Our treasure lies in the beehive of our knowledge. We are perpetually on the way thither, being by nature winged insects and honey gatherers of the mind.  -Friedrich Nietzsche 

I am immersed in research. My topic concerns the physical complications experienced by someone who is over 65 years of age, has diabetes, and is obese.   I have spent weeks accumulating information and now I am trying to write a scholarly analysis of what I have found.  My experience is reminiscent of the words of Benjamin Franklin; the doorstep to the temple of wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance.  The basic facts of prevention and treatment,  eating a whole food healthy diet and exercise, is buried in theories and medications and I find  the truth in the words of Albert Einstein,  Knowledge of what is does not open the door directly to what should be.

As should be apparent, your present health habits are indicative of the well-being, or lack of, that you will experience in the future. Diseases do not suddenly develop; as with walking – we do not suddenly arrive at our destination; we go one step at a time. Health is build one decision at a time – a fresh apple instead of a cookie for snack; a walk after dinner instead of a nap on the couch. It really is that simple. Choose to walk in the direction of health – the alternative is surely disease- even in the knowledge that we return to the earth as dust someday, why not journey with strength? Using your gathered knowledge, make decisions that ignite your imagination and stride! 

Let every dawn be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close.

- John Ruskin

There are few experiences in nature that give a sense of hope as a sunrise does – reminisce of a new beginning. Conversely, few experiences in nature give a sense of completion as a sunset does — an imminent conclusion. 

Nature offers a visible daily timetable with few rules, each day is clearly defined with an introduction and a conclusion; the middle is left open for ideas to spark creations, like a good research design.

May we all live our lives in such a way to add sunshine and health to all.

Your Body as Art

Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your model.    - Vincent Van Gogh 

Think about art. 

 Think about your body.

Your body is pliable, like clay, and full of contours.  It is a canvas, to adorn with texture and color.  But unlike finished pieces of art, your body is alive. 

                 As long as we live, our bodies can and will change. 

                 We do not have to be slaves to our present state of health; we have within ourselves         the ability to change. 

Use inspiration from nature and your imagination to transform your clay - your body - into a collectible vase that will rival the beauty of the wildflowers it holds. 

Migration

I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate. – Van Gogh

                            Migration is a marvelous annual event. 

Thousands of birds leave the security of familiar territory, prompted by genetics, to embark on a wanderlust journey south. Hormones within the birds trigger an appetite change that compels the feathered wonders to eat grains and seeds.  Why?  Seeds and grains are a perfect mix of fats and carbohydrates that provide a consistence source of sustained energy for the journey. 

                We may learn a couple lessons from the birds. 

Eating flaxseeds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds provide us with sustained energy for our unique journey.

                                   

Leaving the familiar is imperative for a sunny and healthy life.

Changing location

The moment of change is the only poem. – Adrienne Rich

After living in Oklahoma for twenty-six years I moved to North Carolina, I was compelled to find new paths to roam.  Gone were the familiar trails of Oxley Nature Center and the friends who often accompanied me in awe and exploration – those paths have been replaced by the steeply winding trails that are nearly solid with tangled roots from familiar (but much taller) trees.  At first, my walks were solitary, but not lonely, the mystical music of Karunesh bathed my thoughts with serenity and enhanced the truth of fresh air and autonomy often found in solitary exploration - I could smile.  Soon, I joined Meet Up hiking groups and found my walks in nature enhanced by introductions to new people, ideas, and trails. 

The best poems express experiences, philosophies, and passions. Poems are brief, compared to other forms of prose, as are most walks in nature, compared a typical work day.  Poetry becomes enchanting when it is understood and transition becomes joy when it is accepted. 

Sometimes I cannot resist stretching out my arms, lifting my face to the sky, and spinning around in  the ecstasy that comes from embracing change.

When was the last time you indulged yourself in a joyful spin ?