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
thanks a lot for posting this Ali. As a fellow 'likes to have order' gal, i find it difficult to challenge myself to step out of my "comfort" zone! THANKS for your inspiration and encouragment! rock on!
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Wow! That was fun! After a day of root canals and chiropractor appointments, that was EXACTLY what I needed! Thanks a bunch!
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Cheers to you for breaking out of the routine--it's hard to do for me as well! Unfortunately, it'll take me a year's worth of "warming up" just to get up the courage to do an actual cartwheel, lol, but maybe I can think of something else to shake it up a bit! :)
Also, anyone who can actually sit and watch Boobah (that show drives me nuts!) deserves a hand as well!
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OK, the cartwheel pics are definitely cute and all, but more importantly, you've got me curious about Boobah now! ;)
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You Rock.
I had been trying to put this same concept into words for a long time now, and you/the author put it perfectly. I know I am on autopilot way too much.
Ironically, my daughter, who is 13 was just trying to re-teach herself a cartwheel last week and I was going to show her mine. Now I definitely will get out and do it.
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You go Ali!!!!!!!! Such great words! ;)
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Love your words Ali - I need to break from my routine and just live too - although I have never been able to do a cartwheel I best be trying something different - miles of smiles have a great day :)
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life is for living, yes it is :)
Still can't do a cart wheel or a handstand if my life depended on it, a backwards somersaults yes.
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You go girl! At 8 months prego, I couldn't do a cartwheel right now if my life depended on it...I am currently having to concentrate to go down the stairs with any speed or efficentcy!
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you go girlfriend!!! I haven't done a good cartwheel in years.
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Good for you! And I hope you didn't pull a hemmroid. I mean, hamstring. :p
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It's eerie because I was just thinking of this same train of thought (that of course you worded much better than I ever could) this evening and reflected a bit on it in my own blog. Perhaps it's the advent of spring that has me reflecting too much. Winter's death does that to me. Refreshes anew, doesn't it?
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Now you've got me thinking about what auto-pilot things I need to change and which ones I keep....thanks so much, you always give me something positive to think about.
Jane
PS Totally relating to the towel thing! Have a great day Ali!
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OMG...you have described me to a T!!(and I work in a Library - hows that for ordered LOL)
Now when it comes to cartwheels...I already went WAY outside my comfort zone this week with the self portrait challenge!!!! but you have got me thinking.
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You are so cool, Ali...
I went right out back and did a few cartwheels myself. Counted them towards my cardio workout ;)
mcc
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You...make me smile!
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Thanks for the inspiration, Ali!
I WILL do this... but I'll save it for when I'm back home (hotel parking lots are not safe for cartwheels) ;)
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Ali,
You are so cool. I think adults have to overcome a lot to do a cartwheel. A little fear, but also you just have to let the preconception go that cartwheels are for kids. It's an exhilarating feeling to be upside down whooshing your legs through the air. I taught capoeira (Brazilian art/dance form) for 3 years, and one of the first things we had people do was a cartwheel. What a privelige it was to watch hundreds of people try something they hadn't since they were 5. Overcome the fear, overcome the embarrassment, and just do it. And you know what? They all did.
Thanks for reminding me of this experience. As soon as I have this baby, I'm back out there in the grass with you, mama.
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ok...so i'm heading out now...to show my kids that I can t r y to cartwheel. We'll see if I succeed. But isn't there some wonderful thing in just trying??? :)
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gawd woman! is there no end to your talents? first and foremost a FABULOUS designer,second a thought-provoking writer and now THIS?????
anGi.b
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