Taking Care of Yourself

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Everyone!

I thought an Irish quote would be perfect for today’s blog. Tomorrow is the Wellness Day that I have been playing for over a month now. We have all sorts of fun things going on, beginning with a presentation on living an unlimited life by Stephanie Staples for the morning. After that we have some break out sessions where staff can learn some new activities.

I am going to take a Zumba class and then do Hinode Taiko Drumming. I am really excited about both sessions. I am looking for a fun exercise class and am wondering if Zumba might be for me. This is an easy and cheap way to find out. Here is hoping I don’t die mid-way through the class. Good thing some of us were recently in a CPR course!

Japanese drumming has always looked cool to me. I love drums. My brother used to hang out in school with ex-Crash Test Dummies’ drummer, Mitch Dorge. Mitch had his drums in our basement for a few days while the guys were jamming and I remember arriving home to find the house empty. I could not resist temptation. I slipped in behind them and let loose. Such fun!!

When I was in Bujumbura two years ago, I would hear the African drummers start playing late afternoon. I never knew where they played until one day, on the way to visit a friend in the poorer part of the city, I saw them in the lot beside the post office. I was so excited. I dragged my friend, who was Deaf, back to listen for a while. Of course, he had seen them many times but tolerated my curiosity. As you can see from the above photo, they were fantastic and entertaining!

I have also been drawn to the Aboriginal drumming—both at the powwow and the single drum used at various smudging events. That particular drum has often moved me on a deep level that I cannot explain. Some days when I listen to it, I think I could just weep. Something about it is both haunting and grounding. It is as if Mother Earth cries out from the core to touch your most inner self. I can't really describe it.

There are lots of ways to wellness. Tomorrow will introduce me to a few new paths. I am sure along the way I will have a few good laughs, especially trying to learn the Zumba steps. I am off to bed early tonight so that I can get a long sleep and be ready for a great day!

Peace,

Suzanne