“It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” —Mary Dunbar
Month: September 2024
The Return by Theodosia Garrison
The Return
Theodosia Garrison
I come to you grown weary of much laughter,
From jangling mirth that once seemed over-sweet,
From all the mocking ghosts that follow after
A man’s returning feet;
Give me no word of welcome or of greeting
Only in silence let me enter in,
Only in silence when our eyes are meeting,
Absolve me of my sin.
I come to you grown weary of much living,
Open your door and lift me of your grace,
I ask for no compassion, no forgiving,
Only your face, your face;
Only in that white peace that is your dwelling
To come again, before your feet to sink,
And of your quiet as of wine compelling
Drink as the thirsting drink.
Be kind to me as sleep is kind that closes
With tender hands men’s fever-wearied eyes,
Your arms are as a garden of white roses
Where old remembrance lies,
I, who am bruised with words and pierced with chiding,
Give me your silence as a Saint might give
Her white cloak for some hunted creature’s hiding,
That he might rest and live.
Health Facts: Are High CO2 Levels Affecting Your Sleep and Brain Functions?
Here are two lesser-known but important health facts about why monitoring CO2 levels in your home is essential:
- CO2 Build-Up Can Affect Cognitive Function: Elevated indoor CO2 levels, even at concentrations previously thought to be safe (e.g., 1,000–2,500 ppm), can impair cognitive functions like decision-making, focus, and memory. Studies have shown that when CO2 levels rise, the brain receives less oxygen, which can lead to reduced mental performance, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
- CO2 Can Disrupt Sleep Quality: High CO2 levels, especially in bedrooms, can negatively impact sleep. Increased CO2 reduces the oxygen availability in the air, causing shallow breathing, restlessness, and frequent waking during the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality, which in turn can affect overall health, immune function, and mental well-being over time. Keeping CO2 levels in check by ensuring proper ventilation can significantly improve sleep and overall health.
Today’s Joke: Joe Describes his GF
Joe: “My girlfriend has a good head on her shoulders.”
Pete: “That’s a nice compliment.”
Joe: “Problem is, she has no neck.”
Transforming Grief into Gratitude: A Journey in Three Poems
Listen to my Podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, Episode 133 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 133
Episode 133: Transforming Grief into Gratitude: A Journey in Three Poems
Where are you on your grieving journey? In this heartfelt episode, we explore the three stages of grief: from gasping for air in the depths of sorrow to transitioning into a place where the ache remains but healing begins, and finally, reaching a state of gratitude for both what was and what is to come.
We can’t bypass the hard parts; we must go through the process to transform our grief into something more—a deep appreciation for life’s gifts. Drawing on the powerful words of poets William Stafford, Mary Oliver, and W.S. Merwin, we examine how poetry helps us understand and navigate the journey from sorrow to serenity. Discover how grief can eventually be transformed into a peaceful state of gratitude.
Keywords: grief, grieving journey, stages of grief, gratitude, healing after loss, poetry on grief, William Stafford, Mary Oliver, W.S. Merwin, overcoming grief, personal growth, emotional healing
Today’s Thought: Why Worry?
Some days you have to roll with it. There’s nothing you can do with the way things are going. Today, for example, I’m getting a new roof. The roofers are here, the roofing shingles haven’t yet arrived. I hear the roofers scraping all the shingles off my roof. Not much I can do about no roofing shingles but roll with it and hope the contractor is on top of it. There are things which we can control and things we can’t control. No sense in wasting energy worrying about what we can’t control.
2 hours later: The roofing shingles arrived and the roofing crew is hard at work.
Brain Teaser Alert: Can You Decode This Anagram?
Welcome to our daily anagram challenge! Test your word-solving skills with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Today’s Quote: Knocked Down? Get Back Up
The key to life is resilience….We will always be knocked down. It’s the getting up that counts. ~ Dominique Browning
Today’s Poem: Look at Me Now by Theodor Seuss Geisel
Look at Me Now
Theodor Seuss Geisel
Look at me!
Look at me!
Look at me NOW!
It is fun to have fun
But you have
to know how.
Health Facts: Beans, They’re Cheap and a Super Healthy Food
Beans are an excellent source of nutrition, and here are two lesser-known but important health facts about them:
- Rich in Resistant Starch: Beans contain resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the large intestine. This fermentation process promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improves digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Resistant starch can also promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
- High in Folate (Vitamin B9): While beans are known for their protein and fiber content, they are also an excellent source of folate, an essential vitamin that supports DNA synthesis and cell repair. Folate is particularly important for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects, but it also plays a role in heart health by helping to lower homocysteine levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Beans provide these unique benefits alongside their well-known nutritional advantages, making them a powerhouse in a plant-based diet.
