Never perfect

"A beautiful thing is never perfect."
- Egyptian proverb


[But I hasten to add that grandbabies are always beautiful and almost perfect!]

Cheating amoeba

Over the years my kids have heard me harp against cheating and watched my disappointed facial expression if they convey they think it's okay to cheat. So of course, when I read the following federally funded research, I smiled: not in a "I told you so" way, but just 'cause it's kinda funny - cheating and amoeba's? Still, I want to pass along the observation - of cheater resistant amoeba dominating - to whoever might be reading, and am hoping my kids may be among the readership. [Kids, I hope you're grinning, and that you know I'm grinning.]

"Somewhere there's an amoeba community just trying to make a life for itself (preferably on some rotting vegetation, or on a forest floor) -- doing the usual amoeba things -- eating, reproducing. But when food supplies begin to run out, everyone comes together as a group to try to find a new food source.

Collectively the group is known as a slime mold, though they're neither slimy nor moldy. They're just a big ol' moving clump of amoebas or amoebae (either one's correct) going toward a light source, since light means food. As the clump reaches the destination, some of the amoebae must sacrifice their lives, turning into a dead cellulose stalk. The other amoebae pile on and release spores to be carried from that high point to other locations by outside forces, like wind or insects.

New research out of Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine is taking a careful look at "cheaters" in the community. The kind of amoeba whose gene codes tell them to avoid being up front where they might have to die for the cause, and to actually push others up to the front.

You'd think that logically the cheaters would prosper. But a small percentage of the amoebas refuse to be pushed around. Over successive generations these cheater resistant amoebae came to dominate -- keeping the cheaters in place, and forcing them out of the reproductive chain. Even nature doesn't like a cheater."

{"The Discovery Files" covers projects funded by the government's National Science Foundation.}

Only the sane people

Insane people are always sure that they are fine.
It is only the sane people who are willing to admit that they are crazy.
-Nora Ephron, novelist (b. 1941)

Basic rules

I just read these basic rules for shedding weight, and since it's the new year and all thought I'd share them.

• Have at least three meals a day. Eating on a regular basis prevents extreme hunger that can wreak havoc on your resolve to eat better and exercise more.

• Stay fuller for longer by combining protein (found in the greatest amounts in foods from the milk and meat/beans food groups) with fiber (found in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes) at every meal and snack. Noshing on fat-free yogurt and an apple, or a hard-cooked egg and a small whole grain roll, is more satisfying than spending the same number of calories on soda crackers, which are very low in fiber and devoid of protein.

• Conserve calories. Choose the lowest-calorie choices from each food group. For example, opt for 1% reduced-fat milk or fat-free milk instead of full-fat; 93% lean ground beef instead of 85%; and light popcorn instead of popcorn smothered in butter.

Release

Today I'd like to offer a gentle urging toward releasing the old, starting again, and enjoying a new beginning. I am currently preparing to offer an experiential prayer workshop that encourages connection of body, mind, and spirit (see NaturallyYours "Featured" box with link for more information & registration form for the Feb 6 workshop at Christos).
I'm reading about and practicing a focus on the breath and relaxation, on meditative mindful acceptance and presence, on love and gratitude. These practices move me toward release and a willingness to embrace new beginnings. Toward that same end, I have for you in this new year, a quote, a blessing, and a verse.

*A quote from an article in a 2007 issue of Health magazine, that reminds me of the ‘big deal’ of releasing -

“That’s the essence of meditation: being aware of what you’re thinking without getting caught up in it, releasing those thoughts, and starting over again.

‘Simple instructions - practicing moments of letting go and beginning again -can have lifelong effects…

It’s a big deal to always be able to begin again. It says a lot about forgiveness and renewal, and being able to be gentle with yourself.’”

*A blessing penned by John O’Donohue, in his book To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings -

To Come Home to Yourself

May all that is unforgiven in you be released.

May your fears yield their deepest tranquilities.

May all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.

*A verse-

Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it?

I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:18-19 (NAS)

Not madness?

No need to agree or disagree with this statement, merely let it roll around in your head or heart...

"When love is not madness,
it is not love."
- Pedro Calderon de la Barca, poet and dramatist (1600-1681)

To hear the laughter of God

Just recently I’ve been enjoying the imagery and Christian Celtic perspectives of Irish philosopher and poetic mystic John O’Donohue (1954-2008), and want to share one of his blessings by way of welcoming this new year 2010.

For Equilibrium

Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,

May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.

As the wind loves to call things to dance,

May your gravity be lightened by grace.

Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,

May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.

As water takes whatever shape it is in,

So free may you be about who you become.

As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,

May your sense of irony bring perspective.

As time remains free of all that it frames,

May your mind stay clear of all it names.

May your prayer of listening deepen enough

To hear in the depths the laughter of God.