Today’s Poem: Inside a Deep Isolation by Saesei Muro

Inside a Deep Isolation

Saesei Muro

When a musician steps down off the stage,
when he steps down, sent off with the clapping of a fine crowd of people,
what an intense and deserted isolation he must feel.
In spite of that thunder of admiration
how deeply a fine musician, outside the bounds of the crowd of people,
must love with a passion the height of isolation that is his.

Source

Health Fact: Trouble Sleeping?

It’s Counter-Intuitive but Restricting Your Sleep May Help You Sleep

If you think you may be sleep-deprived, try getting less sleep. This advice may sound odd but determining how much sleep you actually need can reduce the time you spend in bed not sleeping. This process makes it easier to fall asleep and promotes more restful sleep in the long run. Here’s how to do it:

  • Avoid napping during the day.
  • The first night, go to bed later than normal and get just four hours of sleep.
  • If you feel that you slept well during that four-hour period, add another 15–30 minutes of sleep the next night.
  • As long as you’re sleeping soundly the entire time you’re in bed, slowly keep adding sleep on successive nights.

Source: HealthBeat – Harvard Medical School

Today’s Joke: Joe’s GF Was in an Art Contest

Joe: “My girlfriend was in an art contest with another artist.”

Pete: “How did she do?”

Joe: “It ended in a draw.”

Today’s Thought: I Met One of the Righteous Ones

I was chatting with a very unhappy guy the other day. Unfortunately for me the contact was unavoidable and I didn’t want to be rude. So, here I am listening to this guy explain how things should be. He was right. He had the answers. He always unhappy because, in his mind he is always right and everyone who does not agree with him is wrong. I started zoning out. On it went blah, blah, blah. After what felt like an eternity, six or seven minutes, I tapped his arm. It was the only way I could get his attention from his monologue. I said, “I’ve got to run. I’m a bit late already for an appointment.” I went to my car. Opened my iPhone and blasted an upbeat playlist. Three songs later I was back in my optimistic groove.

Can You Solve this Anagram? 

Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain 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: A Good Starting Point

There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self. ~ Aldous Huxley

Today’s Poem: My Dog by Marchette Gaylord Chute

My Dog

Marchette Gaylord Chute

His nose is short and scrubby; 
His ears hang rather low; 
And he always brings the stick back 
No matter how far you throw, 

He gets spanked rather often 
For things he shouldn’t do, 
Like lying-on-beds, and barking, 
And eating up shoes when they’re new 

He always wants to be going 
Where he isn’t supposed to go. 
He tracks up the house when it’s snowing— 
Oh, puppy, I love you so.

Source

Health Facts: How Healthy is Your Gut?

Gut health is crucial because the gut is deeply connected to many aspects of our overall well-being, including digestion, immunity, and even mental health. A balanced gut microbiome (the collection of microbes in the intestines) supports nutrient absorption, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate mood by interacting with neurotransmitters.

Here are three ways to promote good gut health:

  1. Eat a Diverse, Fiber-Rich Diet
    Consuming a variety of plant-based foods, especially those high in fiber (like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains), helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria thrive on fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support gut health.
  2. Include Probiotics and Prebiotics
    Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha). Prebiotics, found in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus, are fibers that feed these bacteria. Together, they help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
  3. Manage Stress and Get Adequate Sleep
    Stress and poor sleep can disrupt gut function, leading to issues like increased gut permeability and an imbalance in gut bacteria. Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as meditation, exercise, and ensuring consistent sleep promotes a healthy gut environment.

Source: ChatGPT

Poetry and Healing: Holding On to Hope in Tough Times

In Episode 149, we explore resilience, healing, and the challenges of grieving in a world that keeps moving forward. What if there was a simple remedy for grief, much like the antibiotics we take for strep throat? Unlike physical pain, the wounds of grief don’t come with a set prescription or timeline. Through a story of illness and recovery, we reflect on how emotional pain also demands patience, courage, and hope.

Drawing on the poetry of James Wright, Derek Mahon, and the timeless lines of “Don’t Quit,” this episode delves into the power of holding on and moving forward despite setbacks. We discuss how enduring grief is a journey of growth and discovery, where each day builds a foundation for strength, and brighter days await if we persevere.

Listen as we discuss how to stay the course through pain, find hope even in darkness, and build resilience. If you’re seeking comfort, strength, or just a reminder that everything is going to be alright, this episode will resonate. Remember: never give up, and hold on to the faith that all will be well.

Keywords: resilience, healing, grief, hope, strep throat, staying the course, emotional pain, James Wright, Derek Mahon, Don’t Quit, perseverance

Today’s Thought: Better Days are Ahead

I have an optimistic view of life. It’s not a pollyanna sense of optimism. I’ve been knocked down. I’ve had setbacks. And, I’ve had negative things happen in my life. My sense of optimism tells me that in spite of setbacks I’ll have the strength to get up and forge ahead. My sense of optimism tells me I’ll discover a lesson to be learned each time I get knocked down. My sense of optimism knows that what I seek I usually find. Life is good. It wasn’t designed to be easy. Learn from the setbacks. Refuse to stay down. Rise. Forge ahead. Our best days are in front of us.

Verified by MonsterInsights