Every year, on July 10th, I am silent for 24 hours. I also try doing it at least once a month, but July 10th is definite. I have done it for about 30 years and every time I keep silent, new energy and insight flow through me. I heard in a speech, Albert Camus said this:
“ Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope.”
So during my silent days, great ideas, like doves, come to me, because I don’t scare them with my rubbish! My family also love my silent days. :joy:. No one to tell them to pick up after themselves, or be careful driving, or call if you plan on being late. (Regular motherly chatter).
Anyways, today, I had a nice insight that I am going to share here.
Lately, I have been contemplating on how to reduce my weight, as I have gained some weight during this pandemic. (Side effects of cooking and eating with the boys). I feel the pressure on my knees and hips, and my annual checkup lipid bloodwork, did not look shabby either. This past week, I investigated bariatric surgery. Also, I looked into diet programs with prepackaged food. None made sense.
Today at about 4:49 PM a dove with its faint flutter of wings, gently stirred my life and hope. The dove was just a voice inside that said just do these 7 things and you will be ok. And as thoughts came, I wrote them on a piece of paper. So I am sharing them here.
If following these seven simple life style changes, get me to my ideal weight, then I must trust that I have all the answers, I just need to be quiet, long enough, to hear them. Here are the seven:
1- minimize (not eliminate) these 5 things: bread, rice, pasta, white potato, and sweets. 2-3 times week.
2- liquify food before you swallow. Put your utensils down, so you give yourself time to chew well.
3- do not drink while you are eating. But you can drink room temperature or warm drinks after
4- Drink warm water upon waking and before going to bed and a lot of room temperature water in between meals.
5- try to walk daily or exercise.
6-Don’t weigh yourself and don’t think of this as a diet. A way of life.
7- everyday for 5 minutes close your eyes and visualize how you want to look and feel (most important).
Update from January 2021: I have adopted all but number 1 as those are so hard to give up...