notions, (or feel otherwise), I would
love to hear your comments. Of course, if you also
happen to be seeing elephants, I would love to
know why!
Best,
Valerie Lunden
Donations Accepted! Save the Elephants!
http://www.worldwildlife.org/elephants/index.cfm?
searchen=google
BRIGHT PERFORMANCE NEWS
- Purchase Inspiration to Realization!
Endorsed
by John Gray! CLICK THE LINK BELOW!
- This month's NEW Column, Performance
Notions
- Coming soon: Travel Performance column
- Coming soon: Xcalober Exclusive Press - Check
your mailbox!
PERFORMANCE NOTIONS
The Month of May - Forget No One, by Valerie Lunden, MA
Three items of calendar consequence happen in the
United States this May, they are Mothers Day, the
Revlon Run Walk and Memorial Day. If a theme were
attached, it might be remembrance and connection,
or more simply forget no one.
Mothers Day is a wonderful celebration.
Mothers (and fathers) are intrinsic to the founding
values of family life. The Revlon Run Walk is another
form of remembrance, where a collective family (of
runners and walkers) join together to remember lives
lost and lives saved. In both of these events we are
provided with an opportunity to shed tears of joy and
tears of sadness. This year both Mothers Day and
the Revlon Run Walk happen to be on the same
weekend, May 13th and 14th.
Memorial Day is about remembering
those who have warred for freedom; the men and
women, mothers, fathers and friends who have given
and still give their lives so we can collectively enjoy
and cherish all those things we hold dear. History
has established that this memorial be recognized with
a day off work, or a day of remembrance.
For all intents and purposes, May might be a
meaningful month in our calendar. We all have
mothers. We probably all know someone who has
had breast cancer or has survived or died of this
terrible disease. We also all belong to a collective
group, who has experienced war and the anguish
that it brings. Whether we agree or disagree with
why wars happen is of no consequence. Possibly
what matters more is that others have died and will
die, mothers will always be sacred to life, and a few
of us will or
will not die of a devastating disease. Whatever we
know, believe or understand, soon we will be given
several opportunities to remember the many.
WEIGHT PERFORMANCE
The Walking Cheetah, by Valerie Lunden, MA
Unless very frightened, cheetahs in the wild don’t
run, buffalos don’t stampede and bunny rabbits don’t
hurry (remember the White Rabbit from Alice in
Wonderland). That old adage, walk - don't run has
consequence, particularly in the great outdoors
where animals are oblivious of exercise as a concept
and hardly ever suffer from a lack of mobility, or
other
common human ailments like cancer or heart
disease.
With this perspective in mind the concept
of "extreme"
exercise seems counterproductive. Even those folks
who visit the gym and run
with enthusiasm on treadmills might appear a tad
unnatural (or perhaps not). Consider this; unless we
strive to be in peak physical condition and
concentrate
fully on preventative measures, extreme exercise
can lead to
injury. Have you ever noticed those professional
athletes who wear big bandages on their knees and
ankles? And
they still continue to exercise! How about our
cheetah wearing a bandage on its knee as it roams
the planes of the Serengeti, now this picture might
be a candidate for Candid Camera.
Regardless, a lack of exercise does pose
potential health concerns, so if you haven’t started
exercising perhaps this is the time to at
least think about reviewing your options.
Before starting, consider the following: What does
exercise mean to you? If you were
once very athletic, (say in high school), perhaps as
an adult your
body is no longer able to handle anything
too rigorous. The next step would be to pick an
exercise you can actually do and most important,
stick with.
This article advocates walking. In fact according to
experts, walking is a
great beginner exercise, so try walking as must as
possible. Walk up and down steps, walk after lunch,
walk on weekends, walk to the store, walk at the
mall--indeed walk to the mall!
Consistent walking has documented health
benefits and requires few instructions or any
expensive gym
memberships. Depending on how you plan your day,
walking can also be convenient. Another plus is no
special equipment is required, although having good
walking shoes will help prevent sore feet and injuries.
Some walking considerations.
According to the references provided, beginners
might consider a simple 15-minute walk every day.
With consistency and over time this can improve
overall health, support weight loss and
increase both circulation and muscle tone.
Ready to begin? Great! Let's consider how to make
walking fun and safe.
1. First check with your doctor as to how much and
how long a duration to walk.
2. Decide when to walk. Adopting a consistent
walking schedule creates focus and supports
weightloss goals. Consider walking on both Saturday
and Sunday if weekdays are too busy.
3. Pick a route. Does your walking route allow for a
15-20 minute walk? Can you use the same route and
walk longer if you want to?
4. How about walking with a friend or even a spouse?
5. Walking alone? How about finding some
great music to listen to, or even books on
tape? This will help reduce distractions and
boredom.
6. Start slowly, then add five extra minutes every 2
weeks. A 30-45 minutes walk / 3 times per week is
an acceptable goal to strive toward.
7. Check your progress by using an accurate
pedometer.
THE BP
CHALLENGE:
Can you build up your pace and
walk
10,000
steps a day?
Read more about walking for exercise by clicking the
links
below!
PERFORMANCE POEM
Seasons Spirit, by Valerie Lunden
Dedicated to the people we remember in May
I came to bring good news,
said the
Spirit,
I came to see the flowers and trees.
I came for just a moment, said the Spirit,
I came to honor beyond the earth and the sea.
I may be gone tomorrow, said the Spirit,
I may not see all there is to be seen.
I may not be able to smell the roses and hug the
children,
I may not have time to complete my dream.
I realize the truth, said the Spirit,
I realize and understand.
I realize what needs to be done, said the Spirit,
I realize my work may be undone.
I hope to make a difference, said the Spirit,
I know the journey will not be in vain.
I hope to lift the hearts of many, and
I know my love will prevail.
PERFORMANCE MOTIVATION
Buddy Motivation
This motivation idea I borrowed from a friend. It's a
great idea, which comes in three parts.
Part 1. First find a supportive Friend/Coach (we
know you have at least one!)
The effort is simple. You and your friend call each
other daily for 30 days (or longer). During
the daily phone calls you
and your friend both commit to doing something
positive, nurturing or productive, either for yourself
or for someone else each day.
Part 2.
Use the following to set the context of your daily
pledge.
Who am I willing to be today in order to
produce an extraordinary result out of this
interaction?
I am willing to be, (pick 5 from the following
list).
Part 3. Words
Incorporate five of the following words in your daily
pledge.
Here's the list:
- Compassionate
- Joyous
- Courageous
- Kind
- Creative
- Loving
- Empowering
- Open
- Enthusiastic
- Present
- Flexible
- Receptive
- Focused
- Supportive
- Generous
- Truthful
- Gentle
- Vulnerable
- Grateful
SPIRIT PERFORMANCE
Sign Me Up! By Ruth Ann Karch, MA
For our family season of prayer this lent, we
meditated on the Sign of the Cross. I searched
through books and Googled for information about this
short, profound prayer. I even found a website
(http://lphrc.org/rmk/cath.html) that lists the sign of
the cross and other prayers in an entire Pentecost of
languages. Here is the sign of the cross in Ukrainian,
the language of my maternal grandfather: V imyá
Ottsiá, i Sýna, i Sviatóho Dúkha. Amín.
I thought about the many loved ones who traced the
sign above me as an infant and then later took my
own hand and guided me so that I could do it myself,
smiling and proud. My family knew about God and we
all did this amazing act of spiritual choreography
together before we ate, before we prayed, and
sometimes when we just didn’t know what else to do.
The cross is one of humankind’s earliest symbols. It
transcends cultures and beliefs. We bless ourselves
and others in the name of God-for-us, God-with-us,
God-in-us. As I meditated on these words during
lent, my prayer-mind went deeper and farther in the
poetry of faith. One day, I wrote and signed myself
with “Blessings in the name of the Creator, the Life,
and the Spirit of love that unites us.” On another, I
signed “In the name of the Inventor, the Teacher,
and the Confidence.”
Poetry helped me to personalize the mystery and
the gifts of faith.
Whatever your spiritual path, meditating on the unity
of the three-part life is a gift offered by spiritual
poetry. I leave you with one example that lights the
way toward further peaceful
contemplation.
May you be
blessed
in the name of:
The Imagination, the Incarnation,
and the Inspiration
The Eternal, the Energy, and the
Essence
The Maker, the Interpreter, and
the Grace
The Spark, the Shine, and the
Synergy
The Wisdom, the Way, and the
Will
SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT PERFORMANCE NEWS!
|
Use this forward feature to
share withyour friends!
Subscribe!
