Humans choosing to live differently is something I have emphasized a lot in these writings. Within it, there is room for expansion, creativity, study, growth and tremendous change in the positive! This is one problem with the current setup. We are basically stuck between the two-told that we are all supposed to do, be and strive for the same. Between religion and capitalism, there is currently little room for variation or diversity. Yet, diversity is essential. Diversity is the answer.

Through the years I have been glad to know of creative people of characters who can think outside the box and create their own place, their own reality. One of my favorite quotes is by Daniel Quinn “there is no one right way for everyone to live.” He is right. This is okay. The world would get awfully boring. I know of people and some of my friends who are modern nomads. They live only in the present moment, and carve out and ethical and honest life. Would this be the answer for everyone? Of course not; neither would this be possible, but it is thought provoking. After all, everyone on the planet trying to “make a living” doing basically the same thing driven by GDP may have served its purpose, but is now outdated. Another example of people who voluntarily live differently is the modern vegan movement. Thie movement itself isn’t without its valid criticisms, and it is an urban creation, but in it is consistency, lighter eating/living and people of character.

But perhaps the most striking example that my long time readers will recall is my friend David who decided to become a Buddhist monk. This was no small task. David knew what he wanted to do having paid off all his debts, (a requirement for the Buddhist discipline), sold his house and he now lives in Thailand. Monastic life is an honorable way to live in many respects, even if it is not for everyone and that is just the point. Buddhist monks, (bhikkus) are celibate; many disciplines eat only two meals a day, and they are engaged in important works of study, prayer, service and meditation. This is by choice. They choose to enter this disciplined way of life. I can tell you that David knows his stuff; he is disciplined, informed, strong, and was very much at peace with his decision when I met with him before he left. He was ready, having spent years of training in practicing meditation, study and peacefully praying.

Interestingly enough, lay persons, especially men in Thailand are encouraged to spend a year or two in monastic life. This makes for better husbands and dads when they return to life as lay persons. Two years will sound familiar to long-time fellow Utahn readers. However, instead of the rhetoric of this or that religious branch, timeless universal wisdom, which continues to recycle itself, of which all faiths of this earth are dust particles in the vast living universe is a more accurate description.

When you see a bhikku, bhukkini, monk or nun please give them a silent nod in respect. Not only have they earned it, but they are a prime example of humans that are both willing and able to live differently by choice adding to the much needed diversity of the human world.

Thank you for reading,

O

Related writings:

The Tesla and the Camel
Comparison and Competition, One and the Same
Words of Wisdom from the Coffee Shop

“Everybody wants something they control;
some just want grass, some, they want gold.
Either way does it feel good or feel low, taking you down not fast but real slow”
-311, Reconsider Everything

A few thoughts on this clever lyric: It is okay to want to have some control, that is, some say in the world. As long as it doesn’t become imbalanced with an obsessive need to control others to the point of being controlling. Since it is a human need to have some say and to create/be creative, society, organizations an ideal modernized societal setup would accommodate this reality. Having some say in your world, it is a principle of democracy.

Recently I was made aware of a program through the state that encourages people at age 80 to voluntarily stop driving. Obviously the state wouldn’t just take away a person’s license when they turn 80, so it is a voluntary program. After some thought, it is something that I would like to aim for; that is, to voluntarily stop driving by age 80. This would be not only to do my part in reducing pollution for the environment, (although by that time, hopefully there will be cleaner energy alternatives made available to the mainstream), but for consideration and safety reasons too.

Since there is time until I reach that stage, I can begin now to learn, prepare, and mull over it. I can align things to that end. This is not yet a formal commitment (“I only commit when I can commit” -OS), but I am saying that it is food for thought, and something I wish to strive for, a worthy goal for a few people to try maybe, although it may not be for everyone.

I am not planning on “Social inSecurity” (1.) being around when I retire, so I would have to think outside the box in setting up my life so that I can stay afloat should I choose to do this, which is probably a good plan anyway.. Curious though, if Social Security were to go away, what would saving for retirment then be called? ‘Semi-retirement’? ‘Retirement for those who want to, but most of all, those who can‘? If you aren’t working toward a set age which was formerly the age of what was called retirement, what is the point of any of it? And does that age change? Who sets the new age? “I’m no longer working toward retirement, but just toward paying off my house. I still hope I can buy food though”.

A growing number of senior citizens are having to work well into their 60s and 70s just to keep their shelter, eat and basically pay for their own funeral. Sad but true. It is easy to see where humanity has come a long way, yet there is still much work to do in zipping up the remaining loop holes-toward the pursuit of happiness being more enjoyable, more attainable for more than just a few.

A lot of preparation here can be done by the individual. You can see why there is wisdom in taking care of yourself, your health (eating well, exercise, sleep etc.) while young and all throughout life, into the elderly years. This reduces the health problems in those years.
The other side of that coin though is on the community/societal level, an improvement of programs and infrastructures.

One beneficial program that I can attest to about Utah is its excellent public transportation system, between the buses, trax and Frontrunner, getting around is slick for people of any age.

Many facts and figures from my eye-opening Social Problems class about the “whiting of America” come to mind. An added ammendment to this program could be an improved and expanded infrastructure, and broadened awareness of seniors’ needs. This would involve more of a connection between society and senior citizens’ community centers being made more accesible, not to mention more of a respect for elders stemming from the ground up in society. (Eastern cultures offer a fine example in this way, at least at the roots). Respect for elders still exists in the East and Middle East.

Well funded cooperative assisted living centers as an ammended extension of communities, and not merely another independent business designed solely to maximize profits would play an integral role. Instead of being ostracized on the outskirts, and often part of medical buildings, the strategic, integral location of these centers, designed for ease and assimilation would be a part of the community, and not apart from it.

From a societal standpoint, maybe everyone striving for the same thing, trying to live the same way, isn’t always effective or wise. Maybe scrambling across town depending on where you live to stay warm and buy food is chaotic. More organization and access, especially for the basics is needed. When 80 years old, there could be an improved situation for for senior citizens to live and thrive, even in their own community. For many, staying where they worked and lived for a long time would likely be the most comfortable for those senior years.

There is some time to decide. This is an individual decision; yet, it is one that affects everyone whether directly or indirectly. You thrive even better when others are setup for success and are thriving also, (in the pursuit of life, liberty, happiness” ‘n all).

This may be something worthy of consideration, planning for retirement, the future, life, but from a different perspective. Often, an accurate view that is also good is to think outside the box.

-Owen

1. Get out of debt specialist, Dave Ramsey; Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University

Here is a Netflix documentary that gives multiple reasons for reducing the use of gadgets/make-you-lonely technologies and anti-social media. Addiction and loneliness are the two that stand out today, but there are multiple reasons “getting clean”. Loneliness has been steadily increasing since the early 2000s while internet usage was skyrocketing. Then came the onset of internet on phones, followed by social media. Then, the March 2020 coV mess hit, and loneliness hit rock bottom. It can be argued that loneliness was the more severe pandemic. I highly recommend the film as part of informing yourself.

I will share one thing that stood out to me. One person poses the question “do you check your phone before or during your morning pee? Those are the only options.”

Is that for real??? Um, the answer is obvious, but I guess it isn’t for most people. The answer is long after; over an hour later actually. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Apparently I’m one of the few. See this is what I’m talking about. I am free. I am on the outside of this nonsense. I would say I’m “on the outside looking in”, but that isn’t accurate either because I don’t care to look inside. I have too much to do in living my life. You will discover the same thing about yourself as you begin to awaken and reclaim your health/life.

“And you know they never really owned you, you just carried them around ya, and one day you put ’em down and found your hands were free. -Ani DiFranco, Garden of Simple.

Life as real life. You can set yourself free also. May you start with watching the documentary and accepting that too much gadgetry is a problem. There are tips and steps provided at the end of the film.

Here are a few that I do:

* Deleted my Facebook a long time ago. In fact, I tried it for only a short time.
* Don’t have a smartphone; a flip phone instead and I take it with me only occasionally.
* Use Proton email, secure and private.
* Unplug regularly

Enjoy the film! It’s a good one, well done.
Take charge; say no to at least a few things, take back your health and your real life. Be your own creature!

The coach has spoken it. Again.

“Don’t make me come snatch a doughnut outcha mouth.” -LL Cool J

-O
Related writings:
Suggested Read
Speaking of Your Wellness Diary
Words of Wisdom from the Coffee Shop

You wouldn’t understand. The sun will continue to shine on you though.

See you there; looking forward to it.

“Friday afternoon and all the worries just float into the air.
Going to our secret spot and no one else knows how to get there”. -311, Friday Afternoon

There is a big difference between living in fear, and living in joy, albeit with a healthy dose of skepticism, asking the right questions toward goals, plans and preparation. The latter is intentional and proactive. May you choose it.

-Owen

“I get to cash out my sick pay next week!” Even though this hypothetical coworker is an annoying boaster, he/she probably made you stop and think.

Don’t you wish the above were true? You do if you’re one who eats well, reduces stress, exercises because if you do these it is likely that you rarely if ever get sick. At the time of this writing, I don’t know of employers that do this, but I’m sure a few exist. There certainly should be rewards for those of us who rarely need to use sick days due to our healthy lifestyle. That is one of my gripes during my time working trading hours for dollars, or hours for ten dollar bills to be more exact ha ha. Those few who rarely if ever called in sick due to their healthy and low risk lifestyle are given no rewards. There are no incentives. The one-size-fits all approach, which is all too prevalent is used. They are merely treated like everyone else.

There should be incentives up the wazoo on every level for those who VOLUNTARILY live a low risk, healthy lifestyle. Employees should be able to cash out their sick pay; of course they should! What’s more there is little reprimand (except the lovely guilt trip and interrogation from your supervisor) for those who call in sick frequently.

Yet, those who never use sick pay are scarcely noticed! Instead, they should be applauded and recognized. Others should be thankful for the healthy lifestyle that some voluntarily integrate into their lives; it saves money, work pressure and gives others a break.

I understand that nearly everyone gets sick from time to time and it’s a good thing we live in a modern world and in a (at least semi) forward-thinking country, where accumulated sick pay exists for when it is needed. But there should be incentives and rewards for those who rarely need it because they do the right things in taking care of themselves (diet, sleep, exercise and stress reduction). This is one area that I hope for the beginnings of change in the right direction toward a healthier nation and world. I was glad to see that minimum wage was recently raised. That was long overdue.

Food for thought for ye.
Related writings:

Forward-thinking Workplaces

O

I’ve been thinking about jobs lately (I’ve had some fantastic ones where I’ve been glad for the experience). Through it all, I’ve developed some ideas of possible room for improvement, but also some gripes. I’m glad that Biden has increased minimum wage. That was long overdue since $7.35/hour or whatever it was. It isn’t worth my cerebral energy to find out what the exact rate was. That was ridiculous. Nobody can live on that rate. I’m glad he is making some changes to the structure of work that makes the nature of work in the nation more fair, and that helps to narrow the-all-too large inequality gap.

Something else I would like to see is a way to confidentially check out a prospective employer as part of the hiring process even before submitting a resume. There should be transparency in most areas, sort of like shopping, so that you know what you’re buying. Finding a good job with a team that is also a good fit to your traits, work strengths/weaknesses and habits would be that much easier. I submit that the right lists and tools used properly with intent toward helping workers to find the right fit would save time, money, hassle and would even boost morale.

Here is just a basic rundown of possible questions/points that should be easily accessible:

Size of team
Approx. ratio of introverts to extroverts
Likelihood of possibly transferring locations (to reduce commuting time for example)
Lunch duration (hour or half hour)
Does the company value tenure, or are you merely a disposable number? “Business is business.”
Approx.ratio of desk duties to “outward” duties
Onsite perks such as gym, stress relief center, massage chairs, etc.
Top priorities of duties

These are helpful to know for folks who know themselves, such as whether introverted or extroverted, or prefers to be given duties out and about working with people instead of a desk job, etc. Maybe the tendency has been to see work as merely a paycheck; I submit humanity is beyond that now. There is more to work than merely a job. Considerations such as the team you’ll be working with, personality compatibility and the work environment are helpful. Why not align work to your values as much as possible? After all, how much of your adult life will be spent working? That is, currently, since many European nations offer 4-6 weeks of annual vacation time and ample maternity leave. Americans currently get two on average, and that’s if you’re lucky. Being the “richest nation” and all (even if only through our own eyes, redefining “rich” would also fit here), I hope to see more allotted time off also. But even if that happens, and I hope it does, that is still a lot of time spent at work.

Proper fit. A major part of the pursuit of happiness is the proper fit in so many aspects of life. Why should work be any different?

O
Related writings:

Praise for One Hour Lunch Breaks

Stress Relief
http://wellnessdiaries.com/think-about-it-for-the-month-2/

On this shortest day/longest night, it seemed fitting to send up hopes that whilst we’re enjoying the winter, the snow and the holidays, that “we can make the bright side even brighter”. (Staples, O. 2013, Life Is Conscious). Instead of a mere sliver, or crescent moon, it is my hope that we can bring the brightness in its entirety that is more like the full moon, and someday even the sun. Fitting, since after today it begins to return to us.

Enjoy (all) the holidays, and happy/healthy 2023, everyone.

Hugs, salutes, waves, high-fives and handshakes,

O

Orb weaver; photo credit: my zoology friend, Syd. Sorry arachnophobes. I thought the photo was amazing.

A return to beginnings here; if you’ve read my first memoir,The Wellness Diaries, you know that it all began with my jotting down thoughts here and there about mood, sleep, discoveries about food/nutrition and exercise preferences. Once I asserted these and integrated them into my life, I had more to give to others, the world around me and even back to myself. They paid for themselves many times over. New opportunities and possibilities began to open up for me. It is as though I was rewarded for taking care of myself. How about that?! This is just my submission to each individual. This is the beauty of a wellness diary.

To those of you who haven’t tried it, the effects of your own wellness diary are far reaching. Jotting in your own private wellness diary about your sleep patterns, moods, exercise routine and food choices teach you a lot of valuable information about yourself, your preferences, likes and dislikes. Wellness is about the individual-the many layers of spirit, mind and body. I like to say that wellness is health expanded. There are so many layers worth exploring. A lot is covered there, probably more than you realize. Chances are that you will discover as I did a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and that wonderfully refreshing feeling of self-honesty. Keeping a wellness diary helps you to “own it.” The level of relief and liberation in learning something new about your likes and dislikes, and practicing the assertiveness to just go with that new knowledge, and applying it in your life is difficult to describe. Suffice it to say that not only does it build character and makes you stronger, but it is a catalyst for your own helpful journey, and quite likely before you even realized you were on a journey! Then you will look back on how far you’ve come and it will be rewarding exciting and inspirational, not only for yourself but for others also. Others begin to see the changes that you have planned and integrated, a building of yourself.

It is just like exercise, meditation, stress reduction, setting yourself up for sound sleep, or any other health promoting habit. It pays off and there is the added benefit of putting your mind and body into it. This encourages self-efficacy. Growth. Strength. Confidence. Alignment. Inspiration. So many keywords are associated with the work you are already doing as you recreate yourself and your immediate surroundings, enjoying regular musings through jottings in your wellness diary. You can learn to get creative and have fun with it! What’s more, it can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish.

There are many benefits. Writing in your wellness diary is to practice mindfulness. It is also a form of brain exercise. The act of writing with your hand, the slower pace of it, helps you to retain, relive and remember meaningful information and detail. Writing it down is also a form of release, whether what you are writing about was positive or negative, writing it is to set it free. What’s even better, you are learning something about that topic which you write about, and how it affects you. Keeping your wellness diary will teach you a lot.

It is very simple to do. You don’t even necessarily have to write daily. You can write when you have a new idea, thought, or have learned something new about your well-being, either through your own observation, (key) or through some other source, tips that you decided to apply that worked for you, for example.

One aspect of health and wellness is of course is exercise. I don’t know many people who actually just love exercising; this includes me. I love the outcomes and the benefits that exercise gives me, but it’s not like I wake up on Monday mornings and say “yes! Triceps today yeeeeeeeeeEEE-hawwww!” Not exactly; if anything, I would describe that scene as a form of healthy drudgery, where I’m not particularly looking forward to it, but I see it as essential and I just do it. It’s just one of those ‘musts’ in my life. I’m glad after I have exercised. It is an essential part of life. The benefits are nearly endless. Gut health, cardiovascular health, strengthened immunity, stress reduction, improved sleep, increased feel-good hormones, elimination of toxins, improved productivity and creativity-these are just a few of the many benefits of regular exercise. This is why it is an essential. However, there is no doubt that it is hard work. It helps to keep your body thriving in so many ways. Everyone knows that exercise is beneficial, yet how many still do it regularly? Take any health habit positive or negative, and you can write in your wellness diary about it. “There’s a diary entry for that!” Everyone knows that smoking is detrimental to health, yet plenty of people still smoke. I’m not knocking people who smoke. There are many factors involved in the reasons for it being so difficult to quit. These are just examples.

You can also include a section about where you are on your path with your goals, or your pursuit of happiness if you will. You may find it helpful to first write something in a positive light, such as where you feel your life is rich and abundant, having what you want, have wanted. This extends into the area of gratitude. Then you can also contrast this to your jots about what you feel is missing from your life. Be honest and without self-criticism or blame; there is no right or wrong answer here. Self-honesty is one of the most important components. Once you have the two sides, take an honest look about what you can change toward your goals and happy pursuits, and the steps you will take to achieve them. Be honest, realistic, and allow yourself time. This part is very helpful to write down. It helps you to make distinctions and clarity.

The point is that you are more likely to engage in the healthful habit of regular exercise (or any health promoting habit within spirit, mind and body) if you are aware of the ones that you just don’t like, practice self-honesty and just eliminate and reduce you obligating and “shoulding” yourself to keep those in your workout plan. For example, I am not a runner. I’m not really designed to run fast or for very long. Could I train to become faster and to run for longer distance? Absolutely. But do I want to, and is that feasible/realistic for my goals? No. And am I worried about that? No. I am honest with myself; I learn clarity with likes and dislikes and I just “go with it”. This is so refreshing. I can’t really tell you; it’s something you must experience for yourself.

When you realize that this applies to every aspect of wellness, you see the huge potential here. But on my journey, learning something about which exercises were palatable was big for me, before I could really commit to exercising regularly. I believe this is a practical application for anyone. Making it easier for yourself is part of setting yourself up for success. Learning about the types of exercise that are less grueling makes it easier to exercise regularly.

Sleep, food choices, your social style, (are you an introvert or extrovert and to what extent)? Your dreams, aspirations, stress, triggers, moods, mental health tips and discoveries, all these matter. They are helpful to know throughout your life. This can be especially helpful at this time of year during the winter when it is harder to get out, or to get the motivation to exercise. It is also a great time to be learning these many aspects of wellness jotted in your wellness diary to be integrated into new plans, life changers, and goals for the upcoming year. All these can be part of your wellness diary collage and journey!

As mentioned before, too many options produces stress; eliminating some of the options is to De-clutter and is refreshing, a healthy habit.

I submit that a new world awaits. You have only to start writing it and doing it; it is an exercise by itself. You can get all into it, creatively and being organized by wellness topic, even with tabs, chapters, headings, and photos/illustrations if you choose. Or, you could simply jot it all down into one big hodge-podge of wellness practices and ideas.

One nice thing about a wellness diary is that when you tend to forget, you can look back at certain aspects to spark your memory as part of self-help, growth and building your spirit, mind, body, and your life. It all starts with your wellness diary.

After all, that is exactly where it began for me-the journey since then has continued to sprout, grow and branch. I submit that exploration, discovery and study for life-long learning is one of the joys of life. I highly recommend enhancing it with your own wellness diary, during this season as a new beginning for yourself.

Season’s joy, peace, cheer, and happy/healthy 2023 to all,

-O

Related writings:
More Than Survive, Thrive!
Think About it for the Month…
Awake.

Our shadows while hiking. The photo doesn’t do it justice. It looked like nothing I had ever seen!