A Mindful Moment from Laurie
As we celebrate the end of our year 2020, and look with hope towards the new year 2021, we recognize that many are happy to see this year come to a close. Many have witnessed untold suffering, grief, social injustice, political, economic and health challenges, and physical separation from those whom we love. I also add my gratitude for all who have responded bravely and selflessly by being on the front lines of medical, educational, industrial, financial, and transportation support. My heart goes out to all who suffer, may the new year bring light and love to all. Even as we have journeyed through this year, I am grateful that many have experienced “silver linings”. Some of us have been able to welcome children and parents home, from whom we would otherwise have been separated. Others have connected with family and friends after many years of absence. Some have enjoyed opportunities to study, connect and work from home...
Sometimes, we suffer from our own internal conversations and thoughts- from “beating ourselves up”. With inspiration from meditations of Jack Kornfield, my new year’s meditation brings loving awareness into the spaciousness of our hearts and minds. 
It is our hope that you will all enjoy a peaceful and wonderful new year. 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Jalaluddin Rumi
from Rumi: Selected Poems, trans Coleman Barks with John Moynce, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson (Penguin Books, 2004)

If you dare to believe that you are beloved before you are born, you may suddenly realize that your life is very, very special. 
- Henri Nouwen
Nutrition Notes from Lori
It is probably safe to say that everyone is ready to welcome in a new year. We long to say goodbye to Covid19, pandemics, quarantine, social distancing, and more of the negative aspects of 2020. We look forward to 2021 with the promise of vaccines, economic turnaround, and being together again - in person - with family and friends. In a recent interview with WebMD, top scientist Dr. Fauci said, “If the rollout of Covid19 vaccines proceeds smoothly, it might be possible to achieve widespread population immunity in the United States by next summer.” This is wonderful news!  

So what to do as we wait? We know we must continue to wear our masks, wash our hands, and maintain physical distancing. We must continue to protect ourselves and others from Covid19. 

We can also take this time to examine our health and wellness goals. The new year, of course, is a traditional time to start new habits: eat more nutritious food and drink, get more exercise, get better quality and quantity of sleep, meditate, connect more often with family and friends. It’s easy to be ambitious about making these goals. We want to have a strong immune system, to have strong muscles and bones, to enjoy our friends, family, and life! We want it all… right now. We might get started on a few of these goals; however, unfortunately, they are not so easily sustained.  

Here are a few ideas to ease us into 2021. We have all been through so much these past 10 months. This is a time to be kind and patient with yourself.

  1. Take baby steps. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds in the next 3 months” and trying a very restrictive diet and/or aggressive exercise program; try adding some small changes to your normal routines. Have 1 - 2 vegetables at every meal, try a new whole grain, drink an extra glass or two of water each day, take a brisk walk 3 - 4 days a week. These small steps can add up quickly in terms of improving your health. 
  2. Challenge yourself with small goals. Set a goal to try a new plant-based recipe once a week, try that new yoga app every Friday morning before checking your email, write a handwritten note to a friend or family member before turning on the TV. With these challenges you are developing some new habits that can be sustainable for good health.
  3. Lastly, try this gentle method of creating positive change followed by Melinda Gates. Find a “word of the year.” This word can be supportive to you in achieving your most important goals - large and small. For example, Melinda chose the word “grace” two years in a row. This article by Marla Tabaka describes how to find your word and how to use it in your everyday life.

If you want to try a new plant-based recipe this week, here is an easy, delicious Chana Masala from one of my favorite recipe websites, Cookie and Kate. Chana Masala is a hearty Indian dish of chickpeas, tomatoes, and super-food spices.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!
A New Year's Meditation 12/31/2020