tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35200624342948357082024-03-23T03:14:23.638-07:00Writing to HealAnthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-49909089032465958272024-03-19T06:40:00.000-07:002024-03-19T10:55:54.450-07:00Honoring Coach Daney<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY6w2BGa2cJnfoPVJzsbskqb0DUWd2wHH-o0NltBSZfpkIvpJKJgylfZI5Zh3MOlzDcD84doNibnoqaokIii0Bw_r0PoJySEhXpEiQwkK9nMKGtYvcMf0QhdFQFAEMiaT9GMl72emAnOjTwBcliQijHR-9buAzH3z3WMJvDn32nR_70z4EHC87n3V1gK7/s755/Resized_IMG_8838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="755" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY6w2BGa2cJnfoPVJzsbskqb0DUWd2wHH-o0NltBSZfpkIvpJKJgylfZI5Zh3MOlzDcD84doNibnoqaokIii0Bw_r0PoJySEhXpEiQwkK9nMKGtYvcMf0QhdFQFAEMiaT9GMl72emAnOjTwBcliQijHR-9buAzH3z3WMJvDn32nR_70z4EHC87n3V1gK7/w419-h291/Resized_IMG_8838.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Coach Daney (center) with his wife Paulette (to his right) and family at the hall of fame induction</i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had the chance to visit the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin
this past week. My youngest accompanied me, so I had a traveling buddy. It has
always been my style to have a child at my side at conferences and business
trips.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">We were there to support a local elder, Mike Daney, as he
was inducted into the <a href="https://www.naiahf.org/">North American Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame</a> for both
his achievements as an athlete and as a coach. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Like Henry Rono, who I shared about a few blogs ago, Coach
Daney is a legend and someone who we are fortunate to have as a part of our
Albuquerque community. Hailing from the Choctaw Nation, he has been a mentor to
thousands over the past five decades, coaching 41 All-Americans through Haskell
Indian College and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). His
unwavering commitment to provide opportunity for Indigenous athletes to excel
at the highest levels is incredible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">As we entered the ballroom where hundreds gathered to celebrate
the hall of fame inductees, you could feel the power in the room. Tribes across
North America represented, with sports ranging from rodeo to rowing, from
boxing to wrestling. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Twitter hashtag for the room would have been #IndigenousExcellence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Coach Mike, like the teacher he is, continued his teaching
during the weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">He gave generously. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">He did what many servant leaders find so hard – accepting accolades
and praise for his accomplishments. The night before the ceremony, he texted, “Honestly,
I didn’t think this was going to be that big of a deal. But, I’ve changed my
mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">But the most excited I saw him the entire weekend was not in
receiving his award, but in rushing about the room to tell people who had been
his heroes how much they meant to him. Here he was being inducted into the hall
of fame, and his biggest joy was celebrating the greatness of others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOhX8c7FfzIs-QEmwuNyq5TH0UOds31-lKnuGyEDGqgitwzyfPGhxfuTL0Ui4FGzJSmEjk-r2w3TVPZtHypB7Q5XmGj8vUu5MQ4KH-pF5646M4QgiSups31wup6hOqP5tcH_orf0f-4elB1fjCkwk8ie-Kc12UjdLgD8x4kwy4j1KTtUBUmqpYJJuHwG-/s1200/Resized_IMG_8820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOhX8c7FfzIs-QEmwuNyq5TH0UOds31-lKnuGyEDGqgitwzyfPGhxfuTL0Ui4FGzJSmEjk-r2w3TVPZtHypB7Q5XmGj8vUu5MQ4KH-pF5646M4QgiSups31wup6hOqP5tcH_orf0f-4elB1fjCkwk8ie-Kc12UjdLgD8x4kwy4j1KTtUBUmqpYJJuHwG-/s320/Resized_IMG_8820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> (R to L) Coach Mike, his coach Jerry Tuckwin, and Brent Reiter, who ran under Daney as who was also inducted into the hall of fame this weekend.</i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To recap the teachings: give generously, accept praise and
celebrate the greatness of those around you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mike, we celebrate your induction into the hall of fame. We
are honored to learn from your words and example.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep running. For health. For life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And tell everyone you pass on the trails of the Bosque that
they have just crossed paths with a hall of famer. 😊</span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaBi889xSFaCJF90YN66NzDD56rtxmjtx29QxEbi6QWXNLdPO3dOS1SdVNNHaVAC6pYrShyphenhyphenI33k1mxiWhvUL2-xO__jiBmnjFtLmSD2W4hK9UGf_J6voLlPuII0myrC-A1ktEuBfRbNj2Lw03duUW0xqMvMNMJegMhIoLRbIyGcvdSsB9eZh1Id17xGCZ/s1200/Resized_IMG_8826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaBi889xSFaCJF90YN66NzDD56rtxmjtx29QxEbi6QWXNLdPO3dOS1SdVNNHaVAC6pYrShyphenhyphenI33k1mxiWhvUL2-xO__jiBmnjFtLmSD2W4hK9UGf_J6voLlPuII0myrC-A1ktEuBfRbNj2Lw03duUW0xqMvMNMJegMhIoLRbIyGcvdSsB9eZh1Id17xGCZ/w308-h411/Resized_IMG_8826.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Our daughter Sihasin and Coach Mike. He gifted her the turtle and she gifted him the self-portrait</i></div></i><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-3498916750545763792024-03-07T12:19:00.000-08:002024-03-08T06:26:37.012-08:00IT Issues<p>She texted me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I am having IT issues.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh no!” I thought. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I knew this condition too well. Plus, she was going to lead
yoga for our group that afternoon.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I am so sorry to hear this,” I responded. “Which leg is it
affecting? Can you still make it today?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Iliotibial (IT) band connects our hip/pelvis (ilium)
with our knee (tibia). </p><p class="MsoNormal">IT Band Syndrome can be quite painful and often gives
pain just above the knee on the outside/lateral aspect of the knee. Causes
include overuse and inflexibility.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG9PJXqwu4sS0ljeLIFxN4eYcEQFeSq161IRGN8or1SnF3t2vYcl70cBRUgiUi_elMKNc2vvnyWAPpUNGVURBxWgh9_o9_7gvxqKWGgC5jCC5HtVzBhdoaFJZDeUqU_c-jTwn5S4FWztTobzH8iEkN52pJR-q0Xa8PS1Vx-1khYNEudDIYsQHq0loP8UPx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG9PJXqwu4sS0ljeLIFxN4eYcEQFeSq161IRGN8or1SnF3t2vYcl70cBRUgiUi_elMKNc2vvnyWAPpUNGVURBxWgh9_o9_7gvxqKWGgC5jCC5HtVzBhdoaFJZDeUqU_c-jTwn5S4FWztTobzH8iEkN52pJR-q0Xa8PS1Vx-1khYNEudDIYsQHq0loP8UPx=w280-h280" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I think I can still make it today,” she replied. “It’s not
that severe.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Reaching deep into my empathy reservoir, I shared about my
recent brush with this condition. I told her that I would be sending good energy
for healing her way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No response. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Had I over-shared? Was she in too much pain to respond?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then, after what seemed like an eternity, she responded.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I opened her text with anticipation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“My computer is giving me fits."</p><p class="MsoNormal">She added, "Why would my leg hurt?”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>I hope this makes you smile, even just a small polite smile, the type you give out of courtesy when there was an ill-fated attempt at humor in your midst. The above was taken from a conversation last week. As a doctor, I often hear things from a medical lens and thus assumed that "IT issues" was a medical statement, not a computer issue. I hope that you will be free of all types of IT issues today!</i></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-80146275047984539112024-03-01T10:31:00.000-08:002024-03-01T10:31:04.055-08:00Remembering Henry<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M0VGfZFJV9T1kCS5YMH8OumfEUk0pXXmY8SEJFPIdhPRQodPbjKGmIRgGbIe-5kD4yAcKb7QKwqxphWHP4T303ZVp9SiAKlRZP4Yw25NRQustMsbZNk4ZBwen0WqgCmc0giE-8kmLwmyU7t4LB30JoFwGiWmWwesKpUjqGr4Dwh-WgnQxtvAH5YEC3I2/s1450/Resized_IMG_9741.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1179" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M0VGfZFJV9T1kCS5YMH8OumfEUk0pXXmY8SEJFPIdhPRQodPbjKGmIRgGbIe-5kD4yAcKb7QKwqxphWHP4T303ZVp9SiAKlRZP4Yw25NRQustMsbZNk4ZBwen0WqgCmc0giE-8kmLwmyU7t4LB30JoFwGiWmWwesKpUjqGr4Dwh-WgnQxtvAH5YEC3I2/w313-h385/Resized_IMG_9741.jpeg" width="313" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We lost Henry Rono on February 15<sup>th</sup> at the age of
72. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From the Kalenjin Tribe in Kiptaragon, Kenya, Henry is most famous for a
3-month span of running greatness in 1978 where he broke 4 world records. This
from a boy who couldn’t walk until the age of 6 due to a bicycle accident and
who didn’t start running until the age of 19. Due to Kenya’s boycotts of the 1976
and 1980 Olympics (over Apartheid) he never got a chance to shine on the
biggest stage.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">After living much of his life in Albuquerque, he returned
home to Kenya a few years ago. He had been struggling in New Mexico for decades,
and the hope was that he would find the support he needed in returning home.
From being greeted at the airport with a hero’s welcome, it seemed that being back
in Kenya was exactly what he needed. In fact, he was starting to get excited to
coach young runners again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">You may not know this, but there is a steep, rocky hill in
the foothills known by the running community as “Rono Hill”. Henry would bring
runners interested in being coached by him to the hill – sort of a running
initiation. Some of us met to run Rono Hill in his memory, sharing stories
about him. 4 times up the hill, one for each world record.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJP4PQQTCHQn-HbqCVrANcsNVzoG7UladEIHsVVK1bV0YhIjoK7RAGBKWwU7ax26pUlNtZeIvGAnE5BGfCw8JupTXzL2KVbZRqiVpvPLL5Jn79cvDP0qSUqf50576xijcuqukSZMIi74Pd79qVpW8G0-K_t9QYmpXKg9OW8XL08IGNX7Ck4sM3T0voZZJ/s1200/IMG_2959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJP4PQQTCHQn-HbqCVrANcsNVzoG7UladEIHsVVK1bV0YhIjoK7RAGBKWwU7ax26pUlNtZeIvGAnE5BGfCw8JupTXzL2KVbZRqiVpvPLL5Jn79cvDP0qSUqf50576xijcuqukSZMIi74Pd79qVpW8G0-K_t9QYmpXKg9OW8XL08IGNX7Ck4sM3T0voZZJ/w416-h312/IMG_2959.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mbarak Hussein, a fellow Kenyan professional runner,
remembers as a little boy how excited he was to meet Henry as came back to
Kenya after climbing to the top of the running world. I asked him about his
biggest learning from Mr. Rono and he shared this. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Whatever he set to accomplish, he would always pursue it to
the fullest with no negative thoughts. He was also honest about his life. He would
tell us all, ‘I have gone to both worlds, from the very top to the lowest of
the low.’”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another local professional runner, Chokri Dhaouadi,
remembers asking Henry to offer some coaching to customers of his running store.
With laughter, Chokri recounts Henry giving these newbie runners who just
wanted to meet him, workouts more suited for someone training for the Olympics.
A frustrated Henry exclaimed to the group, “I am not asking you to fly. I am
asking you to run.” Needless to say, that experiment was short-lived.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What I remember about my first meeting Mr. Rono:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">He did not use many words. He didn’t need them. His presence was enough.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Henry, we will miss you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">We already are. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">May you rest in peace.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOWbyMWrMayyZ_yvYVm_-W_RIdpMLfWvY33So8Yix2FeGjXqCFk858YPx8uVTPEDQ5quXNMprq8yISLI-_B5VolwnvGh9-gQLCULo98lXFQ2tGrTDR2JHcna_t_bgvRQ9YP00nMDD-i_xynp_xoTnKAPk-2sSOIk2LOVdwKBYs-Jtl1opt0XUB5pM97T6/s1434/Henry%20Rono.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1434" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOWbyMWrMayyZ_yvYVm_-W_RIdpMLfWvY33So8Yix2FeGjXqCFk858YPx8uVTPEDQ5quXNMprq8yISLI-_B5VolwnvGh9-gQLCULo98lXFQ2tGrTDR2JHcna_t_bgvRQ9YP00nMDD-i_xynp_xoTnKAPk-2sSOIk2LOVdwKBYs-Jtl1opt0XUB5pM97T6/w440-h330/Henry%20Rono.png" width="440" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial;">A picture of Henry, myself and Isaac Dyer at a running workshop</i></div><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-168923536458467422024-02-23T07:52:00.000-08:002024-02-23T08:20:02.397-08:00The Present<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">priceless<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">precious<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">sacred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">gleaming<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">glittering</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>cannot be </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>captured</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>contained</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>commodified</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>saved</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>hoarded</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>cannot be </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>tweeted</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>liked</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>snapchatted</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>tiktok’d</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">can only be</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>experienced</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">its presence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">a present<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">to the undistracted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">in joy, seek it out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">in gratitude, spend more and more time <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">with it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>in
it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>embraced
by its warm glow<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>embracing
it in return<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>embracing
yourself<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gCAz298Grxyp1OmZwlU8FuuTLaGT0Si2VpSM157_3Hqiifddtpsmg178ujWzjm5RBxpi85hnpigojHvm_Efye1GndnloH0I4Vf75VEhXk9l7Y6GKuiM_HFKTlGwjCc4Lmgqd4JilSz-59FBw7H-nsi4pZ5Z5YGc6tegXA3RJ3lzcxZtTjw8cD84alk6n/s1600/Resized_20240221_075327.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gCAz298Grxyp1OmZwlU8FuuTLaGT0Si2VpSM157_3Hqiifddtpsmg178ujWzjm5RBxpi85hnpigojHvm_Efye1GndnloH0I4Vf75VEhXk9l7Y6GKuiM_HFKTlGwjCc4Lmgqd4JilSz-59FBw7H-nsi4pZ5Z5YGc6tegXA3RJ3lzcxZtTjw8cD84alk6n/w368-h491/Resized_20240221_075327.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This picture was taken in a moment of being present earlier this week. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The NM sky seen through the sunroof in my car. I paused to embrace </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the present before heading to work.</i></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-47305373589218481792024-02-08T06:31:00.000-08:002024-02-08T06:39:44.039-08:00Mission: Making Others Feel Special<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was finishing a check-in with my supervisor earlier this
week.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought we were done. Then she said, “Before we end this
meeting, are there any people you would like to give a shout out to for their
work to support you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a great question, but one I hadn’t prepared for.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I stalled for time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Isn’t the weather nice today?” (It wasn’t)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Is it me, or is it cold in here?” (Darn, that doesn’t really
work well for Zoom meetings, huh?)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Did you hear about the game last night?” (The Lobos lost. I
shouldn’t have brought it up)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, I had a few names for her. I talked about how these
people had supported my journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shortly after the meeting, my supervisor sent an email to
these peoples’ supervisor to share the praise I gave them for their work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To me, this really simple practice was worth sharing with
you all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a change in direction from what we usually think as
the “agenda” when asked to meet with a supervisor, taking the attention from “How
are <i>you</i> doing”” to “How are <i>we</i> doing?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">A concrete way to improve all of our work and service.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I felt great for being able to share praise and then see the
people recognized in a meaningful way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am sure the people receiving the praise smiled a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And I sense that it brought joy to my supervisor to have
this on the agenda for her check-ins with folks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, beautiful people, here is the recipe:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>1. Make an intention to make someone feel special
today.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>2. Turn #1 into an act today. Put recognition of others on your agenda, your to-do list.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>3. Repeat #1 and #2 tomorrow and onward.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>4. Watch great things happen - inward and outward.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMIngxqQ6otGeh5WEJOPSiWzVhxS3ELbMaA1JBZivQg0SMRebIIvfayRF7f4r2zjneTqQsocU9s7u7_O8ArFVVJjV_4O166Cm6pIrXyu9CXFYPErspHQHZcdwIEk_Icw_1smt3tP-hsOwOmkvFd6boELT1l549CfkJ4LiyGHNDhwKJWjQgmLiNvV755l_/s416/intention%20to%20practice.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="389" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMIngxqQ6otGeh5WEJOPSiWzVhxS3ELbMaA1JBZivQg0SMRebIIvfayRF7f4r2zjneTqQsocU9s7u7_O8ArFVVJjV_4O166Cm6pIrXyu9CXFYPErspHQHZcdwIEk_Icw_1smt3tP-hsOwOmkvFd6boELT1l549CfkJ4LiyGHNDhwKJWjQgmLiNvV755l_/w422-h452/intention%20to%20practice.png" width="422" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Graphic obtained from Piyussh Nasa's Linked-In Account</i></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-25976429526141478802024-01-31T06:28:00.000-08:002024-01-31T06:28:27.519-08:00Let Go!<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was attempting to ski.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It wasn’t going very well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">They don’t tell you how steep those downhills are going to
be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And I had not figured out how to slow down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, I asked my son Bah’Hozhooni for his advice, as he was
clearly doing a lot better at this than me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“How do keep from going so fast that you feel out of
control?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Dad, its simple. You have to just let go. Don’t focus on
trying to slow down. Just let go and let the hill take you as fast as it wants.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hmmm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is both difficult and beautiful when our children become
our teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let’s apply Bah’Hozhooni’s wisdom to our life today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we find ourselves resisting gravity, frustrated as I was
on those hills where I couldn’t stay upright,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Take a moment. A deep breath.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. Ask yourself “</span><i style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">How</i><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"> am I resisting?”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. Dig deeper: “</span><i style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">Why</i><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"> am I resisting?” Usually,
we are scared of something – name that thing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. Ask the question, “What would happen if I just
let go?”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">5. Try it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBKaVej7CXsA82zQpBFh3IBnGQ0H6k7wAiCtsCyhg3fH3TwtNm0OUVNUAu6Btkc9y-Mc2-ZpR9XOtFCjA0jPFll-lwMtBDpP1VX_DciRQRb46jMnP_Tja451vFs4V_LczbjVG0mMzWqTdlMEoovCUVx-wipzMBFmtYvRkG_J_wjJW6rtkTXaC3AnLK9Z5/s307/SKIER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="307" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBKaVej7CXsA82zQpBFh3IBnGQ0H6k7wAiCtsCyhg3fH3TwtNm0OUVNUAu6Btkc9y-Mc2-ZpR9XOtFCjA0jPFll-lwMtBDpP1VX_DciRQRb46jMnP_Tja451vFs4V_LczbjVG0mMzWqTdlMEoovCUVx-wipzMBFmtYvRkG_J_wjJW6rtkTXaC3AnLK9Z5/w421-h225/SKIER.jpg" width="421" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">p.s. Anyone available to give me some ski lessons?</span><o:p></o:p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-76171036482319548862024-01-19T06:28:00.000-08:002024-01-19T06:28:29.643-08:00Serving Those Who Can't (Yet) Dream<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“They don’t
have the bandwidth to dream because their reality is a nightmare.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Dr. Jamal
Harrison Bryant made this remark to a room of 600 as the keynote speaker for
this week’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Community Commemorative Breakfast. The
room was a “who’s who” of Black leaders, including elected officials, business
leaders, and elders. The room was a celebration of Black Excellence in a way
that I rarely see in my life, on my campus, and in this country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But Dr. Bryant
was not there to congratulate those in the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In essence, he
was asking how those present were going to step up and make a difference for
those whose reality was far different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“So you’ve come
up. Now what? Who are you bringing up with you?” he asked. (my paraphrase) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is a critical question for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For instance,
how we can do more to support our elders. Being a pastor, Dr. Bryant asked the
question of church leaders why there were not elder/senior ministries akin to
youth ministries, pointing out that senior citizens outnumber all other demographic groups in our country. He urged churches to talk about dementia and the complexities
that face elders, not to shy away from them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“If Dr. King
were alive today, he would be 95 years old. Would he feel left out and forgotten,
an elder ignored and discarded?” asked Bryant (again, my paraphrase)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For myself, and
for all of us, let us spend some time with the question: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can we take
our talents, experience, energy and resources to support those whose reality is
a nightmare? How can we take our success and translate and transfer it to those
who need it most?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Let us create
space to meditate on this question today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In closing, I
will share a parallel quote that has been a foundation for my life from Dr.
King:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>“Everybody can be great...because anybody can
serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make
your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A
soul generated by love.”</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBE7aOh9O78Jqn9mU8_DupVTtspm6HjQZkiFlmAEi4UQLxkDLyuPhgveqnOpTBAUr3U3YQZUbdyaLjs-LiUHfALcuhQ256FpHGVMvm-Ab0xdAjyxrrMNg8XcpHWuDH7PziBih8MuPrRytMKMX4J21-ODh-G-7LEXuOVuh5CEK0hY_W3GANBmXVebNaTjJ/s1268/MLK%20Sihasin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="898" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBE7aOh9O78Jqn9mU8_DupVTtspm6HjQZkiFlmAEi4UQLxkDLyuPhgveqnOpTBAUr3U3YQZUbdyaLjs-LiUHfALcuhQ256FpHGVMvm-Ab0xdAjyxrrMNg8XcpHWuDH7PziBih8MuPrRytMKMX4J21-ODh-G-7LEXuOVuh5CEK0hY_W3GANBmXVebNaTjJ/w356-h502/MLK%20Sihasin.jpeg" width="356" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As Dr. Bryant spoke, our youngest daughter, Sihasin, drew this gem.</span></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-82857276975304868062024-01-12T05:44:00.000-08:002024-01-12T05:44:42.704-08:00Emergence<p><span style="font-family: courier;">The new year</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">beckoning<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">inviting<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">The new you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">to <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">emerge<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">escape<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">from 2023’s cocoon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">The new way<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">allows old patterns to slough away<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">new practices emerging<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">new ways of being becoming<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">The new path<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>sparkling<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>shining<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>beauty in
all directions<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>glittering<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>glimmering<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span> </span></span>your Highest
Self’s reflections<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>until<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>all<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> remains</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">The new you</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLlgCz9qXN04KeGz30t3tVaJMJDnqXYZ2EodDvnJwLXamihcyHZN6KDRaVJXvAc7Y31l4pYbQXhYTFL7o5RB14wrQlq8awVGtEyS9UafeoELNCsZAeLha00RuYUj772FHXaDPCDfY1ijod1PP8NasxGfrSNcnh8ydY4jCeV-SLdGQJU0g33ZF3vehYH5Ge" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="1000" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLlgCz9qXN04KeGz30t3tVaJMJDnqXYZ2EodDvnJwLXamihcyHZN6KDRaVJXvAc7Y31l4pYbQXhYTFL7o5RB14wrQlq8awVGtEyS9UafeoELNCsZAeLha00RuYUj772FHXaDPCDfY1ijod1PP8NasxGfrSNcnh8ydY4jCeV-SLdGQJU0g33ZF3vehYH5Ge=w472-h239" width="472" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-45029316321048073102023-12-20T06:44:00.000-08:002023-12-21T08:11:03.749-08:00Silence<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I listened over these last weeks, hearing patients, friends,
and family members talk about what they are seeking over the winter holidays.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To summarize what I have heard in one word:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I hear a need to quiet the chatter and clamor, internal and external.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">In a world addicted to noise, where every moment is
furiously filled with sound, our bodies yearn for that space where we can again
hear our breath breathing life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where will you find silence in these next weeks?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">How will you actively create space for silence?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">What do your traditions teach you about silence?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">What sound does silence have for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can remember one of my first conversations with silence. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I
was on the Navajo Nation for the first time, seeing a landscape that was
completely new to me. I knew cities and highways and constant noise, but I
lacked an appreciation for the vastness of the desert. I was on a run
(surprise!) and had gotten far from town and suddenly silence was upon me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Silence became stillness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I stopped moving to commune with what I was hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And I was indeed hearing something.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Silence was loud, in a sense. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a life force pressing upon malleus, incus and stapes
(bones of the ear).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Silence, I discovered, was not the absence of sound, but the
presence of something. Myself. The Divine. Life speaking to me, frustrated that
I had drowned it out with so much noise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I bowed, asking for forgiveness, and continued to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stillness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Heartbeat pounding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Eyes taking in the mesas before me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">My relatives, look for ways to invite silence in over these
next weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Know that she wants to be invited into your sphere. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She has been waiting patiently for you to seek her out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">A few thoughts for your journey with silence…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Get outside and find silence in a place you have wanted to
explore.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Curl up with a pen and paper and write. Or doodle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">After busy days with family, make time and space for silence
before resting head to pillow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Go screen-free for a period of time. (Try this with everyone
in your house)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will share a personal
practice that I do each winter break that has been quite helpful in this quest.
I shut off my phone for 9-10 days, understanding that these devices create much of
the noise in our lives. After a first day where there is a legitimate withdrawal
symptoms (as with any addictive substance taken away), I notice how things
slow. My thinking slows. My ability to be present improves.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JTEFKFiXSx4" width="320" youtube-src-id="JTEFKFiXSx4"></iframe></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John Cage produced a piece 4'33'' in which the musicians are instructed to sit in silence with their instruments for the duration of the piece. As Mr. Cage says, "Everything we do is music". This is a performance of 4'33''.</i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-63361040920372845732023-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:002023-12-12T06:12:39.767-08:00The Sacred Pause<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Debbie struggled with a deluge of negative thoughts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She asked me for ideas. I didn’t have much to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Searching for herself, she figured out the simplest of
answers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">At her next visit, I asked her how she was doing with the
thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Much better.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Really? Tell me more.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“The thoughts are still there, but when something negative
pops into my mind, I pause.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“That’s a good idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“But that’s not it. After the pause, I ask myself ‘I wonder
what my next thought is going to be?’ It gives me a chance to see the thought
as an observer so that I am not consumed by it. I might even smile as I come up
with a few possibilities to answer the question, ‘What will come next in my stream
of thoughts?’”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I knew you would come up with the answer, Debbie.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The sacred pause.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">An invitation to sit with discomfort as opposed to reacting
to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Observing as opposed to consuming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jumping to the shore instead of going with the current of negativity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">A chance to center again as opposed to being toppled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Today is going to be a horrible day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pause. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Deep breath.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I wonder what my next thought is going to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Maybe that I am going to be fired today even though I know my
boss supports me?” Smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Or is my next thought going to be about that report I am
having trouble completing? I could see my brain coming up with that one.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Was I going to have a thought about that stressful
conversation from last week that I can’t seem to let go of?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Wait, what was the negative thought I had a few moments
ago??”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Try out the sacred pause today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Share it with others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Debbie, thank you for answering your own question in a such a
beautiful way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for allowing me to share it with these amazing people!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEsfX54uL_jevftw7SjAMjMcVjO8-5tBRFzGCdhej9JZqVLZEuGDRLzAAvhuDyxpFaa3LSgixNDljgBp52NAGkiQOEynt8od1nxythhHkt_j9vn9FItIRqzS0-tCS7pwqzDgDSzyUjml8r5IqBTOJhgWTsoL0UijITq2m92EUJCBuoAEdDsp_Amtl_BB_/s259/sacred%20pause.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEsfX54uL_jevftw7SjAMjMcVjO8-5tBRFzGCdhej9JZqVLZEuGDRLzAAvhuDyxpFaa3LSgixNDljgBp52NAGkiQOEynt8od1nxythhHkt_j9vn9FItIRqzS0-tCS7pwqzDgDSzyUjml8r5IqBTOJhgWTsoL0UijITq2m92EUJCBuoAEdDsp_Amtl_BB_/w292-h390/sacred%20pause.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-55801122112073533702023-12-01T06:23:00.000-08:002023-12-01T06:23:16.118-08:00Gifting<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The 1</span><sup style="font-family: arial;">st</sup><span style="font-family: arial;"> day of the last month of this year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">31 days to close out 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">From a heart perspective, 3 million heartbeats to get us to
2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">For some, the best part of the year. For others, the hardest
time of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is it that you need at this moment?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you were to gift yourself with something for your own
wellness, what would it be? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Quiet time each morning?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reading for pleasure each evening?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rekindling a friendship?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reinvigorated spiritual practice?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reintegration with community?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Journaling?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Movement?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Commercials will do their best to get us to listen to them
as they tell us what we <i>need </i>and what we should buy for everyone in our lives. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">They feed into the pressures of the holiday season to buy things to show how
much we <i>care</i> about the people in our lives. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The implication is that with this
new thing they want us to buy for $199.99, we will find contentment and joy. Ditto
for the people we gift.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Brothers and sisters, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Turn off that noise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Close your eyes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen to stillness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen to silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen to life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>to the soft rhythm of your own breath.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>to the beautiful beat of the heart in your chest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep listening.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">You will see that what you need in these last 31 days of 2023 cannot be bought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Start there and give freely and unconditionally to yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let that self-care ground your gifting to others.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6uCuoFuVqwrDJZq1hUbte31Ew_fNnDeRV28lWjF7QJxpMOfGS4o6oIczvadWRx4FFBLaXFLMKUBlVRz3sZjP5r9Kt7p53eXiIsHGYiEWUU9ZPeRIJW90-doAJ6flyqbKE1tZrERxjSa0hbmWHz377IOmgXNN85n5LocVRWjf4JQ5JWMbr_mqCOAMFupI/s275/images%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6uCuoFuVqwrDJZq1hUbte31Ew_fNnDeRV28lWjF7QJxpMOfGS4o6oIczvadWRx4FFBLaXFLMKUBlVRz3sZjP5r9Kt7p53eXiIsHGYiEWUU9ZPeRIJW90-doAJ6flyqbKE1tZrERxjSa0hbmWHz377IOmgXNN85n5LocVRWjf4JQ5JWMbr_mqCOAMFupI/w435-h290/images%20(1).jpg" width="435" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-23267822188792312812023-11-14T07:45:00.000-08:002023-11-14T07:45:07.549-08:00Joy<p><span style="font-family: courier;">“Each day, I look for joy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">My patient shared her perspective on life and health in these
six simple words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Not some days, but each day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">The act of looking, a reminder that we are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">active participants</i>, not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">passive recipients</i>, of our journey, of
our healing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Joy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Not happiness. Joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Not elation. Joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Not drama or discord. Joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">A moment to consider what we choose to seek today and
everyday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">How does seeking joy differ from seeking happiness?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">“Even though we may seek it, desire it, pursue it, etc.,
feeling happiness is not a choice we make. Joy, on the other hand, is a choice
purposefully made.” (courtesy of <a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/difference-between-joy-and-happiness.htm#:~:text=Joy%20is%20an%20inner%20feeling,pursues%20happiness%20but%20chooses%20joy.">Compassion
International</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Another perspective: “Happiness comes from things happening.
It is circumstantial. Joy is about where your confidence lies. Where is your
confidence when things are not going your way?” (<a href="https://m.facebook.com/wearepurposecity/videos/858584505125337/?locale=ms_MY&_rdr">Purpose
City Church</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Cultivate joy, brothers and sisters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">If you have lost touch with joy, give her a ring today. (She
always picks up when we call)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Find a person next to you and share your joy with them. And
then be open to them sharing similarly. Joy, like most of life, is best
experienced with others, in community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Each day, I look for joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">May it be so.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZuK6N2P8sz_Rj9sH7XdNJNFKqwa5r7cqVw20NBbVcvQhxU6ZGsMlyylzV_d00ewKhwgGSDTVwDq6IGqAHelGh6RYz0p9qIFWgpLZ3EaLbVtdHQiGMKjqjErIJt7D4265DvgwYYQaj6CiWUsFfGGDTN9CYuifGLf9riPkfeoDMxsl7A4fTtvNtdD4mmz9/s1200/Resized_20231028_171906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZuK6N2P8sz_Rj9sH7XdNJNFKqwa5r7cqVw20NBbVcvQhxU6ZGsMlyylzV_d00ewKhwgGSDTVwDq6IGqAHelGh6RYz0p9qIFWgpLZ3EaLbVtdHQiGMKjqjErIJt7D4265DvgwYYQaj6CiWUsFfGGDTN9CYuifGLf9riPkfeoDMxsl7A4fTtvNtdD4mmz9/w464-h348/Resized_20231028_171906.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: courier;">A pic that is joy to me. It is rain clouds and water and transition and brilliant colors. All offering us different medicine. I took this a few weeks ago on </i><i style="font-family: courier;">the shore of the Rio Grande.</i></div><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-79394163717388623262023-10-31T08:41:00.003-07:002023-10-31T08:41:57.969-07:00The 26.2 Healing Journey: Race Day<p><span style="font-family: arial;">We huddled as night turned to day, each of us ready for our
own unique journey.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I knew in the early miles that the marathon would give me
more life lessons. My healing journey had gotten me to here, but the run itself
was going to continue the teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, I listened. And here is what I learned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Replace Win vs. Lose
with Winning Your Own Race<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The wonderful thing about running races is that everyone
wins. Of the hundreds of us lining up for the marathon, each person toes the
line with a chance to beat their own expectations, limitations and self-doubt.
We all run with a chance to overcome - addiction, depression, and anything else
we may be struggling with. Each person is engaged in a competition to see what
incredible new things they will accomplish today. In this sense, the race clock
and one’s place in the race fade into the background, formalities to record the
event. This week, when life tempts you into a “win vs. lose” mentality, you can
choose instead to focus on winning your own race.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Patience and Rest =
Work <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The first half of a marathon is a very unique place. Most of
my mental energy over the first miles was focused not on speeding up, but on slowing
down. You run this part of the race in a way that seems uncomfortably slow so
that your body is able to run the entire distance. The first 13 miles remind
that in a world that asks us to “go hard, all the time” that there are times
where the best thing we can do is to hold back and become patient. There will
be moments, as there were in my own head during the race’s opening miles, where
you dismiss yourself and your effort, as we have been trained to see rest and
patience as un-important and even as a failure. In actuality, finding time for
rest may be the most important work we do this week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty of leaving our comfort zone<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite my months of hard and despite my meticulous
attention to nutrition and hydration on race day, my body and mind started to
fatigue with eight miles to go in the marathon. From a competitive running
perspective, this is where the race unraveled. My mile splits slowed
considerably. My dreams of finishing fast vanished. From a life perspective,
however, this is where the most important lessons were being taught. Life took
me from my comfort zone and reminded me that I was not in control. Embrace
those moments of struggle this week. They are a gift, a place where you can see
what cannot be seen when we are in our comfort zone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The most important
part of healing is not crossing the finish line, but rather, crossing the
starting line<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">At 3<sup>rd</sup> and Tijeras, we all gazed at the road
ahead of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The horn sounded and the race began. Over the next sixty
seconds, hundreds of feet crossed from one side of the starting line where you
could still turn back, to the other side of the starting line where we committed
to the journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">By crossing the starting line, each of us was finishing a
journey that took us through doubt, injury and other hurdles unique to each
person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The journey <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">to <i>my</i> healing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">to <i>your</i> healing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">to <i>our</i> healing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">both starts and finishes <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">when we cross the starting line<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWjMmyyIw8YEqRd-HqF1YCigwx821kkDrTGWPW41LJA058-9mhLHFWbnQX3X8ziJ5l-XMlcNLKikue73Tb2wwqI_r2AZ6psgfjpVE58xd0-LN7P_T6ZccZd07QvPmfjfkvUg6xGPF13qKpt5gTdNMNzDlk8D3JRdG5iB9Ph6O9AKD2SCX3YuOFic50DbM/s1200/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWjMmyyIw8YEqRd-HqF1YCigwx821kkDrTGWPW41LJA058-9mhLHFWbnQX3X8ziJ5l-XMlcNLKikue73Tb2wwqI_r2AZ6psgfjpVE58xd0-LN7P_T6ZccZd07QvPmfjfkvUg6xGPF13qKpt5gTdNMNzDlk8D3JRdG5iB9Ph6O9AKD2SCX3YuOFic50DbM/w479-h360/IMG_0590.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Celebrating with friends and family at the finish!</span></i></div></span></i><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-46820469366178082402023-10-19T08:10:00.002-07:002023-10-19T08:25:14.300-07:00The 26.2 Healing Journey<p><span style="font-family: arial;">From hurt to healing to healed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">From a <a href="https://writingtoheal1.blogspot.com/2023/03/calf-injury.html">muscle tear</a> to tearing up the miles once again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">My 6-month journey from a calf tear to today has been a “beautiful
struggle”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am going to line up this Sunday to run 26.2 miles at the
Duke City Marathon, feeling fit and healthy. Ironically, even though this
marathon has been centered on coming back from injury, I am the healthiest I
have ever been going into race day at this distance. (Marathoners and distance
runners have very accurately been called “the healthiest group of injured
people in the world”)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Had a patient of mine said, “Doc, what do you think about me
coming off the injured list to run a marathon?” I surely would have done all I
could to knock some sense into them. Maybe a psychiatry referral as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">But, luckily, I have not been to the doctor in these last
months.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I ran in the liminal space between day and night this
morning, I reflected on the larger life lessons these last months have given
me. I will share a few of those here with you. I trust that they can support
your healing journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lesson #1 – Activating
your healing journey is the hardest step<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After months of
limping around, I began to try short runs at very slow pace. It was hard on
many levels. The calf still gave me pain that made me question if I was really
ready to run again. The runs on a body that was out of shape were a mix of
humbling and humiliating. When we are hurt, we have become stagnant because of
that injury. Moving toward wellness begins with those first slow and timid steps.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lesson #1A – The most
important part of healing is not crossing the finish line, but rather, crossing
the starting line<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I look at the
last 18 weeks of running, it was crossing the starting line (e.g. starting to
run again) that was the critical moment. In doing so, I was proclaiming to life
and myself that I believed in my healing. Before that moment, I was holding
onto my injured status. And beyond that, well, everything flows once we believe
in our healing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lesson #2 – Learn to
ignore the things that do not matter<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As a runner, you can
fill your mind with lots of numbers and metrics for your training. Pace per
mile. Miles per week. Coming back from injury made me slightly better at seeing
the bigger picture (“Wow, I am running again. Grateful to be out here!”) and
better at ignoring meaningful stuff that does not matter (“Darn, that last
interval was 3 seconds too slow”)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lesson #3 – Put
yourself around healing energy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It was a silly
thought. I was very early in my training, but showed up in the foothills where
some elite runners were doing a hill workout. I knew that I was not going to
run with them, but a voice inside me said “Just go”. I think it the voice of
wisdom, telling me that I needed to get around people who would remind me of
where I was headed, helping me to forget where I had been. I continued to seek
people who could help me heal in these last months – from physical therapy to
Running Medicine friends to</i> Solomon, Keenan, Chris and others. Injury isolates
us. Healing requires us to connect back with those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lesson #4 – Shout
your vision to the world (even if it comes out as a whisper)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a family vacation
in July when I first uttered the words, “I might even run a marathon this fall.”
I remember saying it in a whisper, not believing yet that this was more than a
laughable hallucination. There is power in our words, and even more power when
we share with others what our vision for healing looks like. What are you ready
to shout out to the world?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">My friends and relatives, brothers and sisters,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I embrace this healing journey with joy and gratitude. Thank
you for listening and may it allow you, in some way, to move from hurt to
healing to healed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will run for all of you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will run for all who cannot run.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will run for healing.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXx73N14TWciguKvqjqj6Fsxv90SpNZVN-CJ2aDM3XDs6RlGyEi7IkBa2W7_wbWmrdwub8Xp74hfpuJkn5nDELf6JdeaSU-hP-xMrdy_mirzStXCLqiVkt1-V8ov9A7LUx30rJR3UnQuMfx9NlwttZWUEte2LaoKGBvSIt6IsTVkRaLfpxqPUNdU4ls3q/s1200/Resized_20231015_081515001_1697380294333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXx73N14TWciguKvqjqj6Fsxv90SpNZVN-CJ2aDM3XDs6RlGyEi7IkBa2W7_wbWmrdwub8Xp74hfpuJkn5nDELf6JdeaSU-hP-xMrdy_mirzStXCLqiVkt1-V8ov9A7LUx30rJR3UnQuMfx9NlwttZWUEte2LaoKGBvSIt6IsTVkRaLfpxqPUNdU4ls3q/w408-h306/Resized_20231015_081515001_1697380294333.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial;">Solomon and me, on a last tempo run along the race course. He pretended to breathe hard on the run, which was quite slow for his pace.</i></div><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-23235735525561046072023-10-13T06:16:00.007-07:002023-10-13T06:16:59.399-07:00Balloon Week<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Balloon week has brought near-perfect weather to Burque.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a week that invites us all to be a child again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a chance to appreciate this place we call home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stressed? Angry?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Try this – go outside to get a glimpse of one or hundreds of
hot air balloons. Let go and let the balloons take you to a better place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Or even better, try chasing one to see if you can follow it
to its place of landing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> ~~~</span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Balloon week is special in our house as my parents often come
from Baltimore to enjoy time with us. They take a balloon that says “Southwest
Airlines” on its side, one that actually has steering on board. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The week with
them is always a full one.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"> A meal or two at Frontier. Time in the Bosque, biking
and hiking. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And lots of balloon mornings and an occasional balloon glow
evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The balloons become the backdrop for lots of quality family
time and a chance to slow down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mom and dad, thank you for being our best part of balloon
week!</span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwBpXfpmNc55efZbCoMO7gIn52FkS4GKYsW2_3P3SB-y_KiIj64WFot9iJRj1RFOO1jQR02L_mNc5iyYN-kIgufQt86xKTOPpbkwPSSWI809xYY_8sq65x5EagMTnyYH8Vl6ssE94YZ4Tc6Cs6ro0agG13N5fAxdcLpwej-tCekgitJM9P0Iqa-aVfsCB/s1600/Resized_20231011_081135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwBpXfpmNc55efZbCoMO7gIn52FkS4GKYsW2_3P3SB-y_KiIj64WFot9iJRj1RFOO1jQR02L_mNc5iyYN-kIgufQt86xKTOPpbkwPSSWI809xYY_8sq65x5EagMTnyYH8Vl6ssE94YZ4Tc6Cs6ro0agG13N5fAxdcLpwej-tCekgitJM9P0Iqa-aVfsCB/w360-h480/Resized_20231011_081135.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A morning with mom and dad this week on a perfect balloon morning</i></div></i><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-56227743606465667102023-10-05T06:07:00.002-07:002023-10-06T07:40:48.885-07:00Mrs. B is going strong<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I last wrote about Miss B two years ago, and thought it was
time to give everyone an update.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have read this blog from the beginning in the first
weeks of the pandemic you may remember Miss B as a very important part of our
house during the “virtual school” period. Our smallest one Sihasin saw her
older siblings doing school on the computer and was feeling left out. So, our
oldest daughter decided to become “Miss B”, broadcasting some on-the-spot
interactive lessons for Sihasin. (<a href="https://writingtoheal1.blogspot.com/2020/09/sacred-play-and-imaginary-escapes.html">Original story on Miss B</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The last we heard of Miss B, she had used the pandemic to
find her true calling. Turns out education wasn’t a long-term fit for her, and
she went into the pawn shop business. Seems that she also found a life partner,
as her shop on Gibson is called “<a href="https://writingtoheal1.blogspot.com/2021/09/miss-b-finds-new-path.html">Mrs. B’s Pawn Shop</a>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, this news shook the Writing to Heal blog community when
I shared it two years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">By "shook", I mean to say that all credibility I had as a writer was lost. And that 98.2% of readers decided not to read the blog anymore.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, we went to check in on her recently, wanting to see
how she was doing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">In her words:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“The Pawn Shop business has treated me well. I
am still an educator, but now it’s more about how this 20-year old lawn mower
really will change the person’s life if they would just buy it from me for $150
in cash. </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>I talk to them about how it doesn’t matter that they live on a 4<sup>th</sup>
floor apartment. It is about dreaming to have grass and then the grass will
come. And that starts with having one of my lawn mower's that may or may not actually work. I guess you would say I am an educator for life.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether you are completely confused or laughing out loud,
Mrs. B says to have a great day...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">…and to come buy this darn lawn mower so she can
make room for some more junk that she can peddle to people who don’t need it.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh503nPgFbq-Q98cyg1T01sHBlcs-NiT4VXtueuAT_VmMFMKse_nl8FKGNlppZgSEfu-LxDrudLZC6CBJ8dGdQDjxsEG4uNgnMWYwdKRZY_yLJIJZlwpKM2GFKTkdZaLxAVx5zW75HlNtNCK0yheLwOKEaWfSGpr2UnRRaA7eQotjxRanciavaK5U3YTlNz/s1600/Resized_20230701_171253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh503nPgFbq-Q98cyg1T01sHBlcs-NiT4VXtueuAT_VmMFMKse_nl8FKGNlppZgSEfu-LxDrudLZC6CBJ8dGdQDjxsEG4uNgnMWYwdKRZY_yLJIJZlwpKM2GFKTkdZaLxAVx5zW75HlNtNCK0yheLwOKEaWfSGpr2UnRRaA7eQotjxRanciavaK5U3YTlNz/w284-h379/Resized_20230701_171253.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sihasin visited her "teacher" recently. Looks like Mrs. B was taking some well-deserved rest, as the shop was closed. Or maybe she was out looking for the next great lawn mower to sell...</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-90110437622573255942023-09-27T19:53:00.004-07:002023-09-28T08:07:08.026-07:00Transition (Fall is Here)<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was in the Bosque this morning and saw the first yellow
leaves on the Cottonwoods.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">A reminder that we are in a moment of transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Summer bowing humbly as it gives way for Fall to arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Both do so with some doubts. Summer, on one hand, having
settled in over the last months, worries about what it means to step aside.
Fall, on the other hand, is a bit timid as it steps up, wondering if it can live
up to expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It carries such beauty and power. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It can also be scary. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tearing us from a place of comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Teasing us with visions of what we might become.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Taking us to a land of the unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">As the Summer to Fall drama unfolds around us, one leaf at a
time, each morning slightly darker and crisper than the one that preceded it, reflect
on the transition occurring in your life at the moment. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where are your leaves
changing? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">How are the seasons changing in your life? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is receding? What is being birthed? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">How are you doing with the transition?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>H</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ow</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> do you want to be as you let Summer
go and embrace Fall in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Writing to Heal community, take some time to write today on
the transition. Let nature be your co-author and guide if you wish, writing under
a favorite tree or while you walk your favorite path.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enjoy the journey that is your transition!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6bFXrYOdOz-EnZtzK_CUj_i95Xwm3JhRVOAuJSDpURDPHbIFt4xC3sXraNHETzV9CvDgv1EAItvE8sZ039Z2Nn89sQpwbpKd3JbWIx9_o9iRo3W8jXrub2MLPAKfC_JxYOXDkgiZwX84gQYEhd7h_pBwDVZXg3mOdy52Zc_1HY77xQUGtSGlWasiJHF7/s500/giphy%20(1).gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6bFXrYOdOz-EnZtzK_CUj_i95Xwm3JhRVOAuJSDpURDPHbIFt4xC3sXraNHETzV9CvDgv1EAItvE8sZ039Z2Nn89sQpwbpKd3JbWIx9_o9iRo3W8jXrub2MLPAKfC_JxYOXDkgiZwX84gQYEhd7h_pBwDVZXg3mOdy52Zc_1HY77xQUGtSGlWasiJHF7/w455-h236/giphy%20(1).gif" width="455" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-63724148313062731412023-09-12T07:41:00.006-07:002023-09-12T12:10:34.272-07:00Enrique's Movement Journey<p><span style="font-family: arial;">As a family doctor, I have a front-row seat to inspiration.
My patients share their stories and lives. They share their journeys with me.
Overcoming addiction, disease, pain, unhealthy work and family situations, etc.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">My gratitude to all of those who I get to work with as their
doctor. If you are reading this blog as one of my patients, this is your doc
saying thank you. (Will give you a hug when I see you next).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will share one of those stories today with you. Enrique is
a great guy, a great father. But he recently had a health crisis, one that reminded
him that he needed to turn more of his attention to his own health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will let Enrique tell you the rest…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Movement<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>It started as a need. I was dying. I had just been
discharged from the ICU. I had suffered from a bout of diabetic ketoacidosis,
and my blood sugar reading when I was admitted to the hospital was 415, and I
was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. I needed to change my diet and my activity
level, but I was afraid I wouldn't have time between a very demanding work
schedule and my aching body it seemed impossible to effect any meaningful
change. Some major life events were going to quickly free up my time and
motivate me in ways I hadn't considered.<br />
<br />
The first event was getting laid off from work a week and a half after being in
the hospital. I suddenly had more time than I knew what to do with. I could now
begin to walk in the Bosque every day. I started just doing three quarters of a
mile a day and eventually worked my way up to 3 miles a day within about a
month and a half. I was starting to move in ways I hadn't been able to since my
20s. I was feeling good, and I was managing my diet well. My doctor was very
pleased with my progress.<br />
<br />
The second event happened about three months into my movement journey. My wife
of 21 years decided that she wanted a divorce. It was an unexpected and soul
crushing development. I was overwhelmed with despair and pain. At the
time, I was walking about 4 miles per day.<br />
<br />
As I was working through the grief of separation, I noticed that when I was
moving, the internal pain and angst I was experiencing was lessened. Movement
provided me with a safe space every day, if only for a brief moment. I started
to walk more and was soon averaging 5 to 6 miles per day.<br />
<br />
Today, it has been over 9 months since my type-2 diabetes diagnosis and 6
months since separating from my ex-wife. I am averaging 7.25 to 9 miles per day
with about 50 to 55 total miles per week. I have lost 50 pounds and am as
strong as I've ever felt in my adult life. My blood glucose is now completely
managed through diet and exercise.<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly, movement has become the chief activator of healing in my life.
Physically, mentally, and spiritually, I have come to rely on movement to place
me in a position to learn, grow, and connect with myself and the world around
me.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Movement is as important to me today as breathing. My life
and my spirit are abundant with happiness and joy. I can’t imagine where I
would be if I hadn’t had the good fortune to be able to experience the life
events that drove me to movement. I am truly blessed and grateful for the life
I have been allowed to live today.</i></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">My brother Enrique, thank you for sharing with me and giving me permission to share with others. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I trust that your words will inspire others who need to take those courageous, intimidating first steps toward their own healing. #writingtoheal</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP4BWyKeF1mEhA4ig-HnBnCuThtRXjoTNQnvGT6Nsy2JevRKFTbjxr02PpHUK2PRWYLmOyXomJMWPC37xEH7AeW6woGwFpLa9w1PWokP1iLrwkHKW7kw3ZOfmB0bwouXlU_q3yTMP7d-Y0xyVaG680viJfhxwughqusd39EBGthrJCsGBu5-0ifT-pKSQ/s1200/Resized_20230830_070834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="1200" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP4BWyKeF1mEhA4ig-HnBnCuThtRXjoTNQnvGT6Nsy2JevRKFTbjxr02PpHUK2PRWYLmOyXomJMWPC37xEH7AeW6woGwFpLa9w1PWokP1iLrwkHKW7kw3ZOfmB0bwouXlU_q3yTMP7d-Y0xyVaG680viJfhxwughqusd39EBGthrJCsGBu5-0ifT-pKSQ/w446-h201/Resized_20230830_070834.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Enrique now sees his doc on a monthly basis. The "visits" are done while walking a few miles at beautiful places and open spaces. The medicine is in the movement. This pic came from our last "visit", Los Poblanos Open Space. Shout out to the sunflowers that allowed us to pose with them.</span></i></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-76555741032061842092023-08-29T08:54:00.002-07:002023-08-29T08:54:21.563-07:00Embrace the Wobble<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Crying profusely.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Dad, don’t make me do it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our 5-year old had promised to try riding her bike, and I
was trying to stand strong. But her tearful protest was making it hard not to
back down. For a few months we had failed at getting her to be able to ride a
bike without training wheels. “Why force her toward another failed attempt?” I
asked myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a few minutes of emotional tug-of-war, we got little
Sihasin onto the bike.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She settled onto the bike seat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Struggled to push off, but finally did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bike wobbled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wobbled some more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She reacted and steadied herself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wobbling continued.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She again reacted and kept the bike from falling to the
side.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">She had figured it all out! She was riding a bike.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tears of “don’t make me do this” replaced with “wow, I can
do this!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Daddy no longer feeling guilty, but now feeling a proud papa
elation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">This week, we may feel like Sihasin when faced with a
daunting challenge. We may not cry in protest, but we may wish we could.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maybe that is the exact moment where we are going to have
the breakthrough, if we just push through the fear of failure. In fact, it
might be helpful to stop and name what we are afraid of as a way of getting
ourselves onto the bike to at least make an attempt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And when the bike inevitably wobbles, trust that you can
figure out how to react. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just like Sihasin. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">In fact, our failures have taught
us how to be successful, even if we cannot quite see it yet in that moment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Embrace the wobble.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Embrace the “don’t make me do this” voice in your head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">But similarly, embrace the voice telling you “I can do this.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFkJwUvv3ueMWs1rHZ6CvxSHr4eqcnpHgKdGYLn6yz9cFzkT5BQ61sJauCwwVs_5uAGpo_oi1rDt9uJgpwtbyG7OyPiCFQ5Tee6KoONK7NfdafzIYrUyRNZw_YdBdE9R7LxPNmAC7tC9XBzGWzv--dsiwDvVpIhRyVZpK8yn0iUxYKz0jFjA50x82wa1o/s1600/Resized_20230827_192548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFkJwUvv3ueMWs1rHZ6CvxSHr4eqcnpHgKdGYLn6yz9cFzkT5BQ61sJauCwwVs_5uAGpo_oi1rDt9uJgpwtbyG7OyPiCFQ5Tee6KoONK7NfdafzIYrUyRNZw_YdBdE9R7LxPNmAC7tC9XBzGWzv--dsiwDvVpIhRyVZpK8yn0iUxYKz0jFjA50x82wa1o/w317-h422/Resized_20230827_192548.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-87053301848583014782023-08-18T07:58:00.001-07:002023-08-18T08:01:57.218-07:00Summer Rain<p><span style="font-family: courier;">driving hard</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">pushing us indoors<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">summer rain
reminds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">of <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">cycles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">blessings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">showering<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">love <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">courage<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">strength<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">resilience <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">hardship<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">nourishment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">until <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">silence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">nothingness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">where <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">only <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">summer rain
remains</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRXTsuLBlkSvp6nv4G9pldhbaK8CAx_Ie7w9a_kQ_cQF2a9SHfGjOTkOuyJoLfr85MGnFpfCsFj6IZ5FLFlm9mrLJWmZ-u-vpPy2wxFx864-fxVycrsro9503bjmgZiBONX2oG3FfnYqjrXJmLMhAkBOCSVGeYxWmWdv-ZcW3ilYfzFSiEcdtKwt_0iNc/s1200/summer%20rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRXTsuLBlkSvp6nv4G9pldhbaK8CAx_Ie7w9a_kQ_cQF2a9SHfGjOTkOuyJoLfr85MGnFpfCsFj6IZ5FLFlm9mrLJWmZ-u-vpPy2wxFx864-fxVycrsro9503bjmgZiBONX2oG3FfnYqjrXJmLMhAkBOCSVGeYxWmWdv-ZcW3ilYfzFSiEcdtKwt_0iNc/w434-h289/summer%20rain.jpg" width="434" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-77135770576747912012023-08-09T07:44:00.002-07:002023-08-09T15:44:51.960-07:00Presidential Visit<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday was a big day for our little street in the North Valley.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I took the kids to school, NPR talked about President
Biden’s trip to the southwest, which was to include two fundraisers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">“One of those two will take place on our street,” we realized
together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first visit from
Secret Service over the weekend gave us a sense of how big this was. The street
would be shut down at times during the day, and we were told what we could and
couldn’t do. The big offer was that we could take pics with the presidential limousine when the event was happening. A 50-car motorcade would come in with the President, and the attendees
of the fundraiser would be bused in. Governor Lujan-Grisham and multiple Pueblo
Governors were going to be in attendance as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Monday night, the Flegs were busy making signs to place in
our front yard to help welcome the President.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBmxThHma0aWV3N1cMa20uXZ1zltzEiijAX6SLBCGT4MSgIoC-CxOyswYWHNJB3sEK_ZHI1bLSKyH0Dr1WQGQWuytvBzqKfOiyTwMnLke31xPhR-ozKvNFm7ijIfvmuyZDQu7XEkObQzPCu1w26QJJoQ8aK0xpWbO2iU8gxI5unmx4jdJct_fBxITJ8Sw/s480/IMG_9368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBmxThHma0aWV3N1cMa20uXZ1zltzEiijAX6SLBCGT4MSgIoC-CxOyswYWHNJB3sEK_ZHI1bLSKyH0Dr1WQGQWuytvBzqKfOiyTwMnLke31xPhR-ozKvNFm7ijIfvmuyZDQu7XEkObQzPCu1w26QJJoQ8aK0xpWbO2iU8gxI5unmx4jdJct_fBxITJ8Sw/s320/IMG_9368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Welcome to our neighborhood Mr. President"</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">How it all actually went down? Well, you could get a better
account of that from my family. (If you really need to know right away, go to Longfellow
Elementary School today and ask for Sihasin or Shandiin. I am sure the
Principal will be happy to pull them from their learning to talk to you.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">While I wasn’t there to see it all, but I do know that it
took me an hour to get from “just around the corner from home” to getting to my
house. As I approached our road, police were re-directing everyone. I found a
place to park along a ditch and decided to try to walk home. On the way, a
police vehicle stood blocking the trail. Even my proof of living on the street
was not enough to get me past. The officer assured me, “Don’t worry. It is
almost over,” as he listened to a play-by-play on his radio of what was
happening at the event. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“The President has just set down his glass. Oh, wait…he
looks to be taking another sip after all. Now wiping his mouth with a napkin.” </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Exciting stuff!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">After standing there for about 10 minutes, the motorcade
began to exit our street. Neighbors stood in their driveways waving at the
President as he waved back. I can at least say that I saw the President’s vehicle
100 yards in front of me, and can tell you that it was black and had tinted
windows. Hey, that’s good enough for a tabloid story, right?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning, our street is quiet again. As if nothing
happened. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">And I am smiling, knowing that I will able to get to my
house this evening.</span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2SJVJneuN220c6uZWv0X9a0WY6ZoywhuoCCan_bkcQqWpYRHDUifg64a5yv4LmA6DTebV5ByQ0RP5yQqznUwyKqgI3nF8Op8wzI-_FdzEvqypMIfTk6R76wSHudj7PbgkIhc0pP8Uo2Xl6PS0-bjVL4VRXNA9sh9P_5fuKKXVxslJYz7irayKiyjNwov/s320/IMG_9405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2SJVJneuN220c6uZWv0X9a0WY6ZoywhuoCCan_bkcQqWpYRHDUifg64a5yv4LmA6DTebV5ByQ0RP5yQqznUwyKqgI3nF8Op8wzI-_FdzEvqypMIfTk6R76wSHudj7PbgkIhc0pP8Uo2Xl6PS0-bjVL4VRXNA9sh9P_5fuKKXVxslJYz7irayKiyjNwov/w397-h298/IMG_9405.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pic with the presidential limousine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH-lqlGaPmdFBX9fKAvt1ZHTwaCoJQT8lh1PC2qwaubAaGk6fPjjPIrrPDMc8clAih1N1ZFhoEu_1ozau8rjr6kP96z1yxnOut5XUhHWvgWALFOBiwZzSXWRU8dEPUk0fLnn2jxUbPbUqST0GmXS0pLQ3_XjlUqMMOfgK3eF9kMzEwB9uUZUzm_fHkKIm/s1024/IMG_9390.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="685" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH-lqlGaPmdFBX9fKAvt1ZHTwaCoJQT8lh1PC2qwaubAaGk6fPjjPIrrPDMc8clAih1N1ZFhoEu_1ozau8rjr6kP96z1yxnOut5XUhHWvgWALFOBiwZzSXWRU8dEPUk0fLnn2jxUbPbUqST0GmXS0pLQ3_XjlUqMMOfgK3eF9kMzEwB9uUZUzm_fHkKIm/w317-h474/IMG_9390.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Biden waving from the back seat of the limo as he passes our house.</div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-61223394681599460352023-07-20T05:50:00.005-07:002023-07-20T05:51:39.409-07:00Beginnings<p>Beginnings</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">require a letting go<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">releasing grief’s tears <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">who nourish the soil<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">coaxing seed from its casing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">as life sprouts anew.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beginnings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">mark endings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">the two dancing in step<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">affirming and erasing the other all
at once<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">blending and fusing until they are
indistinguishable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">leaving growth in their wake<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">making growth all that matters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beginnings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">allow <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what was</i></b> to recede<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what is</i></b>
becoming clear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;">as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what
could be</i></b> emerges<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ483Oxz1OAvQZ8LQQzpja2_x1vsSvEyUCqENjdIEx3lFZSAwaGO6lYqVtFTWt5RHMTUecfB-lC7M0Jzpvyk02bz59Mg-XKsXhLoR_zKY9I_H1gFuKoXSt7y8wJ5Xjix17z6XaFXHshGCaj1SV9S_G0bANaIhDIXbSxsdIQnEUPTY6Ocg3dTsCc5d5iYDf/s292/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="292" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ483Oxz1OAvQZ8LQQzpja2_x1vsSvEyUCqENjdIEx3lFZSAwaGO6lYqVtFTWt5RHMTUecfB-lC7M0Jzpvyk02bz59Mg-XKsXhLoR_zKY9I_H1gFuKoXSt7y8wJ5Xjix17z6XaFXHshGCaj1SV9S_G0bANaIhDIXbSxsdIQnEUPTY6Ocg3dTsCc5d5iYDf/w411-h242/download.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-90421004023886946692023-07-09T20:08:00.001-07:002023-07-09T20:09:55.654-07:00Rain drops from nowhere<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first drops hit my skin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought it was just sweat. I was running after all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then a few more. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I looked up. A sunny NM morning, no clouds and definitely no
rain clouds above me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I knew it was going to be a special day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmwDCmrzny3Vt1apbM0FWBHOD-ugiKivEoOIHvhVMqIpAw43tOw122bVQxG3kawjFXCTlc5Jhao8qzpQKxUxzoU1uA7LAs5AdRFKuTXvAaWdiZ-kk25mXIRp29RzGncFK02xk6ih2_C8fo8T6KBvMLHQmWEuRCpCALfpeqvJSMIGnGkdMEIw1n75qasmt/s554/105269.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="554" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmwDCmrzny3Vt1apbM0FWBHOD-ugiKivEoOIHvhVMqIpAw43tOw122bVQxG3kawjFXCTlc5Jhao8qzpQKxUxzoU1uA7LAs5AdRFKuTXvAaWdiZ-kk25mXIRp29RzGncFK02xk6ih2_C8fo8T6KBvMLHQmWEuRCpCALfpeqvJSMIGnGkdMEIw1n75qasmt/w395-h221/105269.gif" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rain without clouds was a sign. The fact that I am starting
to run again, 4 months from the <a href="https://writingtoheal1.blogspot.com/2023/03/calf-injury.html">calf injury</a> was another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I got home, took off my blue Running Medicine shirt and put
on a yellow Running Medicine shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I spent the next hour with a group called Addict 2 Athlete
(A2A), helping to lead a workout at a local park. Great energy, with all of us
healing and recovering together through an intense workout.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sped home, and took out my 3<sup>rd</sup> Running Medicine shirt
of the day, this one a maroon color. Off to coach my son and our Running
Medicine basketball team in the county rec league. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then off to cheer on our RM team at the regional track meet.
No shirt change this time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I guess the theme for today’s piece could be “A morning in
the life of a mover” or “Anthony is a bit different”, but let’s go back to the
raindrops and those small gifts that each day gives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some of the gifts in your day today, like the raindrops from
nowhere, will be unexpected and unexplainable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Look for those today. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Embrace them when they come.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Spend a moment to enjoy the gift, stepping back from
computer and anything else that might distract you from gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Find someone to share the gift, the amazement with. In my
case, the rain drops led to a conversation with another trail-goer as
we shared a moment of awe and wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">May rain fall from nowhere for/on us today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">May we be present enough to notice it when it does.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-32042937205812752282023-06-29T17:21:00.000-07:002023-06-29T17:21:45.308-07:00Striking down affirmative action - a loss for all of us<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Until we
have eliminated inequities along the lines of racial status, affirmative action
is just and necessary.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I write this
as a white male for whom doors have been opened from my birth. Access to great
schools, support if I ever faltered, and all of my basic needs being met. I got
into college because of race – my white race – that gave me an unfair advantage
in the game of standardized testing, AP classes etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is a sad
day for equity, a huge loss for justice when our supreme court says that
leveling the playing field is now against the rules. It is a loss for
under-represented, minoritized communities. But it is a loss for all of us. We
lose out when students who have faced closed doors since birth are asked to play
on an “equal” playing field with people like me, for whom the doors were always
open. When one of those students who is destined to be a brilliant engineer, a
stellar lawyer, or a climate change leader is denied admission to college because
of the “equal” playing field (e.g. one without affirmative action), we all
lose.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let us not
lose hope brothers and sisters. These assaults on women’s bodies and affirmative
action by a court with a perverted sense of justice should give us added
momentum to work together to make sure that their gavel is drowned out by the
symphony of our voices singing freedom songs as we work toward equity and
justice. Let that gavel be muted by our loud, boisterous and loving efforts to build The
Beloved Community. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I call to
mind Cornel West’s wisdom: “Justice is love expressed in public.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">That’s the gavel
I choose to honor, listen to, and ground my actions today.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC2YxgFOA8vAdsEag9SvzCBcHbZd10ZdQL_cHJqkVotiMloUP6m3PR6mRTEnuU4xdEeAOVDeDGZl2q2Gl2wUsYTTr0ZqHQxLJXAPOVaXwgpo01qoTG9C1GEnWfmY5TMLD4CHgG4bzlt_SuDdHvSTfSVPy8UBs8nOyEqfe9t6jS2XhaLe3fWkPtrjMX6gC/s318/beloved%20community1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC2YxgFOA8vAdsEag9SvzCBcHbZd10ZdQL_cHJqkVotiMloUP6m3PR6mRTEnuU4xdEeAOVDeDGZl2q2Gl2wUsYTTr0ZqHQxLJXAPOVaXwgpo01qoTG9C1GEnWfmY5TMLD4CHgG4bzlt_SuDdHvSTfSVPy8UBs8nOyEqfe9t6jS2XhaLe3fWkPtrjMX6gC/w479-h240/beloved%20community1.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520062434294835708.post-22027361223404821092023-06-16T08:45:00.005-07:002023-06-17T08:35:23.866-07:00ICWA - A victory for all of us!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbWSHxucqxVtS9GaornE8uMJpr315u4TgyszP8qcXOo7s-YzwFLJ5hHLz7-BBEbBvPdNi72wCbMhGCR7cvMVJj4ltZtvBLQ9f9JdL0MHvbXLRkZ2D-n8FsN7b1APr_xnZ0t3tfIu-yxM-XwqyQjD25Aqn6v7xyVRYe9s7nFRCrcTFbfcwld7Q6_FP3w/s275/ICWA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbWSHxucqxVtS9GaornE8uMJpr315u4TgyszP8qcXOo7s-YzwFLJ5hHLz7-BBEbBvPdNi72wCbMhGCR7cvMVJj4ltZtvBLQ9f9JdL0MHvbXLRkZ2D-n8FsN7b1APr_xnZ0t3tfIu-yxM-XwqyQjD25Aqn6v7xyVRYe9s7nFRCrcTFbfcwld7Q6_FP3w/w325-h216/ICWA.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">A few days ago, I heard a story about one of our Native elders. He saw his nephew being </span><span style="font-family: arial;">prepared for adoption, with a plan to have the boy go to live with a non-Native family across the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">country. This elder knew of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a law passed in 1978 to </span><span style="font-family: arial;">reverse the removal of American Indian children from their communities and went into action to </span><span style="font-family: arial;">adopt his nephew, citing ICWA. He was successful, and the child was kept in his home Tribal </span><span style="font-family: arial;">community.</span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That made me think of my wife’s father, who was plucked from his mother on the Navajo Nation </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to be raised by a Mormon family in southern California. A group of government officials deemed </span><span style="font-family: arial;">his mother too told and not healthy enough to raise her son. To this day, some of his siblings </span><span style="font-family: arial;">refuse to acknowledge him as part of the family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These stories took on another meaning yesterday, as the <u><b><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/06/15/1182121455/indian-child-welfare-act-supreme-court-decision" target="_blank">Supreme Court ruled 7-2 to uphold</a> </b></u><u><b><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/06/15/1182121455/indian-child-welfare-act-supreme-court-decision" target="_blank">ICWA</a></b></u>,</span><span style="font-family: arial;">something that was far from a certainty given the current composition of the Court.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a big win for all of us, whether we are American Indian or not. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a win for justice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a win for Indigenous peoples and their sovereignty. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a win for Indigenous cultures and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">languages. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a win for all of us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A bit more about ICWA</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Removing children from their Tribal communities and placing them with non-Native families far away </span><span style="font-family: arial;">from home was a continuation of the centuries of U.S. policy toward the original inhabitants of the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">land. The goals included elimination of Indigenous people from this land (genocide) and the</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> elimination of Indigenous culture/language (colonization).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Before ICWA, as many as 35 percent of all Native children were being removed, usually forcibly, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">mostly from intact Native American families with extended family networks, and placed in </span><span style="font-family: arial;">predominantly non-Native homes, which had no relation to Native American cultures. In some cases, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) paid the states to remove Native children and to place them with </span><span style="font-family: arial;">non-Native families and religious groups.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">ICWA gives tribal governments a strong voice concerning child custody proceedings that involve </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Native children, by allocating tribes exclusive jurisdiction over the case when the child resides on, or </span><span style="font-family: arial;">is domiciled on, the reservation, or when the child is a ward of the tribe; and concurrent, but </span><span style="font-family: arial;">presumptive, jurisdiction over non-reservation Native Americans&#39; foster care placement </span><span style="font-family: arial;">proceedings.” (Wikipedia)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, on this week that sits between PRIDE and Juneteenth, a week that reminds us that our </span><span style="font-family: arial;">country <i>can</i> stand for inclusion and an honest account of our history, we add ICWA to the party.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On a week where we celebrate fathers, we get a well-timed present in the form of a Supreme </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Court ruling that allows Indigenous kids to have dads and moms and uncles and aunties and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">grandparents who can teach them the stories and ceremonies of their cultures. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For a U.S. government </span><span style="font-family: arial;">that has made efforts to destabilize the family structure in Indigenous and other communities of </span><span style="font-family: arial;">color since the inception of this country, ICWA being upheld is a small victory.</span></p>Anthony Fleghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843414515372006978noreply@blogger.com1