Training Your Brain

Today, I have decided to work on training my brain.  In the past, I used Apps for this and will pick those back up. But I also realize that there are other ways of achieving this goal.  I found many different paths on Pinterest that would lead to achieving a healthier mental attitude.  I will attempt to share my findings on this blog, in my own words, and from a Christian perspective.


First, if you doubt that you can or will do something, then you probably will not follow through.  The Apostle Paul told the Philippian believers, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13  If you don't believe in yourself, believe in Him.


Second, if you put off till tomorrow what you should do today, it will be even easier to put it off again tomorrow and then may not get done.  Jesus said, "Take no thought for tomorrow: for tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient for that day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34  How many times in my work have I put off accomplishing a challenging assignment, only to come in the next day with brand new set of challenges to face up to.  It only leads to more stress.


Third, making a to-do list or writing down a set goal is helpful. The Old Testament prophet was commanded to "write the vision and make it plain on the tablets, so that even those who are running may read it." Habakkuk 2:2  Often if I write down a to-do list, I give more attention to task and gain a sense of peace when the task is accomplished.


Writing down your experiences to share with others via a blog will help you process your thoughts.  Of you may only wish to keep them to yourself via a journal.  Either way, writing is a very healthy habit and assists you in developing better articulation.  When I am working on a difficult situation, I often write down all my thoughts, as though they would be read aloud in a court of law. It helps me to put focus and intent into my assessment of the situation.


Physical exercise is my list favorite activity.  I often joke that if I am running, you should be too, because something scary is probably chasing after me. However, statistics indicate that only 20 minutes a day is good for the whole body. Exercise will cause your heart to work stronger which in turn circulates the blood more efficiently to the brain and far extremities of your body.  Remember those exercises we did in grade school: jumping jacks, pushups, chin-ups, jogging, squats, etc.  Simple movements that have great effect on your day - effort to effect your affect - it boosts your morale.


Many Christians shy away from meditation, due to their belief that meditation is a foreign religious practice.  However, we read of meditation countless times throughout the Bible.  The King James Version of the book of Psalms employs the use of this word 15 times. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippians: "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there be any praise, think [meditate - my translation] on these things." Phil. 4:8.


In conclusion, I hope my sharing this thought with you inspires a notion in you to find your path to a healthier mind.

Contentment vs Minimalism

Recently, I have been reading up on many frugal websites and blogs. I find it intriguing that so many of the things listed, I already do. The best scrubby in the world is a used orange or onion bag. Also, ordering water on those occasional trips to a restaurant.  And how about those leftovers.
Before going on a two week trip to Hawaii, I decided not to go to the grocery store for almost two weeks. The refrigerator was full and so was the food pantry. In fact, some things were outdated and had never been opened. It's amazing how ingenious I became with meals.


I have also found that you can save some change by going the speed limit. It reduces the use of fuel, as well as saves you from catching so many red lights.  I have found myself accelerating down the interstate over the posted speed limit, only to be stopped in rush hour traffic, right next to that sweet old granny I passed ten miles ago.  Not only did it cost me fuel, but the rush left me feeling anxiety and hurried.


Many people turn to Buddha for tips for wisdom.  I turn to the Jewish Messiah - Jesus. He was very minimalistic. In fact we find he had no place to call home (Matt 8:20).  He taught that we shouldn't put thought into material things, such as food/clothing, but our main concern should be the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 6:33).  He practiced a very ancient form of meditation. Modern Hebrew speakers refer to it as Hitbodedut. It is being alone with God. (Matt 14:23)


Rather than being a minimalist, I prefer the term "contentment".  The apostle stated, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" and " having food and clothing, be content with these things" (I Tim 6:6, 8) It's not so much about having to have the latest gadget or the most recent iPhone. It's not about driving the latest model or taking a spectacular vacation. It's about being content with what you have.


The 10th commandment states, "You shall not covet your neighbors spouse. You shall not covet his house, nor his ox, his mule, his land or anything that is your neighbors."  By keeping this commandment, we guard ourselves against discontentment with the things that we have.  I am happy for my neighbor that he/she got a new car. I am happy that my neighbor has an 60'' concave plasma T.V. But I am thankful that I have a car to drive. I am content with my laptop. I am content with my older model phone.


I may not go through my closet an eliminate all but 7 outfits, but I do not wish to overspend on clothing that I don't need. If I find a shirt I like and feel that it will be more practical than one I already own, it may be time to donate an old one to make room for the new.


I have lived in my house, now for eight years.  I have yet to have a water spigot install outdoors to water my garden.  It does become cumbersome carrying out buckets of water in the summer, to water my garden, but it is also a blessing.  As I was thinking on this recently, I realized how thankful I am to God when it rains.  It gave me the sense that I'm sure Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had when rains came or they found an oasis in the desert. I began to realize how God has used this to illustrate a lesson of thankfulness.


BTW: here's an update on my garden:

After all these years...

So, maybe I'm not the most faithful at keeping you up to date. My apologies. This year, my garden has taken on a new look. I decided to recycle the raised boxes and make them into a pyramid. With a little bit of cutting down the boards, placing a pallet in the back to support the cucumbers and peas, my kitchen garden came together. I was able to recycle a lot of the dirt from the previous boxes, but with 30 bags of $1.14 topsoil from Menards and a mixture of previous years' compost, I was able to fill the pyramid.  As you can see, my neighbor's grapevines, hang ever so lusciously across our fence. Also, my thorn-less blackberries continue to thrive, year after year. Had I not cut them back, I would have been unable to get my boxes in. You can see that they only came back with a vengeance one month later.

Then comes the melon garden, planted with the squash.  This year, I have taken on a new love for roses. I planted three different types of roses.  The first is a White Tea rose next to the Hibiscus tree. After that is red rose and then a red and white variegated rose. Finally, stands the Gardenia tree, all protected under the shade of the grapevines.

On the other side of the yard, my wisteria has taken onto the trellis and is climbing right on up there.  The sage from two years ago, continues to thrive behind the mini patio and on the other side and luscious smelling spearmint permeates the atmosphere when the wind catches it. 

 

 

While driving down the road, one day, I saw an abandoned tire.  It was weathered but I could tell it needed someone to repurpose it. So, I stopped, hoisted it into the trunk of my car and made an nice mint garden in the middle of my rock garden.

 

Finally, comes the compost.  My motto concerning the earth is "waste not want not".  I learned somewhere that you can buy an inexpensive trashcan (which I think I got on sale at Menards some years ago), drill holes in the sides and bottom, put your vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee/tea grounds, egg shells, along with shredded paper, leaves, twigs, branchs, etc.  Roll the trash can around the yard once a week and add water every so often.  In a few short months, you'll find yourself with some rich, black compost.

A New Use for the Weedeater

Why is it that for the past 3 summers, I spent countless hours in the sun, pulling weeds from the yard and garden, only to go out to the plant nursery and pay exorbant amounts of money for plants that will only last for about 3-4 months. I couldn't count all the dandelions, chicory and lamb's quarters that I've trashed, just to make room for some lilly livered lettuce or brocolli that will only last a few months, if it survives to begin with.

Did you know, all parts of a Dandelion plant are edible, as is Chicory and Lamb's Quarters? Not only that, you can't kill them. And to think, I've pulled so many of these pesky weeds up by the roots to throw them out.

Dandelion and Chicory roots can both be made into tea and coffee, if roasted. The leaves make a wonderful salad, as do the flower petals. Not only are they edible, but also VERY healthy. We spend thousands of dollars to eat healthy, when some of the healthiest vitamins are growing right in our own backyards. Of course, if you spray chemicals on your weeds, then that renders them inedible, otherwise, you have a vitamin store growing outside your door.

Life in the Big City

So I live in a busy city about 2 seconds from a major interstate... How is it that I always enjoy a long weeks vacation, yet I never leave my address? About 4 years ago, I decided I gave too much money away to other people to live in their apartment. I had no yard, no space for my babies - Peanut and Fehrah (Chihuahua and Cat, nor could I just do with the space whatever i wanted.

So, I set out to find a place to call my own. One night, while scrolling through MIBOR.com I found the cutest little house with so much personality, just begging me to come visit. I talked to a realator friend of mine and we set up a time to go see it. Well, she's a wise woman and wanted me to see several other places, as well. So, we looked at a few others, but they didn't have any character.

She wasn't very keen on the house for me, becuase I was a first time buyer and the house needed a bit of tidying up and work. It hadn't been lived in for about 2 or 3 years, but recently had a bit of work done in the kitchen. We started bantering back and forth with the owner, and within a month, we were closing the deal.

I was so excited to have my own place, but it was a bitter, cold February... I tackled the painting and a few things inside the house with a little help from friends and family. But when the first sign of Spring sprung, i headed straight to Menards and bought lumber, dirt and seeds... I had a raised garden even before Mother's day, that year.

Three years later, I'm still harvesting tomatoes that volunteer to come back every year from the starters my sister gave me that first summer. I have Cilantro and Parsley coming back, as well.

Can't wait to share more with you about my life on this, oh about 1/4 of an acre in downtown Indy.