by Mariana T.
Member since:
May 10, 2006

Graciously Moving On - Shedding Light

March 03, 2009 12:52 PM EST (Updated: March 03, 2009 12:55 PM EST)
views: 215 | rating: 9.6/10 (24 votes) | comments: 45

"When you arise in the morning

Give thanks for the morning light.

Give thanks for your life and strength.

Give thanks for your food,

And give thanks for the joy of living.

And if perchance you see no reason for

giving thanks,

Rest assured the fault is in yourself."

Native American Saying

 







Greetings Sistahs Shed:

Those of you who have followed all the steps are the pioneers of Shedding Light.  It is a hard discipline to find the balance of mind, body and spirit.  We have a tendency not to connect one with the other.  Believe me, everything is connected.  The body responds to the mind and spirit.  These steps were meant for you to get to know yourself and take a good look at that self.  It's easy to lose oneself but a hard task to find "us" again.  Once we do, we feel good.  We feel alive. 

You've done a great job hanging on this far.  We are now working on Step 8.  I want to remind you that your health is your wealth.  You have to make your health your priority.  This doesn't mean having to buy expensive gym equipment or expensive foods.  I preach basics - basics - basics.  Eat simply, walk, walk, walk.  Drink lots of water. Stretch.  Move! Lift water containers if you don't have weights.  Make soaking in a tub a joy - a place to meditate and let your troubles go down the drain.  Find a quiet place inside of yourself to be for a few minutes a day.  Whatever work you do, do it with love and enthusiasm.  In time, if you're grateful, then things will improve. 

Today is Tuesday and it's the day that I want to read about your updates.  Feel free to post daily updates if you wish!  What is going on in your world?  Also, since our quest was to lose ten pounds, if you want to tell us the number go ahead.  I have lost five wonderful pounds.  Find five cans of beans and you'll see how many pounds that looks like! 

I found a great Web site and I would like for you to go there and start getting the newsletter.  As with anything, take what you need and enjoy the recipes:

You can find it at www.whfoods.org

I hope that you continue with us for the next two and a half weeks.  At that time, only a few will be moving on and we'll have some new people coming on board.  At this time, I would like feedback.  Feel free to ping or message me at any time.  Thank you for being you!  Salud

 

 
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Comments: 45

Marianna, many years ago when I went on a mission to become a new person physically, I had two 60-lb dogs and three cats of varying weights. When I'd lost eight pounds, I congratulated myself for losing "a Peggy." (She was my smallest cat.) Before I knew it, it was an Eve I had lost, at 11 pounds, and then a Byron. (Thirteen.) Not long after that, I'd lost the equivalent of all three, and it was an amazing feeling to know that only months earlier, I had been carrying around the weight of all three of my cats, and not even thinking about it. So you can imagine how it felt to lose "a Larry" (one of the dogs) as well as an Eve and a Byron.

I found it to be a wonderful way to make myself feel good about what I was doing for myself.
Mariana T. Mar 3, 2009, 1:01pm EST
Julie - I totally love this - sounds like another book! Losing an Eve and a Byron After losing cat weight! Thanks Julie - and thanks for always following along! I need to go and visit you - haven't been there lately but here I go! Thank you!! Salud
Dorine H. Mar 3, 2009, 1:04pm EST
Congratulations on your 5 pounds!
David W. Mar 3, 2009, 1:05pm EST
Jim Rohn, motivational speaker and one of my mentors said,
"For things to change, first you have to change."
Monica H. Mar 3, 2009, 1:08pm EST
You continue to be an inspiration to many Marianna. I love reading your uplifting posts. I smiled when I saw the photo of you waving to us.
Richard Frisbie Mar 3, 2009, 1:11pm EST
I like that Native American saying! Thanks - and for the continued encouragement - THANKS!
Susan Budig Mar 3, 2009, 1:21pm EST
Sistah Mariana, I was confused by the title of this piece. I thought it meant that *you* were moving on! As in leaving us to flounder. Glad that's not the case.

I believe I've lost four pounds so far.
Mariana T. Mar 3, 2009, 1:27pm EST
Good for you Susan - keep up the good work! Keep up that cajun dancing -I know that I'll be posting some cajun music in the summer when I'll be down there !

Thanks Richard - I liked it as well. I always save quotes that inspire me.

Monica - bless your heart - you're one of our best supporters. I hope you join the next wave.
David, I totally agree - Gandhi says "Be the change you want to see in the world." I have tried to follow that advice!

Thank you Dorine - it came with mixed blessings - first, I have lost five pounds by not drinking wine - that's right - but you see I believe that wine is good for you. It helps distribute the calcium...and I can feel those bones once in a while - I am eating frozen grapes but you know I love my wine!!!

Salud
j - Frugal Mom - r. Mar 3, 2009, 1:32pm EST
You are doing something great here Mariana!
Curt L. Mar 3, 2009, 1:46pm EST
I agree with Frugal Mom, entirely!

Congratulations on your weight loss!
Sue * Mar 3, 2009, 2:44pm EST
Hello-it has been a bit stressful in my neck of the woods the past week or two. I'm still drinking my water, doing my walking and hanging in there with a 3.5-4 pound loss depending on the day. I have to admit that I haven't done step 8, and probably won't. I've thought about it, but between my lack of a person to write to, and my lack of garden knowledge-I'm just blank on it. My gardening is simply bringing home cut flowers each week until they are blooming in my yard. The best news for me the past couple few days was that when they added the HD package to my cable, I got Fit TV! I haven't done anything with it yet, but I plan to. There are all sorts of exercise programs-all day long.
lynn a. Mar 3, 2009, 2:45pm EST
Mariana, I'm following along. Last week taught me an important lesson. Do not forget the water. Do eat enough. I was staying full on raw vegetables and fruit. Let a few days go by without oatmeal. I didn't lose any weight, in fact, jumped 3 pounds. I knew it was retention of some sort, and though I didn't worry about it, it bothered me. This week I've kept my water jar beside me. Added the lemon, and ate the oatmeal, ate soup with a little meat in it, vegetable soup with a lot of vegetables in. The weight is back down, the energy has returned, my spirits have returned, all is better. I think it's important to keep an eye on what we are eating to stay comfortable. I will remember this. You're doing a great job here, and it is good to be able to read the articles and focus and learn.
Sandra T. Mar 3, 2009, 3:09pm EST
5 pounds! WOOHOO!
Mariana T. Mar 3, 2009, 3:31pm EST
Thanks J - I appreciate that - ! Curt, ever the nice guy - thank you my friend! Sue, I'm sorry about your stress - feel free to write me to rant anytime -

RE: Step 8 You don't need to write to another person - you can write to yourself and talk about the seeds you've planted in your own garden - a metaphor for yourself. Think back to the very first Shedding Light self and the second one as well. Look at the chart again -I hope you think about Step 8 and do it - I sure want you to be one of the ones moving on to spring session!

thanks Lynn - keep on following along - you're doing great. Everyone is wonderful - thanks. Salud
Connie C. Mar 3, 2009, 3:43pm EST
The quote may be a Native American Saying but I think it is also a religious thing.
Congratulations on your weight loss.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Mar 3, 2009, 4:09pm EST
Mariana, I love the Native American saying. I'm slowly getting back on my feet after the weekend and feeling so awful. Before the weekend, I did enjoy a long walk to a local estate with family and friends. I'm getting everyone to move and it's fun :) Thanks to my recent illness, I lost a total of 10 pounds. Since I had lost 5 before getting sick, I am not sure how long this "loss" will last. I do know it was a major benefit to drink lots of water when I was ill. I never did that before and was clearly depriving my body. I felt better sooner than usual and I believe it is because I drank so much water to flush out the toxins in my body. Now I desperately need a good bathtub soak for the external detox before I write my next progress post :) Mariana, the basic skills you keep encouraging us to stick to are SO important no matter what your health or economic abilities. Thank you for keeping me on track during a very difficult time in my life, Shedding Light has been a lifesaver in more ways than you know.
Mariana T. Mar 3, 2009, 4:32pm EST
Thanks Connie.
I will be using quotes from all walks of life, religions, people who are upbeat and enthusiastic and motivational.

Stacey. Water is the healer. Look at a sick animal. They eat very little but drink lots of water - they eat grass - they stretch - the sleep and they find the morning sun. It is a basic survival tool - to stay with the basics - there is nothing out there that is magical - but finding what works for each person's constitution is key. The posts are to discipline the mind - so as we do that, the body follows and the spirit is stronger and enlightened. You will probably gain five pounds or not that many. I am curious if you ate anything in particular that may have triggered the E.B. Because this time of the year, the body will begin preparing for the spring and many times, our immune systems will take a little dive as the body prepares itself for another season. I would suggest that you find the adrenal gland reflexology point on your foot and rub that - it's very important to keep the adrenals healthy - particularly at this time in your life if you're going through the change - if you can't find it anywhere - let me know and I'll scan a chart for you!

I am so glad you are better and when your body is purer then you will notice what sets you off right away. I haven't had wine but I realize that I do need wine. I have a few aches I didn't have and realize that wine helps the body absorb calcium. Anyway, I have lost 5 pounds - and that is staying off - I like seeing a bit of a waist again!!! Salud
JOHN BECK Mar 3, 2009, 4:51pm EST
I'm just a guest. I've enjoyed reading posts on Shedding Light. If one person benefits from all your work it will have been worth it. Thanks for sharing the Native American Saying.
Mariana T. Mar 3, 2009, 5:00pm EST
John, I love your positive upbeat nature and I agree - if one person is helped in any way, then I will feel enriched beyond measure. I know that I am helping myself by helping others. I have to keep the middle ground here and I've drawn inspiration from all walks of life, authors, artists, motivational speakers and sayings passed down - they are all good and are to enlighten. Thank you. Salud
Kushal Poddar Mar 3, 2009, 9:50pm EST
Beatutiful thoughts. You are looking great.

Miniature moments
Mariana T. Mar 4, 2009, 12:59am EST
Thank you Poddar! Salud
Denise C. Mar 4, 2009, 10:53am EST
Wow! I never realized that five pounds is that much! Five cans of beans gets to be pretty heavy!
John Philipp Mar 4, 2009, 2:13pm EST
A wonderful poem. Thanks for sharing, Mariana.
Elizabeth D. Mar 5, 2009, 3:25pm EST
you look great, congrats to you :)
Mariana T. Mar 5, 2009, 5:51pm EST
Thank you Elizabeth - I appreciate that - thank you John, Thanks Sistah Shed! Salud
Krista P. Mar 5, 2009, 7:55pm EST
What a wise and wonderful quote. Thankfulness is so good for the spirit! And amoung other things, I am thankful for you! Rock on girl friend!
Priscilla P. Mar 5, 2009, 10:09pm EST
Oh Happy Day for losing those pounds. I so enjoyed the poem about waking up to be joyful. I find that the earlier I get up the happier I am.
Chris L Mar 6, 2009, 9:45am EST
What a beautiful woman you are Marianna! Congrats on your 5 lbs!! I'm still here, although absently mostly right now. Unfortunately my dad was in the hospital for a while (again) then I brought the kids skiing for the weekend (ate out all weekend, didn't gain a lb!) got back and they just released dad back to the nursing home yesterday. So I will be on more, life just got in my way! I'm currently down 13! Feel like I"m plateauing, but I will lose another lb this week if I have to beat it out of myself. LOL.
Christine Zibas Mar 6, 2009, 2:17pm EST
I think I missed this altogether. I guess I'll have to try and join up when you have your second go-round. Now that the weather has broken here in the Midwest, I am ready to get outdoors and enjoy nature again, stretch and exercise in the great outdoors.
Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Mar 7, 2009, 1:51pm EST
I think everyone has done great in this group and I've been encouraged even so I'm not a member!
Rose H. Mar 7, 2009, 3:50pm EST
Thanks for the encouragement and yes - the basics are our essntials for staying and becomeing healthy and lighter.
I'll be doing updates and step 8 (I was out with an infection and I'm just now getting back on track).
Debra H. Mar 7, 2009, 4:42pm EST
Marianna, you are one of the sweetest people I know on Gather, always a kind and uplifting word or helpful advice, you are a blessed woman and i ocnsider it an honor to know you.
:)
Kathy D. Mar 7, 2009, 10:01pm EST
Congrats to you!
queen.susan . Mar 8, 2009, 3:56am EDT
Good Morning, Mariana.
Thank you for sharing that quote.
It was perfect for starting out my day today.
Svetlana Goryacheva Mar 8, 2009, 12:09pm EDT
Congratulations with your success, and I loved the saying as well! ;-)

Hugs and blessings - salud - S.
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Mar 8, 2009, 12:09pm EDT
Amen, Amen
Gave you a ten
Wish I could come back
And do it again.
elizabeth e. Mar 8, 2009, 12:29pm EDT
" Eat simply, walk, walk, walk. Drink lots of water. Stretch. Move! Lift water containers if you don't have weights. Make soaking in a tub a joy - a place to meditate and let your troubles go down the drain. Find a quiet place inside of yourself to be for a few minutes a day."

Sounds like a plan to me. In two weeks you are going to take "newbies" on board?
elizabeth e. Mar 8, 2009, 12:29pm EDT
Love Native American saying.
Shelley S. Mar 8, 2009, 12:30pm EDT
Thank you for the prayer. That's a beautiful picture, too!
Mariana T. Mar 8, 2009, 12:52pm EDT
Bob, yes, I'll be making the announcement - I'll be changing things a bit but basic format geared more towards spring!! thanks for all your comments. Salud
Rosa See Ya Mar 8, 2009, 4:17pm EDT
You're looking good Mariana! Great photo! Also very sound advice for all of us. It's harder for me in the winter months, but I certainly am looking forward to the changes of spring. I love the Native American message you posted here. Every morning I go out to greet the day because every day is a new day, so you can imagine how the message you've given here resinated with me.

I also like the quote in David W's comment, worth repeating:

"For things to change, first you have to change."
Jim Rohn

I'm feelin some changes coming on!
Michael Harvey Mar 9, 2009, 1:30am EDT
Salud
Adrian Eve Revenaugh Apr 28, 2009, 6:24pm EDT
Aren't you both beautiful AND sassy.

Before having left the homestead, the PT agreed with me that five pounds of weight is an additional 25lbs of pressure on the knees and other joints. Good for you dauntless leader of shedding light.

Your article is as fine as your photo, which is wonderful!

Ade

(she's reminded to drink water, water, water and may even surprise herself and do it!)
Mariana T. Apr 28, 2009, 6:32pm EDT
Hi Sistah Ade - are you back in Califo! Good - post to Salud every now and then and let us know what is going on! www.musings.gather.com
love hearing from you - hope Mother is hanging in there valiently! Salud

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