Sabbatical

A beautiful Thursday to each of you. 

Make time to connect with yourself and with others today.

I am a few weeks into a sabbatical journey. Six months to find the meaning of life. And the clock is ticking.

In university terms, a sabbatical is a chance to push back from the regular work and focus on scholarship. Not exactly the vacation that people think when they hear the word, but definitely a chance to lighten the load for a bit.

In my case, I am going to work on writing more around the importance of finding a strengths-based approach in our clinical work. Turning “What’s wrong with you?” into “What’s right with you?” Finding ways to pay as much attention to people’s strengths as we do their deficits, problems and health conditions.

When my patients asked what I was going to do on my sabbatical, I also added that I was hoping to slow down. In fact, more than anything I may produce while on sabbatical, I asked them to ask me how I did at slowing down when I see them next.

I live a life of perpetual motion, and while I think that has some positives to it, I also value the idea of slowing down. I think a slow-down would be healthy for me, and for most of us. How to put that into practice? I will get back to you on that. The clock is ticking.

Leading up to November 1^st, the beginning of the sabbatical, I walked into beautiful moments and conversations. Patients who shared wisdom. Friends who texted wise thoughts. I thought I would share three of those here today, expecting that they will be meaningful for you as well.

A text I received on 11/1:

Thrive with moments of nothingness. They are often filled with somethingness. 

                        – Jill Sanders

A conversation in which I shared my fear that things might implode when I am gone:

Trust that it will all work out.

                        – Peter Holter

And in a conversation around why it is so hard to put self-care as a priority:

It is a marathon. You have to stop at a feeding station every now and then. 

                        -Ted Rocafort

(Extra credit for using a running analogy with me - he knew this is a language I understand)

May each of these pieces of wisdom enhance your journey today. 

And thank you for being a part of my journey.

Snow has won!

This just in: APS has called the race.

Waiting for a few more precincts to report, Albuquerque Public Schools had delayed their decision until about 7am, but now they feel confident in announcing that Snow has secured the 270 electoral college votes needed to win.

There will be no school today.

“I was really feeling confident that we would be able to get kids into school. We made a last push with campaign stops that included me using my most gruff voice with our City of Albuquerque Snowplow Department to plead them to work faster,” remarked one school board member as he wept.

In the end, Snow just had more than what APS could handle. Attack ads and their campaign “Don’t let Snow ruin your child’s education” just didn’t seem to resonate enough with voters or Mother Earth this time around.

Snow, for her part, is excited to take over, even if only for a day.

In a press conference just moments ago, flanked by her allies – Wind, Rain, Hail, and Really Bad Wind – she spoke to an empty auditorium in downtown Albuquerque:

“I am so honored to stand before none of you today. You have been given a chance to breathe deep and sigh, as I have made the roads un-passable. Enjoy time being not here, not in school, and at home with one another.

It was a tough campaign. We had a few last-minute hiccups on the campaign trail that made me wonder if this day was going to be possible. The temps threatened to be above freezing and just yesterday my campaign staff huddled, wondering if we should concede the race to Rain and put our support behind her.

But you, the American People (and the Atmosphere and all the little kids who prayed for a snow day), have spoken and have spoken loudly. You wanted Snow and we delivered – in fact, that was our one and only campaign promise and I am not really sure where we go from here. Like, now that we defeated Albuquerque Public Schools, do we just melt away as past Snow victories have done, usually in a matter of hours?

And before I go, I do want to address our friends at the Snowplow Department. Just let us be for a moment, would ya? Let Snow have its moment!"

Lots more to come, and we will make sure to keep you all updated.

Signing out from a snowy wonderland,

Anthony.

Only in New Mexico

As New Mexicans, we have moments where we smile and say to ourselves, “only in New Mexico”. Whether you have lived here for a month or your entire life, there are just some things that you see here that would not happen elsewhere.

I had one of those moments this past week as I read a reputable news source (KKOB) story about a hot air balloon causing maybe the tallest man-made structure in our state, the KKOB radio tower, to come tumbling down.

For those reading out of state, yes, you read the previous sentence correctly. No need to adjust your glasses.

But, that wasn’t even the “only in New Mexico” part. In the KKOB story, here was the sentence that put this over the top:

“A woman who saw the balloon crash, said it was the blue balloon with the moon on it that had the accident.”

Yes, for those New Mexicans and out-of-staters, you read that sentence correctly. 

I am imagining the police officer called to the scene.

Officer: Ma’am, you say it was a blue balloon that caused this to happen, huh?

Lady: Yes, officer. It was so traumatic [sniffle]. I am struggling to remember anything else [sniffle, sips her pinon flavored coffee and takes a bite of her Golden Pride #1 burrito].

Officer: Ma’am, it’s going to be okay. There are other radio towers still left un-harmed. You will still be able to get your news. Now, please please…try to remember anything else about the “suspect”.

Lady: Well [sniffle]……..now that I think about it [sniffle], I think there was a…moon on the blue balloon [sniffle]. Yes, there was a moon on it.”

Officer: That really helps us ma’am. Would you be willing to come down to the station to identify this balloon in a line of potential suspects?

 

The next sentence in the article was an “only in New Mexico” sentence as well:

“It was the Smokey Bear balloon that crashed into that same tower array 20 years ago yesterday.”

I hope this makes you smile this morning, and makes you think of a few of your favorite “only in New Mexico” moments. Share those as comments to this blog!

 

Hot Air Balloon Strikes KKOB Tower

Posted on October 11, 2024

A hot air balloon knocked down one of KKOB’s AM radio towers this morning. No one was hurt when balloon caused the guy wires to fail, sending the structure crumbling to the ground around 8:45 AM. A woman who saw the balloon crash, said it was the blue balloon with the moon on it that had the accident. It was the Smokey Bear balloon that crashed into that same tower array 20 years ago yesterday, forcing a pilot and child to climb down the tower to safety.

Out of...Into...

As we transition to a new season, I look to the trees for wisdom and guidance.

They must now begin to transition out of their green-leafed stage and into the radiant colors of fall foliage, before losing their leaves altogether in the weeks ahead.

Like most drastic changes, I am sure the trees wish it could go just a bit slower, letting the transition happen over months, not weeks.

I imagine the grandmother tree, 90 years wise, trunk wrinkled with life wisdom in every crevice, begging Life to turn down the speed of the transition just a bit.

Life answers, gently and lovingly, “Dear, it is not your timeline on which things happen around here. Let go and let me guide you out of the summer and into your next chapter.”

Taking that in, let’s write together today.

First, imagine a tree or group of trees that you have shared Life with. Maybe an old oak that was your playground in your grandparents back yard. Maybe a Cottonwood on your street whose bright yellows have started to greet you in these last weeks.

Breathe in the energy, the essence of that tree as it shows us the way of transition. Out of the summer green. Into the fall colors and losing of leaves.

Now, it is your turn to write on your transition. Envision sitting at the tree’s base, your back resting on its trunk.

What are you transitioning out of at this moment?

What are you transitioning into?

 

A few lines that arise for me:

Out of…

Out of despair

Out of picking fruit before it has time to ripen, sweeten and mature.

Out of my own head

Out of forgetting gratitude as I rush out the door for the day

Out of holding onto yesterday + worrying about tomorrow

 

Into…

Into Love’s warmth and Life’s embrace

Into spaces that radiate the glow of Life’s Beauty

Into writing more and worrying less

Into slowing down and praying up

Into healing of others

Into receiving healing energy from Life, from others

 

Have fun writing your Out of/Into piece today! 

Share it with a few people and with your tree once finished.

Fall into Balance

Mornings crisper and darker

Evenings that come quicker

Pumpkins and apple cider

Fall is here!

 

This week is a moment of astronomical, celestial balance.

Fall equinox is one of two moments in the year when the sun illuminates northern and southern hemispheres equally.

On a global level, a moment of balance.

And on a local level, this is a moment where light and dark, day and night are also in balance.

Twelve hours for each.

I invite you to slow for a moment and take in the equinox on a deeper level.

Close eyes if you wish.

Feel the balancing of Mother Earth in her playful conversation with the sun.

Where do you need the equinox energy to restore balance in your life at this moment?

Imagine the gentle pull back from 

tilting, leaning, falling

                            …back into balance

Visualize the     

teeter

&

totter

tethered

to the center

until the sway

is gone altogether

until

you can let go

until

you can just be

until

you just are

until

love is all that is

until

all

is

still

Green Chile Wisdom

 

air crisp with a hint of fall

permeated

perfumed

with green chile’s aroma

flavor and spice mixing in a way that words cannot capture

the land and those who farmed it manifesting like apparitions, Field of Dreams style

how the nose can sense the spice level as if it were the tongue never ceases to amaze

 

Uniquely, green chile is a food delicious but also one that deserves a degree of caution. Not to be consumed blindly and endlessly like chocolate, but one that we sample first to get a sense of the “heat” that particular batch is going to bring.

Green chile demands that we enjoy without over-indulging.

And unlike chocolate, this centerpiece to our NM fall season is never the centerpiece in our dishes. It is added, again, with caution, to flavor the

enchilada, burrito, huevos, 

candy, chocolate, pizza,

salad dressing, peanut brittle, coffee,

popcorn, pistachios, ice cream,

burgers, bread, hummus

chips, paletas…yes, we do go a bit overboard!

Green chile teaches us that we can be great by adding flavor to others, supporting and centering them while we give a nice little spice kick on top.

In being roasted, the chile also reminds that while going through the fire is never pleasant, it does add some delicious flavor.

But here is my biggest takeaway from green chile season:

Giving our prized possessions away to others only enhances their flavor in our lives.

In giving bags of chile to my patients, family, friends (and occasionally to complete strangers), I can almost taste the chile upon my taste buds in return. I like imagining how good they are going to feel when that chile is put on their [see list above]. I enjoy seeing how people treat the gift as something precious, even sacred.

The joy in sharing with others what is most precious to us; Let us savor that flavor this green chile season.

Three Simple Rules for Speaking

My neighbor had a decision to make.

He had paid for a wall to be built and it wasn’t built correctly. In fact, it was leaning and looking ready to fall.

In talking with him, I asked what he was going to do. He mentioned that he could ask a state agency to come out and determine if the wall was constructed correctly, which would be a “no”.

“And then you could get your money back, right?” I asked.

“Not sure. What I am sure of is that it would cause a lot of trouble for the guy who did the wall who was falsely claiming to be licensed.”

Pause.

“But why would I do that? It would ruin him. And I would likely still have a wall that needs to be re-done.”

 

In the last weeks, I have thought a lot about his decision not to pursue retribution for being misled, for paying for wall that was now falling.

Moreover, I thought about his consideration of the harm it would cause another person in this moment where he was the victim.

 

A gentle reminder and an important teaching for all of us today.

Asking ourselves three questions before speaking:

Is it true?

Is it necessary?

Is it kind?

This sentiment is found in many of the world’s religions; a quick web search will result in Buddha, Rumi and others linked to such questioning.

These three specific questions were posed by a Victorian poet, Mary Ann Pietzker, who published a poem “It is True? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?” in 1872. I will share that piece here, and get out of the way.

 

“Is It True? Is It Necessary? Is It Kind?

 

Oh! Stay, dear child, one moment stay,

Before a word you speak,

That can do harm in any way

To the poor, or to the weak;

And never say of any one

What you’d not have said of you,

Ere you ask yourself the question,

“Is the accusation true?”

And if ’tis true, for I suppose

You would not tell a lie;

Before the failings you expose

Of friend or enemy:

Yet even then be careful, very;

Pause and your words well weigh,

 

And ask if it be necessary,

What you’re about to say.

And should it necessary be,

At least you deem it so,

Yet speak not unadvisedly

Of friend or even foe,

Till in your secret soul you seek

For some excuse to find;

 

And ere the thoughtless word you speak,

Ask yourself, “Is it kind?”

 

When you have ask’d these questions three—

True,—Necessary,—Kind,—

Ask’d them in all sincerity,

I think that you will find,

It is not hardship to obey

The command of our Blessed Lord,—

No ill of any man to say;

No, not a single word.

Healing Tears

 

The tears of grieving

water the seeds of growth

 

The tears of grieving

cleanse the dirt, 

using it 

2

nourish new life

into being

 

The tears of grieving

dilute the pain

2

become

homeopathic

dosing

4

healing

~~~~~~

Healing Tears is a visual art and poetry collaboration as part of a larger project, Our Natural Body Through Art and Word. This collaboration allows visual and poetry art to translate and transform one another. 

Lindsey Hancock (visual artist, UNM Medical Student hailing from the Choctaw Nation) and myself take pieces that the other has done and create the complement. 

In the case of Healing Tears, Anthony created a poem and Lindsey then created art in response.

Fan Mail: Fleg Sighting at the Olympics??

This week, I will address a fan mail letter on the show. (You mean, you haven’t sent a letter in yet? Shame on you!)

 

Dear Dr. Fleg,

I was excited to see that you are taking part in the Paris Olympics. How do you find time to do it all? And will you also be a part of the medical team there? Finally, could you get me a signature from Snoop Dogg while you are there?

Sincerely,

Katie S.

Portland, Maine

 

Dear Katie,

It is wonderful that you took the time to write. 

I didn’t realize the internet stretched all the way to Maine. You mean to tell me that when I post something on Writing to Heal, it actually makes it all the way over there? Wow!

Anyway, I want to clear up the confusion. I am DR Fleg but it is DJ Fleg who is participating in the Olympics. 

I know – only one letter difference, but we are different people. I use a stethoscope and he uses turntables. I sign patient charts, while he signs his fans' biceps with a Sharpie.

Katie, as you may know, breakdancing is making its debut in the Olympics this year. My youngest brother, Steve (DJ Fleg) who is known around the world in the hip hop community, was asked to be one of the two DJs to spin tunes for the dancers as they compete for gold. He surprised us recently with the news that he was heading to Paris.

Finally, a Fleg made it to the Olympics!

But listen, if you want to come to Albuquerque for a health maintenance visit, I am here for you. Just call our clinic and tell them you want the stethoscope Fleg, not the turntable one.

In health,

Dr. (not DJ) Fleg

p.s. Here's an article from LA Times on breakdancing + DJ Fleg for you - click here

A picture of DJ Fleg's Olympic credentials, snapped from my parent's kitchen counter

Weini's Journey to Paris

A week from today, the Paris Olympics will kick off.

The journey to get there for each of the thousands of athletes is incredible. Years of sacrifice and training to be the best. A chance to represent their country on the world’s largest stage.

This morning, I want to share with you an interview I did with an Olympian that has an incredible story.

Her name is Weini Kelati, and she recently won the 10,000 meter race in Eugene, OR at the U.S. Olympic Trials. She was also a standout and NCAA Champion for the Lobos.

I wrote about her journey three years ago, as she frantically worked through the U.S. citizenship process in the week of the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials. Imagine trying to juggle the demands of preparing to race against the best in the country while not knowing in the days before the competition if you would be allowed to compete. Here is the 2021 blog on that moment for Weini: https://writingtoheal1.blogspot.com/2021/07/weinis-race.html

Excerpts from our conversation, with Weini in Switzerland training with her Under Armour team and me sitting at Flying Star trying not to annoy those seated in the tables next to me.

 

Weini after passing into 1st place with 50 meters to go

Anthony: First of all, a big congratulations. You are heading to the Olympics and you are the U.S. Champion. How does it feel?

Weini: It took me so long to cross the line. It has been a 10-year journey.

A: Can you remind us a bit about the journey you have taken to get here.

W: It was ten years ago, on this same track in Eugene. I was here for a youth world championships when I made the difficult decision to defect to the United States. It was hard, telling my family back in Eritrea that I wasn’t coming home. Then, in 2021 the unknown here in Eugene during the Olympic Trials. We didn’t know if I would be allowed to compete. I was finally cleared to run, and the race temperature was extremely hot. I dropped out before finishing, as did many others. And then the following year in Eugene, at the U.S. Championships, I was 4^th in the 10,000m, just missing the chance to go to the World Championships. (Top 3 from the U.S.A. in a given event go to Olympics/Worlds, with World Championships being run in non-Olympic years.)

A: That really puts into perspective what you said about it taking so long to cross the line. Weini, take us to the race itself. What were you thinking at the starting line?

W: I was saying to myself, “I am prepared for this. Stay focused. Stay patient.”

A: With one lap to go, you had moved into a pack of three that was in the lead. What were you thinking at this point in the race?

W: I wondered, “Should I go? Should I make my move now?” With about 200 to go, I made my move. I tried and pushed to the lead. But it didn’t work and they passed me, and so I tried again.

A: That was quite remarkable. Usually when someone makes a move to the lead in the last 200 and then gets passed, you don’t see them recover and win the race. In fact, the announcers said just that, and seemed to have given up on you having a chance to win.

W: I guess it’s a good thing I couldn’t hear the announcers! Yes, I just felt I had to give it another push and I knew I could win it.

A: Weini, as we close, what would you like to say the people of New Mexico as you head to Paris?

W: I want to say thank you. I am here because of you guys. It motivates me to do more work, when I see the support from my Lobo family. It makes me proud to be a Lobo and I hope to make you smile big when you see me racing for the USA in Paris.

So, my friends, you now have someone to cheer for on August 9^th when the women’s 10,000 meter race takes place in Paris. 

Let’s go, Weini!!

Watch the U.S. Olympic Trials 10,000m finish for yourself!

Breaking News: Hammock Adventures @ UNM

The hammock was transported by bike to campus, stuffed into the water bottle holder space on the bike to avoid suspicion.

In fact, it was smuggled in, right by the “fun police” who are hired to make sure that only work items make it onto campus.

With deft, we had dismantled the “fun detectors” that we walk through to get to our cubicles.

This, ladies and gentleman is how a hammock came to be on campus earlier this week.

Distracting people with an email about new cybersecurity threats and the latest COVID numbers, we tiptoed like veteran ballerinas to two trees that had agreed to take part in our plot.

The hammock was hung.

It was tested to make sure that fun would not turn into disaster. It passed the test.

Then, out of nowhere, our Executive Vice President, Dr. Ziedonis, came sauntering by. It seemed he was having fun, but we know that sometimes leaders are allowed to break the rules. So we didn’t say anything.

Until he yawned.

That’s when we offered the hammock.

“Not for fun, sir. No we would never think of bringing fun to campus. Just a place where you might rest for a moment so that the serious work of the day can be even more productive than ever. By the way, have you heard about the new COVID numbers? Will classes return to virtual next week?”

He took the bait.

We got him set up. The hammock had never seen such a well-dressed person in its loving grasp.

We winked at the hammock. “Remember, disguise the fun, alright? Our jobs are on the line.”

Heading to work today.

Hoping pink slip isn’t awaiting me.

And if you would please not show this blog to the “fun police”, we would be most appreciative.

 

In health,

WORK (We Only bring Real serious stuff to Kampus) Committee of UNM Health Sciences Campus

p.s. Those are definitely not smiles on our faces in the picture. 

July 4th - Patriotism Revisited

When I fly the American flag this July 4^th,

I am celebrating family and community.

I am excited once again for parades that may (again!) underwhelm and disappoint.

I am ready to see pyrotechnicians light up the sky, uniting us all under their glow.

 

When I fly the American flag this July 4^th,

I am acknowledging the violence this flag represents to those who were on this land before, to those who were brought against their will to this land, and to the many people today, within and beyond our borders, on whom we inflict violence.

 

When I fly the American flag this July 4^th,

I am doing so with hope that we become a nation where all colors of skin, gender identities, and backgrounds are loved by society and the laws for who they are. That we protect, not attack, people for who they are.

 

When I fly the American flag this July 4^th,

I am committing myself to use my privilege, position, energy and voice to advocate for the forgotten in our society, working to live out and up to our lofty ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for everyone.

 

When I fly the American flag this July 4^th,

I am hopeful that we find moral and spiritual foundation to distribute all that we have – wealth, knowledge, technology, etc. – more equitably.

 

When I fly the American flag this July 4^th,

I am celebrating interdependence, not independence. In this, I choose to focus on the beautiful, interconnected web of all life and on my part in sustaining this web for the humans and other life forms that depend on me to do so. (Lots of great articles on Interdependence and 4th of July, and here is a short one to share.)

 

And so, I ask you, dear readers, to find your own answers and reasons. 

When you think of July 4^th, what are you celebrating? 

What are you hopeful for? 

What are you committing to?

 

p.s. Leave the pyrotechnics to the experts. Fingers are good things to keep.

What Healing Looks Like

Thank you again to the wonderful people who contributed to today's collective piece - exploring what healing looks like.

To me healing looks like...

the smile of a child

neighbors talking to each other outside their houses

 

water cupped in my hand

nature

the end of a hurricane, when the clouds have subsided and the trees and plants take a big sigh of relief

laying a solid foundation for future generations

a block party, a healthy forest, souls connecting

a sincere smile of happiness

walking in the imperfections and gracefully being

Ubuntu – I am because you are. I see you

a steady ocean, smooth and calming

the eastern glow that precedes the sunrise

the warm embrace of relatives at a long overdue family reunion

smiles, eye contact and openness

recognizing our living ancestors on this plane of existence

the rays of sunlight bursting off my skin after emerging from a cold plunge into the roaring river

taking time to be with me in a loving, gentle and nurturing way

the pain Jesus endured for me

trees all over the city green with the leaves of spring

the sold-out crowd watching NM United scoring a go-ahead goal in the 87^th minute

an ever-winding uphill climb

the first flowers in the fresh spring

a grove of healthy aspen trees, arms around each other in a circle, leaves whispering

“I LOVE YOU!”

Thanks to my cousin Carl for this pic from a morning run in Daytona Beach, FL.

The Feel of Healing

Writing on the day of the Solstice, on the week of Juneteenth, in the month of Pride. 

A sacred moment!

Another collective piece today. Thank you for sharing! Enjoy!

To me, healing feels like...

 

slipping on Corduroy pants some cold winter morning 

being able to fly

 

dancing on a Saturday night

 

a gentle touch, a soft blanket, a smooth raw stone

peace

the Creator has touched you with His greatest blessings and forgiveness

 

my first cup of water upon awakening

 

being the first to touch the surface on a brand new jar of salve

 

a warm blanket of humidity embracing you with unconditional love, support, and encouragement

a hug from a grandmother, a sore body after a fulfilling workout

a tight hug from a loved one

the cascade washing away my heart troubles

a soft blanket, as it covers me warmly and protectively

standing in the Great Plain fields of South Dakota among the endless fields of cheatgrass, watching them sway back and forth without a care in the world, as the noonday breeze blows

warmth and comfort

 

warm hands, soft and familiar, gently  kneading  massage oil over the neglected recesses  of my  outstretched back

 

calm, soft, centered embodiment 

my cat curled up on my lap

fine sandpaper on ancient Purple Heart juniper, smoothing out rough edges

a weight being lifted and finally being able to stand

the January northern NM sun on your face, back against a warm adobe wall

“I BELIEVE in YOU!”

Sounds of Healing

Today is the 150th blog in this 4+ year journey with all of you. And it might have been the most fun to write, even though I did none of the writing. Thank you to all of the amazing people who contributed to this piece. 

Sounds of Healing reflects the beauty of you all, the radiance of community, the showering of love that comes from hearts aligned.

To me, healing sounds like...

birds singing

children laughing while playing

angels singing

dancing on a Saturday night

harmonic tinkling from metaphysical wind chimes ringing through the ether

laughter

the crowd at a football game when the home team scores a touchdown

a deep sigh of relief

the gentle morning song of the birds

windchimes on a sunny day

gurgling hot springs

the ocean

a family BBQ

deep breaths to remain calm

the gentle, assertive “No” – “No” is the protective auntie standing 10 toes in her moccasins, fierce in her shields of turquoise

Nambe Falls during the snow run offs

music as it ebbs and flows naturally in harmony with others

the first water running after the cleaning of the acequia

family and friends chatting happily into the night

watching the luminating lights from below and the beautiful headlamps of my fellow trail runners, taking in the silence and stillness under the twinkling starry night

a mountain creek after a good snow year

my heart beat. Drum on, drum on

the old troubadour, singing his favorite classic, with  all of us in the room singing along

"It's okay to feel that way"

“It’s not your fault”

“I FORGIVE YOU!”