Drizzly Thursday

Well, it's a grey drizzly day today so I'm summoning some California sunshine...through this photo :) I actually live very close to the ocean here in Canada, but it's a protected patch so it feels more like a peaceful lake - no giant waves or ocean views that appear absolutely infinite. Even my quiet little patch is extraordinary though, I could go there every single day and still look forward to it every single time :) So peaceful, therapeutic, energizing, stimulating, and many other wondrous things :)

Today I taught my last one hour lesson, it went quite well. I'm going to miss those students, they're so incredibly lovely and funny and sweet and sincere :) I might have some exciting news on the topic of teaching, but I won't say anything just yet.

My brain feels all melt-y again. I think it needs to rest and recover after lots of mental exercise :) That, and I think I put way too much pressure on myself. Of course we can't be perfect at everything all of the time, and worrying about things doesn't improve one's performance :) I'm trying to just relax and enjoy things in the moment, but that kind of going with the flow and not obsessing over every little detail skill seems to be escaping me :) Maybe these kind of character traits are just part of our constitution and can't really be changed. I'm not sure...because my brain is melting :)

I've definitely been trying to support myself nutritionally. Besides eating possibly rancid granola bars, I've been eating salmon, walnuts, spinach, brown rice, various seeds, various fruits and veggies, oats, nut butter, etc. in good amounts. Of course it's tasty items like salmon and walnuts and flax seeds that give me boosts of brain-friendly Omega 3 EFA's - yum! I have a relatively large head too (finding hats that fit is hard) so I make sure I get good amounts of these things :) The brain also requires glucose for fuel so I eat plenty of whole grains everyday. Really, it all goes back to a healthy, balanced, whole foods diet and I'm always happy with that.

Do you have any foods that you use to boost brain health and enhance magical brain powers?

Wave Watching

I cannot get over how gorgeous the ocean is here - so vast, such big gushing waves, the magical turquoise colour, and of course the soothing whispery sound as the waves beat against the sandy shore. Ahhh. Life doesn't get much better than that :) I wish I could post a picture or two right now, but that will have to wait a bit.

In the good old days, people were actually told by their doctors to go to the sea for their health. The fresh sea air is wonderful, but I'm sure that this also had to do with the calming, soothing effect of the sound of water. It's something that never ceases to amaze me - such a simple, easy, natural thing and yet every time I'm by the water I feel so uplifted and rejuvenated and relaxed.

Yesterday I saw the cutest little seal pups when I went to the beach. They're so playful and adorable looking :)

Wishing everyone a glorious, uplifting day!

Ode to the Ocean :)

I love walking down the pier at White Rock Beach - with every step it feels as though you are immersing yourself deeper and deeper into the vastness of the ocean. It is one of my favourite walks of all time, and it never gets repetitive. Being surrounded by such beauty, complexity, ever changing colour and texture, passionate waves or gentle, reflective stillness...no matter what the mood of the ocean may be, it is always overwhelming and dazzling in its power and gorgeousness. 

I also love how people are drawn to this place. It's like an irresistible magnet that makes us feel more alive and fills us with the pure breath of life. Visiting the ocean is incredibly refreshing and energizing, especially on a lovely Spring day like this. I find it fascinating how we flock to watery places - rivers, lakes, oceans, ponds...swimming pools - it is a timeless connection that is very enjoyable to maintain. Especially when there is a delicious gelato shop five steps away :) 

"Even the upper end of the river believes in the ocean"

~William Stafford