Friday, November 14, 2008
New York Times: Birthing at home
The New York Times posted a lovely article on the rise of homebirths within the city. A link for a photo slideshow is down a little further on the page. The expressions on each person's face speaks of their personal feelings and convictions regarding the rightness of the choice they made. All over the country, those same expressions are causing people to choose to labor and birth outside of a hospital. To birth where they can have comfort and choice.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Adventures on a misty day
Setting off across the quiet road
Discovering Hecate
Playing with stones in a puddle
Uncertainty about a banana slug
Reflections in a field
Tears after falling
"Time to go home!"
Monday, November 10, 2008
Somatic healing
I went to an interesting class tonight.
The lecture was given by a local yoga teacher who spoke about Somatic healing. I hadn't heard of this idea of healing , yet was intrigued by the thought of adding another layer to my knowledge of the capacities of the human body.
Robyn explained the idea of Somatic healing in this way. (This is my interpretation of what I heard tonight.) When a body part is injured, it can "hold" on to the pain even after the injury has healed. Our brain (which is ultimately responsible for muscle movement) might even protect that sensitive portion of our body by keeping the muscles contracted, thus creating tension and fatigue. Somatic healing ("soma" - healing from within the body) helps the brain and body let go of the pain memory and with it create a better way to carry that particular body part. When done in conjunction with yoga therapy (not passive stretching, but a more focused, conscious movement), the entire body can move past the injury and become in better alignment and energy. My articulation of this idea is a little jumbled because I have only just learned the concept. I will try to seek out more information to better understand.
The question was asked about the practice of yoga therapy/Somatic healing in relation to a person who hasn't had a traumatic injury. Robyn replied that everyday living affects our body alignment is some way. So by working through some specific yoga positions; one can overcome repeated lower back pain, crooked shoulders, and so forth that naturally occurs in daily movement.
The class was very intriguing and informative. I feel thankful that I live in a community that supports ongoing life education. I think going to this class has put another tool into my intuitive supply box that will aid myself sometime in the future.
The lecture was given by a local yoga teacher who spoke about Somatic healing. I hadn't heard of this idea of healing , yet was intrigued by the thought of adding another layer to my knowledge of the capacities of the human body.
Robyn explained the idea of Somatic healing in this way. (This is my interpretation of what I heard tonight.) When a body part is injured, it can "hold" on to the pain even after the injury has healed. Our brain (which is ultimately responsible for muscle movement) might even protect that sensitive portion of our body by keeping the muscles contracted, thus creating tension and fatigue. Somatic healing ("soma" - healing from within the body) helps the brain and body let go of the pain memory and with it create a better way to carry that particular body part. When done in conjunction with yoga therapy (not passive stretching, but a more focused, conscious movement), the entire body can move past the injury and become in better alignment and energy. My articulation of this idea is a little jumbled because I have only just learned the concept. I will try to seek out more information to better understand.
The question was asked about the practice of yoga therapy/Somatic healing in relation to a person who hasn't had a traumatic injury. Robyn replied that everyday living affects our body alignment is some way. So by working through some specific yoga positions; one can overcome repeated lower back pain, crooked shoulders, and so forth that naturally occurs in daily movement.
The class was very intriguing and informative. I feel thankful that I live in a community that supports ongoing life education. I think going to this class has put another tool into my intuitive supply box that will aid myself sometime in the future.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A Saturday
This morning Reed, North and I ate breakfast before Reed left for work. I was feeling grumpy and unsettled. A unsettled mother inside on a rainy day with her young child. Not a great combination, so off to the beach for us!
An extra bonus soon became apparent; North fell asleep on the drive. I made a unscheduled, early lunch stop at a very groovy cafe. North easily transfers into the Ergo and sleeps on. Thank you! I ate my Condescending Vegan bagel, drank my tea, and enjoyed the front section on the New York Times. North woke up as I was finishing the last page. Yes! I ordered a slice of huckleberry-banana-lavender bread for his snack and with both of us well fueled, we moved onto the beach.
The waves were rough and huge. The colors were deep and subtle. The negative ions were both healing and a welcome path for inner reflections. A few brave surfers tried their luck between the rocks. The dogs found a dead skunk to investigate. North explored the edges of a large rock. He sat in the sand to poke his fingers in. The wet sand sucked in his entire hand. I think that blew his mind for a few minutes. After a bit, he decided he needed to examine the wet sand and the little streams of water at eye level. He kicked and splashed so much, the dogs ran over to see what all the fun was about. When his lips started turning blue, we headed back to the car.
After a change of diaper and warm footsie jammies, it was time to drive home. A warm bath was just the thing to wash all the sand away and warm up cold hands. A pre-nap snack follows, then it is off to bed. While North was sleeping and I was washing/ hanging diapers, I remembered that a friend was having a small party that same afternoon. The day get better and better! I talk on the phone with Nana about Thanksgiving travel plans as North begins to wake.
The party was great, we met new people and discussed the local political climate. North and I go back home to make dinner before Reed arrives. I remember that there is to be an interesting class at the Herbal store this coming Monday evening, so I sign up just as the class fills. North eats a ton of rice and lentils; he is not as found of the green beans. Just as well, Reed and I love the recipe. (Thanks Joanna!) Reed gets North ready for bed, North and I nurse, Reed lays him down.
The rain continues, yet the tone is different. Instead of being a confining presence, it just seems to be coming from a unforseen direction.
An extra bonus soon became apparent; North fell asleep on the drive. I made a unscheduled, early lunch stop at a very groovy cafe. North easily transfers into the Ergo and sleeps on. Thank you! I ate my Condescending Vegan bagel, drank my tea, and enjoyed the front section on the New York Times. North woke up as I was finishing the last page. Yes! I ordered a slice of huckleberry-banana-lavender bread for his snack and with both of us well fueled, we moved onto the beach.
The waves were rough and huge. The colors were deep and subtle. The negative ions were both healing and a welcome path for inner reflections. A few brave surfers tried their luck between the rocks. The dogs found a dead skunk to investigate. North explored the edges of a large rock. He sat in the sand to poke his fingers in. The wet sand sucked in his entire hand. I think that blew his mind for a few minutes. After a bit, he decided he needed to examine the wet sand and the little streams of water at eye level. He kicked and splashed so much, the dogs ran over to see what all the fun was about. When his lips started turning blue, we headed back to the car.
After a change of diaper and warm footsie jammies, it was time to drive home. A warm bath was just the thing to wash all the sand away and warm up cold hands. A pre-nap snack follows, then it is off to bed. While North was sleeping and I was washing/ hanging diapers, I remembered that a friend was having a small party that same afternoon. The day get better and better! I talk on the phone with Nana about Thanksgiving travel plans as North begins to wake.
The party was great, we met new people and discussed the local political climate. North and I go back home to make dinner before Reed arrives. I remember that there is to be an interesting class at the Herbal store this coming Monday evening, so I sign up just as the class fills. North eats a ton of rice and lentils; he is not as found of the green beans. Just as well, Reed and I love the recipe. (Thanks Joanna!) Reed gets North ready for bed, North and I nurse, Reed lays him down.
The rain continues, yet the tone is different. Instead of being a confining presence, it just seems to be coming from a unforseen direction.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Welcome Sophia Joy!
Our niece was born into the arms of Brooke and Kevin after a fast labor in a hospital early this morning. Anna Marie checked her over and is ready for the job of being a Big Sister.
We can't wait to see you all.
Love,
Trisha, Reed, and North
We can't wait to see you all.
Love,
Trisha, Reed, and North
Looking for leadership within ourselves
As the election results are finalized and reflected upon, I find myself dwelling on the injustice that was dealt to the people of California.
It seems that everywhere I turn, people cited "change" as their inspiration for selecting Obama as president. Yet here in California, it seems some of the same people who voted for Obama also decided that the fundamental right to secure a relationship in the eye of the State was not to be a valid choice for all citizens.
What!? How could a person make their mark on a ballot knowing that their vote will tell another person he/she is not equal or worthy of respect? That their vote tells another couple "sorry, you won't be able to make medical decisions, transfer property, KEEP YOUR OWN CHILDREN " because I feel my right to BELIEVE is stronger then your right to BE.
This morning I heard a caller on the radio explain to the interviewer that all relationship laws had been written out in one book; he strongly believed our country should follow those clearly stated sentences. As I was listening to him, I supported his right to his beliefs. But when his ideas block the fundamental rights of other people, our agreement ends. How dare he tell other people who and how they can love? How dare he be so prudish and narrow minded that he goes out of his way to avoid empathizing with another couple and their family? How dare he let one religion get in the way of our country growing into a more perfect union? How can we teach our children respect and fairness towards others if we continue to allow slurs and bullying in our schools? And are we much better as adults?
We as citizens should protect anyone who is being treated unfairly or unjustly and not take away their basic rights. Let us hope Californians will see "change" as an opportunity to come together and work harder for a better future for all. That is how we become better Americans.
It seems that everywhere I turn, people cited "change" as their inspiration for selecting Obama as president. Yet here in California, it seems some of the same people who voted for Obama also decided that the fundamental right to secure a relationship in the eye of the State was not to be a valid choice for all citizens.
What!? How could a person make their mark on a ballot knowing that their vote will tell another person he/she is not equal or worthy of respect? That their vote tells another couple "sorry, you won't be able to make medical decisions, transfer property, KEEP YOUR OWN CHILDREN " because I feel my right to BELIEVE is stronger then your right to BE.
This morning I heard a caller on the radio explain to the interviewer that all relationship laws had been written out in one book; he strongly believed our country should follow those clearly stated sentences. As I was listening to him, I supported his right to his beliefs. But when his ideas block the fundamental rights of other people, our agreement ends. How dare he tell other people who and how they can love? How dare he be so prudish and narrow minded that he goes out of his way to avoid empathizing with another couple and their family? How dare he let one religion get in the way of our country growing into a more perfect union? How can we teach our children respect and fairness towards others if we continue to allow slurs and bullying in our schools? And are we much better as adults?
We as citizens should protect anyone who is being treated unfairly or unjustly and not take away their basic rights. Let us hope Californians will see "change" as an opportunity to come together and work harder for a better future for all. That is how we become better Americans.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Exciting day today....
Lots of cars, but no lines.
Daddy's cheat sheet.
My vote counted! We watched it go in to be sure.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Stimulating the Reading Bug
Reading is a big deal in our house. Reed and I each read different types of print, but find us at different times of the day and you will most likely catch us reading something. We read text online, a variety of magazines, and take many trips to the library and local second-hand bookstores. Although I do wish we could get the LA Times or the Chronicle delivered to our house; reading newspapers through the computer is just not the same.
Back when I read for college, most of the texts were interesting, but the knowledge that someone else was telling me to do the reading killed most of my joy. I got back into creative-based reading after I began my "real" job. Low-calorie books like Jonathan Kellerman are fun to read as well as intellectually stimulating books like Barbara Kingsolver and "Guns, Germs and Steel".
When I became pregnant, I wanted to read everything related to pregnancy and labor. (I did throw away a horror book titled "What to expect when you are expecting". Could that book be any more fear driven?) I think the reading of reading positive, uplifting books helped North develop well and my body understand how to birth him in an easy manner.
Now that the trauma of keeping a newborn alive and well (apparently a series of books I forgot to read while pregnant!) has eased, I have begun reading for pleasure and intellectual curiosity again. North always wants to see what I could possibly be doing without him, so that makes him very interested in my books. I do most of my reading while he is asleep, but we should all be good influences to our children.... =). When he grabs my books, we go to his board books and we read together. His favorite was "Secret Seahorse" but then I found this...
I picked up "In the Town All Year 'Round" on a whim. This book has very little text and reminded me of the "Where's Waldo" series. I had intended for the book to be saved for a future time, but the pictures were so engaging, North and I had to look as soon as we got home. As he is able to say "dog" and "cat", we began looking for those animals. Since the time this book has come home, we have looked through it everyday. Last night after North went to bed, I paged through the book at my own pace. I discovered even more humor and plot twists I hadn't noticed before! This book is amazing. I know North doesn't yet understand all that he sees in this book, but at what point should I expect him too? North will tell me when my ideas aren't getting across, I just need to share language and listen to his.
Back when I read for college, most of the texts were interesting, but the knowledge that someone else was telling me to do the reading killed most of my joy. I got back into creative-based reading after I began my "real" job. Low-calorie books like Jonathan Kellerman are fun to read as well as intellectually stimulating books like Barbara Kingsolver and "Guns, Germs and Steel".
When I became pregnant, I wanted to read everything related to pregnancy and labor. (I did throw away a horror book titled "What to expect when you are expecting". Could that book be any more fear driven?) I think the reading of reading positive, uplifting books helped North develop well and my body understand how to birth him in an easy manner.
Now that the trauma of keeping a newborn alive and well (apparently a series of books I forgot to read while pregnant!) has eased, I have begun reading for pleasure and intellectual curiosity again. North always wants to see what I could possibly be doing without him, so that makes him very interested in my books. I do most of my reading while he is asleep, but we should all be good influences to our children.... =). When he grabs my books, we go to his board books and we read together. His favorite was "Secret Seahorse" but then I found this...
I picked up "In the Town All Year 'Round" on a whim. This book has very little text and reminded me of the "Where's Waldo" series. I had intended for the book to be saved for a future time, but the pictures were so engaging, North and I had to look as soon as we got home. As he is able to say "dog" and "cat", we began looking for those animals. Since the time this book has come home, we have looked through it everyday. Last night after North went to bed, I paged through the book at my own pace. I discovered even more humor and plot twists I hadn't noticed before! This book is amazing. I know North doesn't yet understand all that he sees in this book, but at what point should I expect him too? North will tell me when my ideas aren't getting across, I just need to share language and listen to his.
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