Life is for living.
Tags:
So why the cartwheel question?
This morning I was watching Boobah on PBS with Simon. Who in the heck thought up that freakin' show? Anyway, there was a girl doing cartwheels within this computer animated circle thing. It got me thinking. Thinking about cartwheels. And how they are not really that easy to do. At least learning how to do them was hard - it takes coordination. Telling your brain to move this part of your body and then that part.
And it takes trust. Trust in your body that your arms will hold you up. And balance. And flow. And movement.
There is a point to all this...
As an organized person I like order. Sameness does not equal boring in my mind, rather it represents stability. I like to do things the same way (once I find a way that I like) over and over again. I like to fold the sheets & the comforter part way down our bed. I like the towels to all face the same way in the bathroom. I like things to be in their place. I am contstantly putting things away (toys, clothes, dishes, etc).
While reading the Circle of Simplicity book I came across an idea that was new to me: so much of our lives are lived on automatic pilot. She says, "By living automatically, you miss your life. It goes by without you." She goes on to talk about everyday life and developing more of an awareness for the little things...and really being conscious of our choices. I think I am pretty good at (at least I am trying) appreciating the little everyday blessings. But, I do feel I am on automatic in other areas of my life...especially in routines I have set for myself (some that are good and some that could go away and I would probably be better off LOL).
It gets down to turning off the auto pilot and living life REALLY ALIVE. Using those five senses with awareness. Consciously choosing things we want to do and saying no to the things we don't want to do (of course there are always some things we have to do...but maybe this will bring about an attitude change for those things as well).
So what did I do?
I broke up my routine. I made a conscious choice. I took off my shoes and walked out into the grass and made Chris come out and take a photo. Of me messing up the order for my day. Of me being ALIVE out in the yard. Feeling the wet grass. Feeling my body move upside down and then rightside up.
And you know what?
It rocked.
Comments
Sign in or sign up to comment.
67 comments
I have a 14 year old cheerleader who doesnt believe her mother was ever a cheerleader herself..lol. So yes I proved myself by doing cartwheels in the front yard. I forgot how fun they were. Thanks for reminding me Ali. :)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
well, ali... ya look good LIVIN' and rockin' w/that cartwheel! i would not make such a pretty picture, BUT... (there's always a but, isn't there?) i will get out there today and do something NEW and ALIVE and live in that moment! and maybe snap a pic (still need to meet your self-portrait challenge!)... so thanks for the incentive today!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Ok if I could actually coordinate my butt and my feet to move at the same time in the opposite direction (upward) I would run outside and try it! For now, I'll just stick to playing in the grass with my kiddos and letting them do the cartwheels for me!!! Good for you for getting out of the routine for a bit to have fun and do something out of the ordinary for you!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
AMAZING photo!! and inspiring as well. . .look at you living life. . . don't think i could do a cartwheel anymore. .LOL but thank you for the reminder/inspiration to LIVE :)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Hot dog! Look at you go girl and yay for mixing things up! LOVE that!!! Chalk me up inspired again :)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I am so pumped to try this. My husband is going to think I have lost my mind... that's great that Christ was willing to take your photo. Mine will probably just shake his head and laugh hysterically when I come in with grass stains on my knees... Thanks for the challenge.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I want go do a cartwheel... but I think my co-workers would think I am nuts!! Maybe when I get home Zoe and I will do some while we wait on Sam to come home! Too fun :)
By the way... what font did you use for "nice". Looks fun!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
fan-freakin-tastic.
I have not done a cartwheel in ages. In all honesty, I don't think I would be able to get my body down and back up again..but maybe I will give it a go (in the living room of course....no backyard to practice in).
Nice to break up the routine once in a while. I tend to be a very "order of the day" type person as well.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
you are just too cute!
I will add that to my goals for something to do when i loose all my weight! so next spring i will be running a 5k and doing cartwheels! I just cant wait now!
Angelique
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
and you rock as well, chica.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I'm all for routine - love seeing things in their so-called spot - toys, towels, plates, papers, anything really. Love knowing what's expected, whether it's at home, at work, with friends, family.
This week I found that I have (especially in work) broken my routine - acted in a new and suprising way -- and it felt so good, not a cartwheel, but it did give me a chance to live, to feel!
Breaking the routine was worth it! And will be repeated...
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I tried a cartwheel the other day when trying to show my 5 year old how. I discovered that I can no longer do cartwheels. I am sad.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
You go, girl!!! Love the photos! You are just too darn funny, Ali. You are like a breath of fresh air, always have a great and interesting perspective on life. I so enjoy reading what you have to say...makes me stop and think and look at things a little differently...a good thing for sure! Enjoy the rest of your day...hope it's full of order breaking events!! ;-)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I was one of those kids that could never do a cartwheel. As an adult I can pretty much say the same thing, can't do em. But I totally "get" what you mean. For me it may not be the cartwheel, but instead be the pair of rollerblades that I haven't put on in years.
{r}
ps: I've always wanted to do a cartwheel though heh, just can't seem to get my dang legs up high enough.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Maybe a summersault for me...since I am a little fatter than you. Still pretty adventrous for me though...
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Hee Hee...I did it too. Its like you said..you have to trust in that your body is still capable of doing certain things. It was FUN!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Man...you're like a guru and a self-help book and a stand up comic and a philosopher…all wrapped into one package.
i'm off to do cartwheels.
better stretch out first.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
can you get any cuter!!!?!?!
Believe me this body would not cartwheel and if it did serious damage would come to it!!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Wouldn't it just be a blast to do a PYRAMID? Now that would be reliving the past!
Speaking of living life - I'm outside watching the kids playing in the kiddie pool. Maybe I should join them! :)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
you are funny! Isabella and I are always doing cart wheels. I can even still do a flip on the trampoline...as long as I go to the bathroom first...ha!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.