At the Mindful Post of Mid-Life

There has been a good deal of talk lately among my peers and among celebrities in the media about what is today’s definition of mid-life? Is it 40 or 50? How do we find the scale on which we weigh it? Over time our life expectancy has changed and we would like to believe our quality of life as well, at least for some of us. Yet we still live within a culture that worships youth. So are we mid-life, are we older than that? And either way, what does it mean? How does it impact our life’s daily perspective? Sit and flip through the infomercial channels any given Sunday morning and you will be introduced the variety of ways in which one can slim inner thighs, tone up abs, firm underarms, remove unwanted body hair and even make one’s hands look younger! Do we only look to the aesthetics of our bodies for clues that we are reaching the mid point of our life?

For me, only a mere five months from turning fifty, midlife is the ending of one cycle and the beginning of another. And for me, it has so little to do with body image. It has little to do with the face in the mirror or the jiggle of my thighs. Honoring my body has taken front seat, but in a very different way. I find myself in a beautiful flow of adjustment. I have reflected on all the different events that have led to the point I find myself at today. Everything has mattered. And now when I look back I find I have grown a new appreciation of this fact.

Additionally, this time of life creates opportunity to explore my mortality. What is left to be done in this lifetime? What needs to be addressed with my health, my relationships, my pass times, and my career and callings? I feel elder-hood is a bit far off, yet I can see it on the horizon and I cannot fool myself any longer about how quickly time flies!

As I approach the infamous age of fifty that has wreaked havoc on many minds I have come to some conclusions for myself. I have learned to really enjoy life, not to worry about who is looking, how silly I may seem or if anyone else is interested…I am going for it! I dress the way I feel most comfortable. I wear my hair in a style that offers ease. I exercise for my body’s health and well being, not because I want to be a step ahead of bathing suit season.

I also have learned to really appreciate people in my life. And not just the one’s who are nice to me! I have developed an appreciation for those who have made me stretch, challenged me and even caused a little chaos from time to time, because of them…I have learned so much about myself, my strengths and my flaws.

Speaking of flaws, at this age, I am more than willing to admit I have them! Long gone are the days of striving to be perfect! I have learned to honor the delicate parts of myself and celebrate them! If I had lived a life of no regrets…I think it probably would be rather boring if life did not have any.

I also have found I have less to prove. I have strong opinions that have been born of a life filled with many experiences, rich with many relationships and peppered with a variety of interests. But, if you don’t agree, that’s cool. I am more and more comfortable with just doing what I want or need to do and not taking on more than that. Gone are the days of comparing myself to another. I celebrate you right along with me!

And finally, at least at the point of writing this post, I gift myself with ample time for reflection. I have grown to appreciate the importance in this. I have opened myself to life’s mysteries. I have opened myself up to more than just my ordinary thoughts. I have connected to something that is larger than what I thought the whole to be and I find great comfort there. I find inspiration and delight there. I have found a richness I did not know existed in my years past. My spiritual practices don’t fit in anyone’s box, but mine. I am beyond comfortable with this and find it nurtures me in a way I never expected.

So mid-life is interesting for me. I don’t seem to look at it quite the way society does. And there may be some differences from my perspective and yours, but I am good with that. And on that note, I will end this here so I can go and reflect on the tranquility of the coolness of the night air as it creates a longing for a sweet cup of chamomile tea and a warm flannel nightgown. I know what you are thinking…and I am good with that too!

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

The Body Temple

Honoring the body temple can mean many different things to many different people. And for me, it means several ways of honoring, but the intention remains the same. I may have a variety of opinions, a great number of interests, abundant passions, and have assorted items on my bucket list still to be done. BUT the one thing that remains constant is the fact that I have only one body in this lifetime and the better I honor it, the more I cherish what it offers me and the more I respect its needs…my body responds brilliantly. Years ago I learned that I needed to begin this relationship anew. My disrespect of my body was costly. I suffered from obesity. I had little energy. My self-esteem struggled. My health was beginning to deteriorate. My future depended on this awakening of honor. My life changed dramatically from the moment I made the commitment forward.

Since this relationship overhaul I have learned to listen to my body as it expresses its needs. I learned that a number of foods my body cannot tolerate. I have learned to eat only foods that my body can celebrate a healthy relationship with. As I made the changes, my physical form changed as well. I have shed well over 140 pounds. I have gone from a size 26 to a size 14.

As the weight came off, I discovered the joy of movement. Now I could walk without exhaustion, dance without pain, bend without discomfort. I have learned how strong my body can be. I have discovered the joy of flexibility. I have embraced the fun I can have with my body and its movement. Every day there is something to celebrate.

Honoring my body also means down time. Time for silence in everyday, to get centered, grounded, and focused. I make time take in the beauty of each day. And time to be grateful for all I have in my life. I create time, no matter how busy, to connect with Spirit and listen closely to the messages and insights.

Finding the pause my body needs is equally important. Sleep affords me time for rejuvenation and inner stillness. Stillness creates space for creativity and wonder. Calm allows the rhythm of the moment to reach my heart and set the beat to follow. Spirit guides me through the gentle movements I need to find my balance and alignment.

Honoring my body also includes time for creativity, play, relationships, and more. I have found my body temple is a beautiful structure that needs attention and appreciation, commitment and devotion. I have learned that I am the only one who can be my body’s keeper. I am its guardian, its lover, its caretaker and its devotee. My body patiently waited for me to wakeup to its needs. I will never leave my watch again. My intentions are clear, my respect is strong, and my dedication firm.

My body is one of the greatest gifts I have been given. I will never take for granted its magnificence again. I count my blessings often and I treasure my body daily.

As we head into the weekend, I hope you will take a moment and listen deeply to the messages your body is sending you. Any special requests? In what ways do you express your honor of the Temple?

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

The Vegan Foodie

Oh the ripe tomato! How succulent and sweet! I climbed back into my car giddy with excitement and anticipation. I had just stopped by my neighbor’s small farm stand and made a purchase of six pounds of the most beautiful red orbs. These along with shiny green jalapeno and perfumed cilantro and the beauty of the red onions I also purchased would be the deliciousness of the fresh garden salsa I would soon be making. Being vegan suits me. I am a real foodie! Most people think that vegans, vegetarians and any other non meat-eating group cannot proudly hold that title. I beg to differ! My palate recognizes the subtlety of flavors. Daily I review recipes for the next meal. My weekly menus include enough variety and flavors that the Culinary Institute would be tickled. I love to experiment and try new foods and food combinations. And I am a processed food snob!

While I am compassionate to animals and honor their place here on this earth, it is not the eating of animals that offends me so much as the mistreatment of them, the slaughtering methods used and the ignorance of the consumer about this. It is so easy to be a meat eater when you can go to your local store and purchase neatly wrapped ground meat on a Styrofoam plate, as opposed to having to look it in the eye as it is slaughtered or trudge through the smells and sights that come after that.

I am also a vegan because of all the health benefits that are publicly out there for everyone to know, but still we ignore for the most part. Studies have shown us that the main reason for the obesity epidemic and the increase of disease in the United States is due to our consumption of processed foods, the amount of animal protein we put on our plates, that even a savory food like spaghetti sauce has sugar as it’s second or third ingredient, that we consume more milk products than a family of young calves and that most people eat very few fresh fruits or vegetables a day. No, french fries do not count!

I have had people tell me that they would like to try being vegan or a vegetarian but they are afraid that everything will be tasteless and boring. Or they are fearful that they will have to live on beans and rice. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Last night’s dinner was homemade grilled spinach “alfredo” pizza! Amazing! The night before, red quinoa pilaf with Vidalia onions, green bell peppers, and crimini mushrooms with roasted cauliflower and brussel sprouts on the side! Flavor, flavor, flavor! We have treated ourselves for the past two nights with homemade brown rice and pecan pudding made with coconut milk. Yum! None of these dishes required any more work to prepare than if I had made “traditional” recipes. (If you want the recipes, let me know!)

So, yes, I do believe you can be a vegan foodie! I know you can eat a healthy diet that is full of variety and flavor. I welcome you to try any of my recipes and put them to a test. Then, let’s talk! Until then, reserve your judgment and meet me at the farmer’s stand and we can discuss what to make with the bunches of rainbow chard he just harvested!

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

The Value of Personal Time

Having spent some recent time away with family on vacation, I have had the gift of non-schedule. Normally, my life weaves together spirit time, family time, social time, client time, and personal time…not always in that order. While on vacation I was able to play with the measures and doses of these times. Where room was made, I was able to embrace more personal time, which was lovely. Personal time for me usually has abundant quiet time. Time to reflect, to daydream, to nap, to do walking meditations, to drum, to chant, to journal, to read, to sit quietly with eyes closed listening to the birds and cicadas and more. Personal time regenerates, refuels, refreshes and revitalizes me in a most important way. I value this time. I honor this time. I celebrate this time.

Personal time also makes more room in my life. I am able to sit and discover what no longer serves me and release it. I am also able to decide on re-balancing of the components of my life.

Let’s face it, I have very, very full days! I enjoy the fullness. Rarely does it get to the point of stress or disappointment. But this is only because I have put personal time at the top of my list for good self-care! Without it, I am sure things would be dramatically different. Everything would be effected; my relationships, my work, my spiritual connection, and even my mental status. I begin to suffer. My clarity goes. My passion wanes. My vision clouds. My step slows. Personal time keeps me strong, alive and balanced.

Personal time also keeps me grounded. It affords me time to sit within the embrace of nature. It is there that I breathe deeply, relax fully, and focus clearly. Sitting beneath a tree or at the water's edge gives me pause to soak up what Mother Earth has to offer. She is generous beyond measure and our relationship complete the cycle for me of spirit, mind and body.

Personal time has become a necessity for me. I do not understand when people tell me that they have no time for it. I believe what they are not understanding is that the reason they have no time for it is because they don’t understand the enormity of what it offers and on how many levels. Imagine how your life would be different if you created space for more personal time.

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade