The Care And Feeding Of Me

Someone asked me today (via email) how I support myself emotionally and mentally. It was an interesting exercise to break that down into some clear and solid points, so I thought I'd share my response.

- I do individual and group therapy (and have for many years).

- I make sure I keep a good balance of alone time to social time (I'm definitely an introvert, I need my alone time to feel stable).

- I stay away from processed sugars, gluten, red 40 food dye, dairy, and caffeine and I limit my intake of unprocessed/natural sugars (except for whole fruit), and other food additives (it's the red 40 that effects me most, though).

- I make sure I get good quality sleep and plenty of it.

- I meditate/pray daily. I find this grounding and reminds me of my ideals and that there is a higher power at work.

- I feel good when I know that I am being of service to someone; even if it's just something like leaving an extra-good tip for a waiter, I know I made a positive difference in the world.

- I try to get in a walk or some yoga (or any other form of exercise, but those are the two easiest for me right now) every day, even if it's only 10 or 15 minutes

- I'm really working on self acceptance; being ok with who I am and where I'm at and not comparing myself to anyone else, or any ideals.

- I take Vitamin D and B-12 and sometimes a multi-vitamin daily.

John Trexler

Thinking of my friend and fellow Renaissance musician, who passed away this evening following a bike accident.

Listen to the story told by the reed, of being separated. "Since I was cut from the reedbed, I have made this crying sound. Anyone apart from someone he loves understands what I say. Anyone pulled from a source longs to go back. At any gathering I am there, mingling in the laughing and grieving, a friend to each, but few will hear the secrets hidden within the notes. No ears for that. Body flowing out of spirit, spirit up from body: no concealing that mixing. But it's not given us to see the soul. The reed flute is fire, not wind. Be that empty." Hear the love-fire tangled in the reed notes, as bewilderment melts into wine. The reed is a friend to all who want the fabric torn and drawn away. The reed is hurt and salve combining. Intimacy and longing for intimacy, one song. A disastrous surrender and a fine love, together. The one who secretly hears this is senseless. A tongue has one customer, the ear. A sugarcane flute has such effect because it was able to make sugar in the reedbed. The sound it makes is for everyone. Days full of wanting, let them go by without worrying that they do. Stay where you are inside sure a pure, hollow note. Every thirst gets satisfied except that of these fish, the mystics, who swim a vast ocean of grace still somehow longing for it! No one lives in that without being nourished every day. But if someone doesn't want to hear the song of the reed flute, it's best to cut conversation short, say good-bye, and leave. --------- A craftsman pulled a reed from the reedbed, cut holes in it, and called it a human being. Since then, it's been wailing a tender agony of parting, never mentioning the skill that gave it life as a flute. --Rumi