Storytime

Dec18

Several months ago, my Mom lent me her copy of “A Thousand Splendid Suns” audiobook and I rediscovered a passion that nourishes my soul. Listening to a book on CD brings me back to the pleasure of being read to as a child. It fills my imagination with all of its descriptive language spoken aloud. It has changed my work commute which has always been a stressful drive in traffic. Now I am not bothered at all by the many vehicles surrounding me as I am transported by words to another world.

Here is a list of the books I have listened to since then.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – A riveting tale about 2 women’s lives over the course of 3 decades in Afghan society during Soviet occupation, civil war and then the Taliban. Mariam is 15 when her mother commits suicide and she is given in marriage to 40-year-old Rasheed, a cruel man who abuses her throughout the many years of their marriage, especially after she cannot have any children. Laila is 14 when her parents are killed by stray bombs and Rasheed takes her in and marries her. The 2 women come together in that household and slowly develop a deep bond that carries them through the worst of times. I smiled and laughed, cried and sobbed as I listened to the story of their lives unfold.

The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult – A very intense story about a 14-year-old girl, Trixie Stone, whose life comes apart after her boyfriend breaks up with her and then rapes her at a party. Her mother, Laura, a college professor who teaches a course on Dante’s Inferno, and her father, Daniel, an artist who draws fantasy comic book heroes, cope to keep their family together as their world unravels around them. Their traumatic experience eventually leads them to Daniel’s boyhood home, a remote Alaskan village. Picoult has an amazing ability to bring out such depth in her characters, showing all of their faults in colorful detail. A lot of twists and unexpected turns in this story.

Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier – The story of a man’s life from age 12 until he is very old. Will Cooper is bonded to an “antique gentleman” when he is 12 and he sets off for the general store where he will be working. Narrated in the first person as Will looks back upon his life, his journey is described in beautiful, poetic language. The story is set in the Southern Appalachian mountains in the 1800s and the landscape is described so beautifully that you can picture every tree, every creek, every ridge, every mountain. Will is adopted by Bear, a Cherokee chief, and he then grows up to become a lawyer and then a state senator, defending his people and their rights to their land as Jackson and his government move the Native people out west. Will’s deep love for the young girl, Claire, is woven into the tapestry of his many years. The actor Will Patton does an amazing job with the accent and his narration.

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes – By the telling of myth and story, Dr. Estes explores the instinctual nature of the wild woman archetype. Her soothing, melodic voice invites you on a journey to discover your own power, creativity and passion. I read this book in the early 90s and that sparked an exploration into Goddess myths and archetypes. It inspired me to embrace my creative nature as an artist. Listening to her stories again brought that wonderful journey back to me and deeper into the spiral of my psyche.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Brilliantly read by actor Patrick Stewart, this classic tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge is sure to delight, especially at this time of year.

Saturday Morning Tea – a Hint

Dec1

I’m going on another Boston adventure this morning! This time to the Crafts at the Castle arts and craft show at the Hynes Convention Center.

Quoted from their website: “100% of the ticket proceeds directly benefit programs for children, youth, and families struggling with emotional, psychological, and economic effects of poverty, abuse and neglect.”

A very good cause to contribute to indeed. Plus I will have the opportunity to view some very beautiful artwork.

So, my Saturday Morning Tea will be postponed until tomorrow morning when I will brew up a cup of Japanese GenMai Cha tea.

More Reflections on Slow Time

Nov29

As I slowly read and journal my way through the book “Slow Time“, I am at week 4, the chapter on “Night and Day”. In times past, humans rose with the sun and then went to bed when it set. Our biological rhythm followed the day and night cycle. Today most of us stay up long after sunset and are exposed to artificial light from lamps, television and computer screens. In effect, we have created an artificial day and our bodies react at varying levels to this environment. I know that I feel like hibernating at this time of year when, because of the holiday season, it is actually one of the busiest times of year. I can feel this tension in my physical body at times as it works hard to get everything done. It’s important to allow time to just “be”.

The internal rhythm in our body that is directly affected by the day and night cycle is called the circadian rhythm. Most people become aware of this rhythm when it becomes imbalanced from traveling between time zones and experiencing “jet lag”. There is a cluster of cells located right behind our eyes that regulates this rhythm.

Studies have identified another biological rhythm, the ultradian rhythm, that cycles every 1 1/2-2 hours throughout our day. There are 4 parts to this rhythm: an arousal, a peak performance, a stress period followed by a rest period. Do you ever feel that you need to take a break from a project or task? You’re probably in the “stress” part of your rhythm. Taking a break for 15-20 minutes is refreshing and you can return to your task rejuvenated. It is when we work against these natural rhythms that imbalances can occur. Interestingly enough, around 3-4pm each day both of these rhythms, ultradian and circadian, are at their lowest points. Ever feel draggy at that time of day? It’s a perfect time for an afternoon tea break. Or better yet, a siesta.

If you ever have problems falling asleep, it could be because of all of the artificial light stimulation experienced at night. The best thing to do is to limit your artificial light exposure and do something relaxing and soothing for the couple hours before your bedtime. Turn off the television and computer. Light some candles, listen to soothing music, take a warm bath, drink a cup of hot de-caf or herbal tea, meditate, write in your journal, do an activity with a meditative rhythm like knitting, crocheting or beading. These activities gently prepare and open you up for a restful sleep. Sweet dreams!

My October Journal Page

Nov28

My October page took its own long, slow time to unfold. A candle image started teasing into my imagination during a meditation several months ago. I meditated some more on this candle image and it grew into thoughts on illumination and wisdom. I originally wrote about the candle illuminating and unmasking my Higher Self but this changed as I beaded the page.

November was a busy month with preparations for my jewelry show and then Thanksgiving not even a week later. So, finding time to bead was a challenge. When I actually sat down to bead, my mind was crammed full with all of the things on my “to-do” list. An inner voice kept droning on and on that I should be doing this and I should be doing that. My gremlin voice. Hmmmm… As I let my mind settle around all of these thoughts, I began to imagine my illuminated candle, not the figure, as my Higher Self. The figure represents my gremlin. Though she looks serene, almost like she is sleeping or meditating, she is always there, a ghostlike figure, watching, waiting for the perfect moment to find my cracks. She feeds on what lies in the cracks of my psyche, my guilt about not being “good enough”, a good enough artist, a good enough mother, a good enough friend, a good enough partner, a good enough person. She tells me about all of the things I should be doing and, if I don’t do them, I am a failure. I cannot get rid of this gremlin because she is a part of my psyche, my inner critic. Instead, I let the light of my Higher Self, who I truly am, illuminate her and unmask her for what she is. And then I embrace her as a part of me.

This page was a struggle for me but it also brought me deeper into myself while I was beading it. My gremlin voice tells me that I am behind with my beading. My Higher Self tells me that I am not too far behind and it will all come together in its time.

And now I turn my attention to starting my November page which marks the halfway point on this wondrous journey.

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Nov24

Last Sunday I had the honor, along with 3 of my work colleagues, of attending a Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Kaji Aso studio in Boston. Excitement was mounting all week as we eagerly looked forward to our visit. The studio is located right off of Huntington Ave. so it is very easy to find.

Jane, one of the tea apprentices, greeted us at the door as we arrived. She was beautifully dressed in a silk kimono and obi. We were graciously shown into the front room gallery of the brownstone, where the students display and sell their work. Rows of shelving on both sides of the room are filled with beautiful tea bowls, plates and ceramic vessels, created in their studio. After we looked around a little, we were led down a flight of stairs through the ceramics studio and out into the backyard. As we carefully stepped along the worn stone path, I felt my body and spirit relax and slip into that moment in time. I was already getting into “tea mind”.

We entered the vestibule of the “House of Flower Wind” tea house by way of its beautiful garden, complete with koi pond and bamboo water fountains. We were instructed to remove our shoes before we entered the teahouse. A beautiful calligraphy scroll on the wall translates to “One moment, one life” or “One moment, full of friendship”. This principal of tea ceremony expresses the relationship of tea & Zen.

One at a time, we entered the teahouse on our knees, bowed to the teamaster and sat down on the soft mat. We quietly watched as Kate made the tea – dip the bamboo ladle into the water kettle, pour, rinse and clean the tea bowl, spoon the powdered matcha with the bamboo scoop into the bowl, dip and pour the water, whisk the tea into a froth. Her movements were like a graceful dance, so mesmerizing and calming to watch. This first tea was prepared lightly with small sweets to enjoy before drinking the tea. The sweet is a nice balance to the pungency of the matcha. Before the stronger second tea, we had a pastry called “ohagi”, sweetened red beans over sweet rice sprinkled with soy powder. We also had a sweet rice rolled in ground black sesame. These delectable treats were served in 220 year old black lacquer covered bowls. Each tea was served in a tea bowl over 1000 years old. As each one of us in turn quietly drank from each bowl, we felt the ancient venerable energy infusing our tea experience. The tea tasted fresh, clean and delightfully pungent.

Kate, Jane and Jennifer were delightful hosts, each taking a turn to make and serve the tea. We enjoyed chatting with them, during and after tea, learning about the tradition and history of the tea ceremony and about Mr. Aso and the studio he created. We are truly grateful for their kindness and hospitality. They created an amazing experience for us, one that we will never forget!

“I thought I saw you but then the moon hid behind the clouds and I lost you.” -Murasaki Shikibu