Life is for living.
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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.
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67 comments
LOL Ali! I'm pretty sure I would pull something if I tried that! Your photos make me smile, though! :-)
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OHG! I thought I admored your art?!!! This blows me away. I have NEVER been able to do a cartwheel. I really believe the whole truat yourself & your body thing. That is right on the money.
L
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YOU rock, Ali! :)
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I wanna do one too - but it's like the bleak mid-winter here in N.Ireland and there's no room in the hall. But as soon as the sun shines, I'm right there with you!
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i can't really do any cartwheels right now because i am 7 1/2 months pregnant, but i love doing them. they are freedom. also i am jealous because it looks so pretty and sunny at your house and it is cloudy and gross at mine.
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love how you pulled this together. thanks for making me *think* today. i needed it. and maybe i need to go cartwheel... maybe.
sara
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ali, you make me smile.
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Right on!!
Teresa
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You ROCK girlfriend! LONG ago I was a gymnastics and diving coach...It's SO hard to remember ever having the guts to do things upside down (or aerials with no hands!). Now I'm wondering when the last time was I ever did a cartwheel?@! Or for that matter...why did I ever stop? You're absolutely right on about being on 'auto-pilot'...one of the hazards of our age and fast pace. That...and being what I call 'soul sick'...losing touch with our faith. We move so fast we miss life in the journey.
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Ali,
I saw your question, but did not expect a picture! You're great! Last year at this time I was dealing with some tough issues. As I was buying my daughter a ribbon wand at the dollar store, and right then and there, I decided I was going to get one too. Running and waving a wand does not come back automatically, but as I dancing around the FRONT yard, mind you, I realized I hadn't skipped, run or danced in years! I felt lighter and my problems were a little less traumatic in those moments. The thought of that outweighed the odd looks from my neighbors faces. I do have pictures but couldn't find a way to post them here. But for you, Ali, I'll send you them if you want to see that you have a partner in play!
Meredith
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Ali-You crack me up! This is a little weird. You asked about the self-portrait thing the day after I had done it...And now the cartwheel. Does jumping on a trampoline count? Just bought one a few days ago for my kids, and couldn't resist giving it a try, and I have to say, it was fun, but all I could think of when I was done was "why didn't I ever notice how much my body jiggled when I was a kid"? Sheesh! We adults and our self-imposed limitations! I say to me: Get over thyself!
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Ali, you freaggin' rock! Love those photos. You just resonate FUN. What a cool entry.
~Becky
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10.00 on the cartwheel! I love doing carwheels in the sand at the beach
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How the heck to you constantly see things in such a way to inspire others? I just love it Ali. And the fact that you look pretty darn good doing that cartwheel just made me admire you even more! Cool thoughts and I am exactly like you with the "order" things... towels have to be folded just the right way, things in their place. It gives me peace... and that is ok. But I will try and step outside my box... tomorrow! :)
Shelley
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"And you know what?
It rocked."
As do you Ali!
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you are my guru.....tried jumping on a trampoline, did this yesturday because no one was around. girl I giggled like there was no tomorrow. a little unko but hey, felt GREAT!!! you make me smile A.
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I could never do a cartwheel. Guess I just don't trust my arms or my legs to get up and over. LOL!
And I agree about the freaky Boobah show. What the heck?
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Crack me up. Earlier today as Kailyn was doing somersaults, she stopped, looked at me, and said "Mommy's turn". I said, Okay...and I proceeded to somersault. I have not felt so out of control of my body in a long time. You call it "alive", I called it old and unflexible. I know, I know...you haven't turned 30....yet.
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You GO, girl!!! I'm impressed you can DO a cartwheel. My kids dared me to do one last summer . . . and it didn't come off nearly as good as yours!! I think I shall practice!!
I love the "mix things up" idea!! I, too, am a creature of habit and routine (generally because things seem to go a bit more smoothly that way!!) but I am going to try to break form once in awhile!! Thanks for the continual inspiration!!
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You go girl :) That's a pretty good cartwheel (well, from what I can tell)!!
"I like the towels to all face the same way in the bathroom." My husband thinks I'm crazy, but I'm glad I am not alone ;)
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