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Are you a Mary or a Martha?

One of my favorite stories from the Bible is the story of Martha and Mary. When I heard it read during Mass a few years ago, it really resonated with me. I had likely heard it previously, but this time, the passage really prompted me to reflect. The story of Martha, who is all caught up in serving and making everything perfect, meanwhile Mary has her full attention on her precious guest- Jesus.  Jesus' visit to Martha and Mary made me think of a time when I was a teenager and traveled with my Aunt to Columbia for the day. For lunch, we visited my great-Aunt and Uncle who were probably in their 70s at that time.  I didn't visit them often and I'll never forget the simple lunch that my great-Aunt served us- a bologna sandwich with white bread and plain chips. We sat at the table and had lunch and I remember feeling very special, like a valued guest. I grew up in a modest household, where we were fortuante enough to eat out many times when we would travel to Columbia. I was no...
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How Not to Die

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I didn't read this book in the last week since my last post. While I have finished books in days- typically they are fictional novels that you can't put down. This one I've recently wrapped up, and it's taken me a few years, as it stayed in my camper! I would say this is also one to digest in sections and not read cover to cover- but you do you! Several years ago I had a nurse practitioner student whose brother had given him this book for Christmas. I found the title to be intriguing (which is the point-right), so I purchased my own copy. Michael Gregor is an MD who has also founded nutritionfacts.org  , which is a great resource for many nutrition (mostly food) related topics you may want to explore.  You see, WE ARE WHAT WE EAT! Hippocrates (460 B.C.-370 B.C), who's been called the founder of modern medicine said, "Let Food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food".  This still holds true today, but is largely ignored by our cultural norms and socie...
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Review of Atomic Habits

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  I recently completed this book. It's not one that I'd necessarily recommend reading cover to cover. It's one of those to digest in small sections- maybe a bathroom book, if you don't have your phone.  But really, it's gross that everyone takes their phones into the bathroom.  Anyway, James Clear deconstructs the behaviors that lead to habits, which can be bad or good. Ultimately, if reading this book, like me you are trying to implement more good habits for the betterment of yourself.  A few excerpts for reflection: -"Decide the type of person you want to be .......and "Each time you write a page, you are a writer. Each time you practice the violin, you are a musician. "       Quit with the limiting beliefs. If you want to be a someone or something, you have to take action.               Each step- is a step towards achieving that goal. You are an amazing person who is in control of your    ...
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The Mind- Gut connection

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  I am greatly intrigued and fascinated by the power of the gut microbiome and the emerging research, which reveals the impact of the gut microbiota on chronic disease states, ranging from inflammatory and auto-immune conditions to depression and mental health disorders. I recently completed this book which was very insightful. However, the content may be a little dry to some as there were numerous studies reviewed throughout the text.   Dr. Mayer discusses how there is a little chicken and egg relationship with the gut and brain- Do the gut microbes influence our brain or does our brain influence the gut? Probably some of both.  One of the concepts that stuck with me is the circumstances surrounding the consumption of food. I have studied mindfulness and am aware to be more mindful with consumption, however Dr. Mayer talks about the emotional circumstances surrounding our eating and our brain wiring. For example, if we turn to a chocolate chip cookie when we are str...
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Live Simply

Back to the grind today.....  Last week was Spring Break, and I spent the week at our hunting cabin in rural Northeast Missouri doing practically nothing- and it was bliss!  We have little to no cell service and no internet, just a bunch of DVDs, a few games and family.   I had planned on doing so many things last week. I packed 15-20 books (seriously), my crocheted afghan I've been working on, my yoga books and mats to practice some class sequencing with my family.  But none of that happened- and I'm quite okay with that. I spent a lot of quality time and shared meals with my family and cherished every moment of it.  My parents were able to join us for the week as well as one of my sisters. My aunt, grandma, middle sister and her two boys, and neighbors all visited throughout the week. I played catch with my son, board games with my daughter, fell more in love with my husband. Moments I wouldn't trade for an expensive vacation anywhere in the world.  ...
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