COMPANIONS ON THE ROAD
Mary
Koehler/Naniloa Smith
(Photo
taken by Richard Koehler-Turner Creek Park in Hillsboro, Oregon)
MK:
We have the opportunity to spend a little time each day looking back
over our day, doing a bit of introspection. I find the time gives me the
chance to “catch up with myself”, noticing what has gone well and what I
might hope to do differently.
NS:
It's easier to get to sleep at night after I've taken this time. When I
don't do this I have the feeling that something is missing.
MK: Sometimes the pressure I feel to make a decision gets in the way
of my taking time for introspection. I’ve notice as introspection
becomes more a regular part of my day; it is easier to pause before
racing ahead with decisions. Introspection gives me a chance for a
New Beginning.
NS: Going inside for a suggestion often provides a fun way for me
to communicate about the “good things”. I love to give myself a
‘high five’ for an insight that came up or an idea about what to do
next.
Making a Mask Class
The
February Events Making a Mask Class supports introspection as you are
asked to go inside and see what animal, bird, insect or plant is trying
to communicate with you. Click on the
February Events for information
regarding this class being taught in San Marcos, CA by Eileen Boston
February 17th.
_______________________________________________
A
Little Bit of Introspection
I
went to a Birthday party, where we shared our hopes for the Birthday
girl for the next year. I realized that what I hoped for her, was what I
most wanted for myself….to play more. MK
Here
were some of the other answers:
Keep smiling
Be kind
Dance
Believe in yourself
Stay youthful and
spontaneous
Appreciate
everything you have, especially your friends
What is your hope for yourself for the next year?
Featured Article
A Recipe
Mimosa’s for New Beginnings
1.
Blend 2 cups each of chilled Orange juice, Cranberry
Juice and Ice.
2.
In special glasses, dip rim in orange juice and then in powdered sugar.
3.
Fill glass ½ full with juice mixture.
4.
Add a bit of 7-up or champagne and enjoy the bubbles.
5. Toast to New Beginnings.
Responses from our
Readers on the Road
Companions on the Road
“This is a great idea & beautifully done. Yes, please continue to
include me. I printed out the worksheet for making snowflakes.
Thanks it will be fun for us two old folks to cut them up here with
our 18-20" of snow on the ground.” CG
In the Desert Children’s Project
“Thank you for this web site that I just discovered. I’m 35 and
just learned that I’m pregnant for the first time. I will have to
learn to have fun in my life and I think this web site will help
me.” CH
“I just happened on your web site and love it! I live in north San
Diego and have a 1 1/2 year olds. Do you do any classes or
activities locally? “ KS Yes, thank you for
your inquiry. We are checking into doing
crafts in public libraries around San Diego. NS
Most of the activities can be adapted for a younger child. For
example, the Snowflakes (the Activity for January)…You can fold the
paper and hold it and let your youngster cut. NS/MK
Naniloa Smith, MS in Education,
is a teacher. She has worked with children over 30 years in the
classroom and believes that “we’re all children and need to play”.
Naniloa lives in San Diego, California.
Mary Koehler, BS in Education
is a teacher and Mother of seven. As a parent what she's noticed
is "what children want most is to play with their parents...and sometimes
we've forgotten how". Mary resides in
Hillsboro, Oregon with her family.
This column shares new
and old ideas for living and looking at life. We invite you to join us
monthly to interact with our column and share ideas or ask questions.
Thank you. NS/MK
