Thanksgiving Mountain Path

               I think the weight loss process has had a very deep impact upon my life and lifestyle.  After 60plus days of eating mindfully I am so aware of what is going into my body and also what makes me feel good.  I read this morning that many Americans push 14,000 calories into their body in one day. How can that be?.... easy.  A few glasses of good eggnog ending with a big piece of pecan pie and the rest of the stuff and stuffing... and boom....you do the math.   This is not going to be a rant on eat less or vegetarian or vegan or anything, it is more about mindfulness and what is being consumed.    

               Once I had the pattern for the appropriate food consumption – quality and quantity, I began looking at the stuff and people consumption.  I shop differently than I did.  I still keep my eye open for things in the store, especially woodshops, tool stores and book havens, and stop and pick up the item, but then I ask, when would I use this, could I borrow it from someone if only once or twice, etc. or would my goals or someone in life be enhanced if I had this or is there a lesson to be learned from this connection.  Many things in my home have made their way to other homes or the street and then to someplace.  Their connection with my life has passed or maybe was never connected.

               People are not as easy to discern.  Like items in the store, there is an attraction to the attractive and those that please, praise, or promote your life.  Being a self-critical person who can find the flaw in the flaw, these folk’s help me to look up and away from my shoes.  

               Over time, I have learned more about the “long haul” and have said good speed to many who have come and flared and faded.  Over time, I have said hello again to those that pass several times throughout the lifespan.  

                I also have learned that I need those that feel less positive toward me and my ways.   There are corners on the relationships that occasionally cause splinters or bruises.  They make up balance and help to maintain the center.   I need those people even when there marks are the extreme and painful.  They help me to have compassion for myself and those that are suffering themselves.

               My dear friend Henry Wilting (of H&H) sent this picture to me this week.  It is the gate at the bottom of the hill to Wat Phra on Doi Suthep Mountain and near the Chiang Mai Zoo where Henry rides his bike every morning.   It is the walk to alms for the monks.   Like life...there is a same same  but difference in each person in my life and I am grateful all.