If the Pilgrim Didn't Eat It

Image from Natural Home magazine's article on Harvest, Exchange, Celebrate Thanksgiving with Friends- a great article on how to share the bounty of the harvest at your celebration, including great, clean recipes.

I went surfing the internet to find motivation to maintain a clean Thanksgiving. I don't want to come back to the office on Monday hungover from sugar and alcohol, and itching my skin from indulging my allergies of dairy and gluten. So yea, I want to stick to a clean lifestyle, whether it's Thanksgiving or simply a Thursday.

And I began to think about what the original Thanksgiving dinner would have been, and how different it is from the feasts-of-plenty we may be fortunate enough to look forward to this weekend.

The original Thanksgiving feast was about as clean as you could get- maybe it was the fact that there were no trucks roaring across the country with pounds of sugar to sweeten their cranberries, or perhaps it was due to the fact that the concept of the pumpkin pie hadn't been mainstreamed yet. Cool whip wasn't around to top those slices of pie; and there is no evidence that they butchered a pig on the occasion.

Interestingly enough, it seems from this History TV article, and other information I ran across, the original menu was dairy (cow), egg and refined sugar-free. They had wheat flour in plenty, and so perhaps the celiacs in the small crowd should not have indulged in the bread, but there would have been corn bread for them anyhow.

Meat dishes ranged from wild fowl, to venison and even seafood. Seasonal vegetables like carrots, beets, peas, lettuces and radishes brought color to their table. (Note the absence of buttery or creamed corn).

Image from Supplemental Science's quick-list on how to have a healthy Thanksgiving.

Butter and cream cheese were not available; there had been no cows on the Mayflower. They would have opted for the lower-fat (and my fave) option of goat's milk cheese.

Desert would have been a light mix of fruit and nuts from the direct area. There were no buffets of multiple desserts to choose from (isn't there always an option or four for those who don't like pumpkin pie?)

So I have found my motivation- as I fill my plate (not heaping, and only once) this weekend I'll do so with whatever the pilgrims would have first placed on theirs.

When Less is More- Yoga Journal

Image from article referenced below.
"The desire for external wealth causes unhappiness on both a practical level and a spiritual one. In order to afford things, you have to work long hours, leaving you less time for what truly sustains you, whether that's yoga and meditation, a hobby, or time with your kids. An expensive lifestyle also limits your choice of career, forcing you to take a high-paying job that may not be fulfilling."
-Helena Echlin , Yoga Journal

A Letter from Generation Y

A letter by Kathleen Argonza at Brazen Careerist:

To the older Generations,

My name is Kat Argonza and I am a Milennial.

You call us lazy, distractable and disloyal. We don’t understand good old fashioned traditions. We don’t pay our dues. We demand too much leeway, such as time off, flexibility and high pay. According to Cashmere Mafia “Generation X made way for Generation ID… I deserve”. If my generation exhibits a sense of entitlement, then previous generations exhibit a false sense of Accomplishment.

How about a Social Security system that we won’t benefit from, but will lose a lot of money to? What about the cost of education and the cost of living driven sky high, the system of credit? Try Health Care? Gen-Y inherited this from old generations. How about the FUBAR in the Middle East where old ways of thinking dominated and prolonged a war that we could have and can still win if new ideas could be accepted. General Patreus is a true rarity - he knew that if somethings not working you don’t keep doing the same thing. You change. You adapt. You try new ways of thinking until you find something that works. It’s a new concept to swallow, but just because it’s new and different doesn’t mean it’s bad. Just because something worked before, doesn’t mean it’s working now.

Want to know the kicker? We have a credit problem in this country. So what are we doing? We’re throwing money we do not have at it! We’re driving our country into more debt. So thanks a lot for putting that debt on our shoulders. Thanks for not adapting and doing the exact same thing over and over again even though it obviously doesn’t work. We have a debt problem? Let’s make more debt!

Who’s going to have to fix this mess? Generation Y, or the generations that come after us. So for all the criticism we recieve, we’d hope you’d have a little faith in us, or else why would you be placing this huge burden upon our shoulders? So maybe instead of criticizing us maybe you should try to help us solve the problems that were created before most of us were even able to walk.

We’re inheriting an uncertain world and we need guidance, not judgment. We need mentors who understand that just because we have new ideas doesn’t mean we’re disrespecting your way of doing it. My generation needs to end this curse, but we can’t do it without the help of the Generation that is currently holding power. Don’t make it worse and fix what you can. Invest in us, teach us. It’s the only way we can stop digging our own grave, financially speaking.

Respectfully,

Gen-Y

21 Days

If you are a member of the human population (most likely) then you have either committed to a new habit as a new year's resolution, or entirely rejected the resolution concept postulating that you can commit to anything, anytime regardless of the calendar date. It's my experience that we fall into one or the other. Most likely, if you have set a resolution, then it is one of the following:
1. Get fit/Lose weight- this is the number one resolution to make each year, and I bet that many of us make this one every single new years. Even enjoying one or two more pints on December 31 just because you're going cold turkey the next day.
2. Reduce debt- normally I would say this would be lower down the list of common resolutions, but I'm placing it at second place because of the current recessional climate. Isn't this one ironic, considering all those Christmas presents you just bought weeks ago are sitting on that credit card? And won't you do the same next year to ensure little daughter Mabel gets her pony or son Dustin gets his Wii?
3. Start saving- related to the previous resolution and very common. My dad always said to have 3 months living expenses in cash saved up just in case. How many of us have that kind of cash (not credit!) available?
4. Devotion- spending more time with God, Allah, your inner divine presence (whatever you subscribe to). This can include joining a church young adult group, meditation or even daily Yoga practice.
5. Spending more time with family and friends- I hope that this one caught a lot of us this year. I'm currently reading a book that suggests that making and cultivating positive relationships is the purpose of the human species. So use those bipedal hips and walk over to see your neighbor.
Now if yours is not listed, share it in the comment section. There are many changes we could make; what an exciting time of year to be able to recommit to them. For those of you who eschew making resolutions, make today that day you commit- doesn't matter what calendar day it is right?
Now whatever you have chosen:
1. Practice it for 21 days straight- it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Take a 21 day challenge to do 10 minutes of yoga a day, for example. Or pack your lunch to work for 3 straight weeks.
2. Make it Applicable to your current lifestyle. I may say I want to write a book this year, but as I'm currently focused on a professional career, and master's degree a book is outside my sphere of focus. Instead, I'll focus on developing a professional leadership blog.
3. Ensure it is Realistic in light of your resource supply; it should comfortably fit within your time and money available to you. Do not stretch yourself to afford a pricey personal trainer, instead enroll in group fitness classes as an example.

212- The Extra Degree

For you metrics out there, this should read 100-The extra degree. You'll see why when you view this video. How much more do you have to give, to get what you want?

I'm feelin good- How are you?

I had the limitless pleasure of attending one of Julio Olalla's speaking engagements a few weeks ago. Check him out on utube:


One of the features of his session which struck me were his comments on assessments. He posed the question "How much of your time is taken up with assessing? Assessing him, her, you, me?" And it got me thinking- I've actually got to spend some time with Jullio one-on-one and he has incredible mental capacity, intelligence and stamina. One reason why he can speak so eloquently, and think so creatively is that he has freed himself of the mental habit of assessments.
How much more space would you have in your mind if you eliminated the thoughts on how thin/fat, pretty/ugly, stupid/smart, incompetent/capable you or others were? Even silly ones like judging the color of that women's coat or his shoes unnecessarily limits your capacity for brilliant, intelligence and purposeful thinking.
Since his session I have caught my assessment thoughts more easily- but stopping them is an ongoing labour. I do guarantee you that even the awareness of each thought judging others or yourself will enable you to free yourself from them. So begin right now...you can start by stop assessing this post. :)
Enjoy your day, your afternoon, evening...your life!

I am my healthiest when...

Do you know when you are at your peak performance level? When are you the most healthy, the most 'well'? I returned from my business trip to Boulder at the healthiest I have been in years, and I began to wonder why that was. I ate out every meal, I enjoyed one glass of wine a day, I indulged in chocolate and gluten free brownies or cookies every day. I didn't even do any cardio! No cardio for 5 whole days!
I returned from my next business trip to Vancouver in the worst state I've been in since I began healing months ago. So I began looking at the similarities and differences between my states of being between those two trips and I came up with a list which outlines when I am at my most healthy or well. This will be a path for me to take each day, so I ensure that when I climb into bed for my much-needed rest I can lie with the notion that I have become healthier, happier and better that day.
To create your own list, think about when you were the healthiest in your life- not when you looked your best, although it was probably also true. When you are healthy- you glow. Disregard weight, or how skinny/fat you were or are. You will know when you felt the greatest, when you were at your peak. Write a list of what you did at that time to create such a great force within yourself...and follow those simple steps, day to day. This can eliminate the need for dieting, and self-deprivation. It can free you of the emotional and intellectual burden of stress around confidence and self-esteem.
My list is here:
I am most healthy when...
1. I meditate every morning
2. I complete sun salutations every morning
3. I walk
4. I think positively about my beauty and intellect
5. I open my heart and personal space to those around me, even strangers
6. I enjoy a glass of wine, or the highest quality chocolate without guilt or retribution
7. I put good care for myself above all else
8. I use sesame oil on my face and body instead of soap every morning and night
9. I eat no glutenous foods
10. I eat slowly and with great awareness and gratitude
11. I do not restrict foods and enjoy treats
12. I eat every 4-5 hours
13. I eat fresh melons, berries, and other watery fruit and vegetables like peppers, cucumbers and mushrooms
14. I start the day with yogurt, fruit, protein and cereal
15. I do limited stressful physical activity
16. I hold good posture with poise
17. I relax
18. I do not stress my skin
19. I live according to my mantra: To serve others as the most peaceful and healthy person I can be
When I'm at my healthiest, I am free from the nagging thoughts that I'm not thin enough, that I'm not working hard enough on my appearance, that all my efforts result in not...and I walk each step like I'm on a catwalk.

Quiet, still, unassuming...peaceful.
Naropa University- quite picturesque isn't it? Small, perhaps, but what is going on inside those brick walls is big...really big.
For so long, education has existed within the plane of assessments, attendance records, desks facing an instructor, and more recently in history- death by power point.
Using a foundation of Contemplative Education, Naropa embodies an enlightened path to learning. Contemplative education is learning, alongside awareness. If you are interested in an undergraduate, or graduate degree programs take a look at this University in Boulder Colorado. Based on Buddhist practices, any student would find this style of personal or professional advancement glaringly different from the education system in place that is failing students every day. I know I'll complete a program there- it's too bad I missed their session " A Conversation with Danny Glover" when he attended it in April 2008.
Too often I find myself restricting...myself...to learning in the classical sense- acquiring knowledge for the sake of 'keeping' it. What good is that? There is no test to take. It's as senseless as acquiring 'things' for the sheer purpose of having them. Learning can exist so far beyond the content/skill/ability levels. Think about it, and you will know what I am talking about.

Happiness is not a Fish you can catch

Maybe I'm aging myself by admitting how much I love the title of that song by Our Lady Peace.
In my morning trolling, I came across an article about FUN. How great to have something other than the latest gang bust or traffic accident begin my day. Dr. Mercola's feature talks specifically about the importance of creating play time in a married relationship, but I would like to extend that idea further- into every relationship you are a part of. There is no relationship that would not benefit from laughter, joy and excitement.
When I read this, I thought about the last time I had actually hunted for fun- when was the last time I put action to my lust for a good time? In my recent memory, I hadn't actually actively sought a new fun experience for me and my partner to try. The last time I threw a mocktail party at work to diffuse the pressure of the workplace was months ago. I have not been scheduling enough play time in my life. Have you?
Like your 'to do' list today-must work out, cook dinner, get mail, finish project, make phone call- you and I must put action into effecting an outcome of fun. I'm going to start a Jade's Fun Day at home and at work, once a month each. Each month I'll research something new to try, something my partner and I can learn and play in together. I think it will be great to surprise him once a month with a new activity- paintballing, hiking, biking, cooking lessons etc. And I'll do the same with my colleagues at work- research and plan an activity- even if it's bowling down the aisles between offices for 20 min, or bringing my clubs to work to putt around.
If you're thinking-I don't have time for that- what do you have time for? You have time for a grocery list, but not to smile with your friends and family? If you're thinking- what could I get out of it? Check your balance- is your life whole? Do you feel fullfilled, joyous and 'into' it? Try scheduling some fun and you'll see it's an investment worth making.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." Dalai Lama

The Importance of Goal Setting

Pounding the pavement for 12k yesterday put my legs into a crying state; a good stretch after helped a little but I'll be certain to take 1tsp of glutamine after my workouts and at bedtime to help the muscle and joint repair. Mondays I usually drive right into my training, start the week off hard and set a standard for the rest of the week- train hard and rest on the weekend. But I realized yesterday that it didn't make sense to rush into training today- my lower body needs a recovery. So instead of setting the goal to set the high standard of hard training during weekdays, today my goal my to simply relax. To bring to conciousness the importance of recovery and breathing. Tensions from work and grad school, in combination of the constant anxiety about dieting and training made me a little vibrating generator of nerves this morning. So to combat the stress, I wrote in the goal section of my training log one word: Relax.
Each day I set a mini-goal to achieve- whether it be a time on a run, a distance or reps on a final set. Some days it is to stay out of that damned peanut butter jar. Today's goal was just as important to my health as any other. When I saw the word, Relax, written on the top of my page as I trained bis/tris/chest today (no cardio at all!) I calmed my breathing, concentrated on the contraction and release of my muscles as I lifted and got an increadible mind-muscle connection out of my workout.
Now, as I sit in front of my desk, strewn with marketing proofs, proposal deadlines and watch the voicemail in my telephones inbox pile up as I deal with it all my goal for the day remains in the forefront. Breathe, and relax.
It's nice to achieve a little something everyday, on the way towards larger goals I have set for myself. Make one for yourself today- and complete it. Simple. Rewarding.

Travelling Alberta

Looking for a rejuvenating get-away? Want to reconnect to the planet? See this video about Travelling Alberta.



http://www.travellingalberta.com/

Food-Fuel Question

I'm not sure what the conversation around promoting corn-based ethanol went like, but here is my best guess:
US administration: So, the barrel's about dry...what else can I burn to keep my Hummer on the highway?
US policy maker: Corn. We have enough of it; and we'll give our farmers a sure-market.
US administration: Will my vehicle smell like a movie theater?
US policy maker: Yes
US administration: Make it happen
No thought about how it would affect the food supply, or the prices of food for the basic consumer. Read this article to get a better view of this half-measure measure.

Eating out at my favorite brunch spot on Sunday I was shocked to find the price up to $25/plate. This is a minor inconvinience, but the bigger picture is earth-shattering:- starving people around the world, (including the US) and we're putting food in our gas tanks.

Power

Each of us has it: Power. Though too often we don't really recognize it, or feel it within ourselves. It is easier to see others' power; the influence of a politician, or celebrity or even the charisma of a co-worker or friend.
I felt mine today as I left the gym; accomplished, strong and healthy. I was calm and purely present in the moment. This combination of vitality and peace is my place of power; I could feel it surging in my body, breath, mind and heart. But the thing about power is, once you have it, you must concede it. Without being open to the influence of others, the environment and life one can become isolated, coercive, arrogant and disconnected. And so I humbled myself by expressing gratitude for the light spring shower and the smell of lilacs on my walk back to the office.

Being a Better Leader: Work-Life Balance

Dan McCarthy of Great Leadership by Dan shared this article yesterday on his blog. Especially profound was the last section entitled Leaders need a Life.
I took a new position which found me logging late and early hours everyday, stressed at home and overwhelmed at the learning curve and requirements of the new job. After weeks of frustration, poor nutrition and infrequent workouts, I downloaded Stickies; on a bright pink Stickie-note on my computer desktop I wrote "Do not get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life"-Winston Churchill. I also scheduled my gym time into my corporate calendar as a private event marked "unavailable", with repeats every day at the same time. No one schedules a meeting during my gym time and my office mates have become accustomed to seeing m grab my gym bag and head out of the office for my lunch hour (between 9-10am) at the gym. These two small steps have helped me immensely in balancing work and life.
The article argues (and research supports) that leaders need a life. It discusses how those who can balance the demands of a career, with the demands of family, kids, exercise, hobbies etc. outside work have better time and stress management skills. It even points out that exercise helps leaders cope with the stresses of balancing a career and a life.
I have always believed that setting boudaries (assigning space in your calendar only for you) and making it clear that you are committed to a healthy lifestyle, nutrition and exercise in the workplace makes you a better employee. The Stickie note on my desktop reminds me of this every day.
Challenge: I challenge you to block off 20min in your calendar (yes, make an appointment for yourself- put in it in there!) and take a walk today. You wouldn't want to flake on a meeting would you? And certainly not with the most important person in your life- You!

On another note, I am throwing my first Mocktail Hour in my office this afternoon. I intend to host a Mocktail hour once a month, or when the staff needs a break. Cinqo de May was on Monday, so I'm throwing a belated Mocktail party-complete with virgin pina coladas. Just a quick, half an hour come-and-go with snacks (organic, and gluten-fee) with themed music and a pinata. Just before everyone goes home for the weekend, they can take a wack at the thing and get out their frustrations for the week.