Mindfulness

I have had debates with friends over the years about what exactly 'mindfulness' IS. There are all kinds of fancy definitions out there, some based on faith, some based on metaphysics, some based on scientific studies... but for me, it's really simple. Mindfulness is just paying attention. To every little detail of whatever you're engaging with at that moment. If you're cutting up some carrots, pay attention to the carrot, to every movement of the knife, to the temperature of the room around you, to the sound of boiling water...whatever makes up your environment right now, without any judgment. There is no past, no future...just present. THAT is mindfulness.

And I know I have a really hard time with this concept. Of living in the moment, of engaging with the 'right now'. I have a tendency to romanticize the past and to worry about the future. Neither of which does me any good.

But then, I'll pick up a copy of the Shambhala Sun, and instantly I'm hit in the face with 'be mindful, Stupid!' It's not that their magazine is preachy about it, but you can't help being sucked in by this message. Maybe they've got subliminal messages to 'slow the eff down!' plastered throughout it, I don't know. But honestly, I'll be running full steam ahead, turn over a copy of the Sun, and WHAM. I stop. I breath. I smile. And I move forward with mindful acceptance of the rest of my day.

It takes conviction and integrity

I've had a lot of discussions recently about the value of an education. I'm finishing up my graduate work, and am starting to look into the job market. It's true that the sorts of jobs I'm looking at do not at all require grad degrees (except one, and I'm really hoping that pans out!), but I don't regret doing my MA. Because although it's true that anyone can read a book, or talk to people 'in the know', and anyone can access knowledge or information, I firmly believe that a degree (particularly a research degree like mine) helps to guide one in the search for knowledge. Knowing 'how' or 'where' to look is an important skill given the abundance of not-so-great information out there. And, the ability to read a source critically and to assess its credibility is just as important; and is another skilled honed by years of post-secondary work.

So to me, the benefit of an education isn't all the fancy letters after my name, it isn't the piece of paper at the end of it, and it certainly isn't losing the thousands of dollars I put out for it that could have been better spent on something super fun... it's the skill set that it's given me that will have the biggest impact. I can transfer my research and critical thinking skills to any pursuit I decide to undertake. And an academic mind, applied with conviction and integrity, is the only way (in my opinion) that we're going to find answers to some of the biggest questions in our world.

If it scares you, do it!

I try to make sure that I never get complacent with life. If there's something that scares the heck outta me, I really try to embrace it, and go running at it full force.

A while ago there was one of those facebook questionnaires going around, asking 'how well do you know *your friend's name here*'. The goal was to write a questionnaire and see how many questions your friends could answer correctly. And while it was a fun time, there was something that really bothered me about it. One of the questions I created was 'where would I never ever get a tattoo?' And every single person got the question right - my wrists. Because everyone knew that I have a phobia about having my wrists touched.

And that just wouldn't do. See above - if it scares you, do it!

And so I did.



These tattoos have become a source of strength for me. Now, whenever I think I cannot do something - it's going to be too difficult, too painful, or just plain awful, I just look down, remember 'if it scares you, do it!', and dive in.

*point of caution though... if your 'just doing it' involves bringing someone else into your shit, let them know... the poor tattoo artist who had to deal with a frightened manda was none too pleased about not having a warning. :)

No way to cheat a sensualist like me...

Mandora the Explorer.

That's the name (persona?) that I created for myself many years ago. For a long time I was simply 'Dora'. Those who are familiar with Anne Rice will get the reference, and those who have seen me will understand the reason for the comparison (although, my very best friends always likened me to Lestat...perhaps for good reason).

Fast forward a few years, to my early twenties. Anyone and everyone who spent time with me lived by the motto 'life with Manda is always an adventure'. I embrace life, and am always looking for something new and exciting to experience. In those days, when I 'became' Mandora the Explorer, it referred very simply to my penchant for 'exploring' the physical world around me - I absolutely could not sit still. Now that I've matured a bit (slowed down? gained some perspective?) I tend to 'explore' in a far less literal sense.

For me, the 'explorer' title now refers to my absolute obsession with finding 'the truth' - with exploring new ideas, and going (figuratively) wherever I need to go to squeeze out one last drop of information from something. The fervency with which I used to explore the physical world, I have now turned inward; and I just as passionately investigate the questions that have come to form in my mind.

Someone recently called me 'the Indiana Jones of knowledge'... and I absolutely love it! It's incredibly apt - I would go to the ends of the Earth to learn something new. But Indiana Jones was one of a kind - and so am I. ;)

The Perfect End to a Perfect Day

Because I recently discovered that I'm gluten intolerant, I've been struggling to find snacks that are gluten-free. when I started this adventure I totally thought it was going to be difficult...like every food I loved was suddenly off limits.

But you know what? One of my most FAVORITE foods contains no gluten! And while the baguette that I love is now off-limits (or at least relegated to an occasional painful indulgence), I can still have popcorn!

I LOVE popcorn, especially popped on the stove in our beautiful cast-iron pot. A super-fancy present from my Aunt. It's the only cookware we ever use anymore...but I'm getting off topic.




If you've never made popcorn on the stove, I suggest you try it. There's just nothing to compare it to, and it's super easy. Just add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels to a heavy pot. Leave the lid slightly askew to let out steam, and presto! In a few minutes, delicious popcorn!



If you want to be SUPER indulgent, try it with a glass of Pernod & soda on ice with a splash of lemon - my signature drink.

Spring!

In light of a previous comment... It's SPRING! :)

The reason I called this blog 'the Zen Forest' is because for me, there is no place better for feeling 'at peace' than in nature. My soul is recharged by being in the forest. Because of this, I try to get outside and into 'the bush' everyday. And while it may not be 'the bush' proper, there is a heritage site and nature preserve only a short walk from our front door. During the summer this is one of our favorite places to be, simply because of the abundant wildlife and easy access we enjoy. The kids love it too, and chasing ducks and chipmunks never gets old for a two-year-old (although she does get very upset and can't figure out why they won't eat from her hands when she decides the chasing game is over).




Lately, I've been sure to take some photos on our visits. I really do feel so much more 'at peace' with the world when I have a creative outlet. I'd like to share some of my favorites with you here. Please feel free to link to some of your favorite photography, too. :)