Wayward Walker

Best wishes on your challenge. I have to say, I am seriously jealous that you get to spend time there. I've been all over, but China, and being a practitioner of Taoism... well that would just rock! Don't get too overwhelmed and remember that if you stumble, it's not the end of the world, pick yourself up, dust off and keep moving forward

I like to watch movies and explore new places. So I went to the movies by myself a lot and went several times to New Orleans, just roaming the city, experiencing it. Think of the things that you like to do, no matter what anyone else thinks about them, and do some of them

I like that you are calling it making a habit! So many people make goals of going to the gym, or working out, and when they get done, they stop going. Making it a habit puts you in the frame of mind of continuing it! Best wishes on your challenge!

I went through a really bad time four years ago. Went through a divorce, it just wasn't pretty. I found that one of the things that helped me get past the effects of the emotional and mental abuse she put me through was being alone with myself. I stopped doing so much for other people, especially her, and took care of myself. I looked at all the things I liked to do... and I did them. Once I found that I liked being with myself, I made some new friends and moved on. If it might help, I would suggest trying to do this. Take yourself out on a date... I know it sounds stupid, or corny, but it can go a long way towards helping your self esteem: giving yourself permission to do the things you love. Best wishes as you start this challenge!

Best wishes on the first day, kick butt, man!!

You as well, Little Turtle, and Jitters and Kata too. I've been up all night and planning to find a shady tree to dose under til this evening. Hope everyone has a wonderful day and jumps in with both feet. Love you too, Heidi

You're welcome If it can brighten one person's day than it did more than just uplift me, and I am glad. Reaches into his rucksack and pulls out another, battered journal and begins scribbling: - One hour elliptical intervals for 4.75 miles and 877 calories - Fifteen minutes morning/evening Tai Chi/Qi Gong - Fifteen minutes Yoga for healthy back I think most of my day is now complete. Hope you all have a great first day of this challenge.

28 July 2014 - Midnight - Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii Wayward, the lumbering barbarian shaman, sits in quiet contemplation. From a burlap rucksack he pulls a worn, beaten book and a journal. He opens it, conciously, to one specific page and reads. He closes his eyes, thinking of what he has just read. After a time, he begins to scribble in the journal. He let's go of thoughts and worries, simply writing, allowing his heart to speak through the moment at hand. When he is done, he stretches and goes for a walk, leaving the journal for any who wish to read, to do so. Gu, the Chinese character for the word Ancient. Things that had survived for ten generations, passed down orally were considered to be ancient. Gu, the character that represents this idea, is the character for ten and mouth, signifying such. Having stood the tests of time it was seen as powerful and to be studied. Taoism, my path, is guided by nature. Just as everything has its season so too can my life. Looking to nature I can see the ancient lessons play out before me. I can watch them and learn from them. The trees that bend in the strong winds survive the longest. That is a lesson that can be applied to my current season. As I go through this fall, buffetted by winds and rainstorms, remembering that will help me weather them. So too, in the fall, do the trees shed their leaves, casting off all of their glory to prepare for the long winter. They know that when the spring comes they will regrow their foliage allowing them to soak up the rain and the sun, to grow stronger, higher and prouder. It's time to cast off the cares and trappings of spring and summer. To start fresh after the winter passes. Now is the time for self-care, reflection and solitude. Saving for the winter to come, dreaming of the spring to follow. Part of my daily meditation is in writing. I am using Deng Ming-Dao's Everyday Tao "Living With Balance and Harmony". Each day tackles a specific chinese character and the concept behind it in relation to the Tao. My challenge states meditating daily and this daily lesson and journaling will be part of the habit that I wish to form over the next 6 weeks. Please feel free to read it, take what you wish from it, comment on it, anything at all. The aspect of Taoism that I love is how personal it is. That there is no right or wrong. That my path is my path, perfect for me; just as your path is your own and perfect for you. Hope you enjoy.

I vote lipstick on the mirror, makes a statement

~smiles at katastrophenkatzchen~ I will do that! ~walks over to the lack, pulls up his deer-skin leggings to his knees and rests his legs in the water~ Moon'll be rising soon, I'm gonna start just after that.

Very good book, one of King's better novels in my opinion. I just recently found a writer that I like almost as much as King, Christopher Moore. If you've never read his work, check out a book called "A Dirty Job". It's a tongue-in-cheek supernatural story about a guy who becomes a sort of grim reaper

That's very true. I've never understood, being a man, why women doubt when they are told they are beautiful. One of my favorite thoughts on women's beauty was written by Robert Jordan. If you've ever read the Wheel of Time series you'll know the character of Rand. In the third or fourth book he's talking with another character Avehnida about it and he says something to the effect that women are like sunrises, all of them are beautiful, but each in their own way. I concur with what everyone else is saying, you are beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you different.

Actually... ~looks around and then puts a finger over his lips with a wink~ I'll be in Hawaii in four days... I'll snag a copy then

~smiles at Heidi, sitting up from his spot beneath one of the larger trees~ Good morning, lass. I will have to search for it once I get home, but I am always interested in reading books and talking about them. I won't have access to it until the 12th unfortunately.

Hi, I'm Wayward Son, or Darius, or D... whichever you prefer, I don't get too hung up on names or labels. I am currently serving in the US Navy on an aircraft carrier out of North Island, San Diego, CA. Getting ready to separate/retire after 19/20 years of active service. After that I'll be heading to Austin, TX to complete my degree in Psychology and then work on a Doctorate in Counseling. I'm a huge geek: fantasy, sci-fi, star wars, lord of the rings, wheel of time, marvel, witchblade, tabletop roleplaying (that's a huge one for me)... needless to say, tons of stuff. I'm looking for a buddy, someone who needs the same things I need in sticking to my goals for my challenges. Now comes the hard part... some criteria, it's not a lot, but I'm a freak of nature, so bear with me. 1) I would prefer a female partner. I was raised entirely by women and I listen better to them, as I think I'm smarter than most men... yep, fatal flaw, I know. Sue me. 2) I would prefer someone in the U.S. Just because of time zones and roaming charges. Bonus points if you're in California or Texas 3) I would like someone who is going to stick with it. Oh and call me on my bullshit when I start to not stick with it. You do that for me, I'll do that for you. That's it, just three little criteria.

I like that you are mixing mind/body/spirit. A lot of people focus simply on their body and forget that those other two aspects play a significant role in achieving good health! Wishing you the best over the next 6 weeks!

It sounds very much like it. Also sounds wonderfully centering. I think anything that keeps someone in the present, in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or planning out the future is good meditation.

Yeah it's pretty ridiculous, but it's their game, I just have to play it. Right now, everything is pretty up in there. They sent in the paperwork back in March and still no word. So, for now, I am waiting and working on myself. If it comes down that I am leaving, I'll be moving to Austin, TX and finishing my bachelor's degree then starting on my Doctorate. Glad you are doing well

Good strong challenge ahead of you, I especially love #5. Being in the military I have to constantly worry about how I look, what I weigh just to keep my job. I hate it. I've gotten to the point where I actually don't feel very good about myself everytime I have to get measured. So it is something I am working on as well. I wish you the best in this challenge and will be looking forward to cheering you on!

~smiles watching the banter, play and laughter and then moves over to where the tea is being made. He pulls a container out and sets out dried fruits and venison jerky~ I'd love to share some of that tea with you all.

@Mags - I have the same with sleep apnea, difficulty getting restful sleep, and I hate my cpap to the point of ripping it off in the middle of the night. What I've found that helps me get better, more quality sleep is a ritual. I take a long hot shower, a put on a lavendar lotion on my temples, neck and shoulders and read, then go to sleep. Sometimes I use Melatonin, but it gives me crazy, crazy dreams @ShadowLion - TY! I am exicted to be involved. @MadHatter - Ty!!! I saw you were still on here and had to come pester you. @SwedishNinja - I am always up for discussions on Taoism, as I don't have many people to talk with about it. On the Tai Chi side, I cannot remember what I learned in college, save for how it moved, and I have been reading a lot of books to start learning agian. Right now I am focusing on breathing and becoming reaquainted with it. @Heidi - I have not tried acupunture, but I will look into it thank you! As for the Tao of Pooh, I have not read it, but I have it at home, once I am back there, and would be up for reading/discussing it. Hope you all are having a great day, mine is just starting

Mags! Thank you, so much that means a lot. I also have a sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea). Doctor said it's one of the worst he's ever seen, I stop breathing 52 times per hour. I will definitely look forward to working with you and helping to encourage you as well!

Welcome, Jujuba! Looks like you have some solid goals. I especially like the sleep one. In the last several years I've discovered just how important sleep really is. I have a similar job. I work in a calibration lab, supervising. Most of my time is spent at a desk and on a computer. Looking forward to seeing you around and helping to encourage you!

~looks up from his meditation by the tree and smiles~ Good morning, Annyshay, be welcome.