31 day submission: Dave!

Another submission for today! Sweet friend and coworker David B!

I met David through my service at Word Made Flesh. He was on our board at first, then he was an intern and I helped him with his internship and now he's on staff in Argentina! I have a favorite pair of flip flops that he gave to me as a gift for helping him with his internship. I break them out every spring/summer, they are even here with me on our vacation. He's a sweet friend and has really great resources on the contemplative spirituality and mindfulness that people have referred to in their sharing. Check his blog out!

A few weeks back Jara, our WMF Advocacy Coordinator, introduced a “31 Days till Summer” health challenge. I kept reading the Facebook and Twitter updates, as more and more people joined in. And a kept ignoring the challenge as not for me right now. After all, we aren’t counting down the days to summer as the temps chill down towards winter here in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus, I already have a pretty long to do list before leaving for my visit to the U.S. in July. I didn’t want to add more things to “should” on myself about. This past week I was communicating with Jara in some emails back and forth on some work stuff. I added a P.S. in one of the emails thanking her for the challenge and the inspiration she gives, but explaining why I wasn’t going to take on the challenge this time around.

She replied back with a super encouraging and understanding email. Then a couple days later I found this blog post from Jara…"Stop. Deep Breath." So, for the past couple of days I had second thoughts and decided to jump into the challenge! If nothing else, it will help me think more intentionally about my health and rhythm of life (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually).

I am a little late in the game. Better late than never, I guess. And I will make up for lost time and keep up the challenge until I leave for the U.S. in early-July. I figure that is when I’ll find summer again up north anyway!

I started my list this morning. I’ve got 20! I’ll start with that and add more, as I am able. I’ll try to share some updates along the way on my blog. Big thanks to Jara and others who are taking on the challenge for the inspiration. (I stole some of your ideas.)

If you want to follow the challenge blog, click here….
http://31daycountdown.blogspot.com/

1) Stop. Deep Breath!
2) Complete the final three units of the Spiritual Exercises (Sacred Listening, James Wakefield).
3) Eat one vegetarian meal a week.
4) Learn and try simple vegetarian recipes.
5) Make an appointment with the dermatologist to have my skin checked over in the U.S. in August.
6) Ride my bike once a week.
7) Walk for pleasure and exercise at least once a week (beyond daily walking for necessity).
8) Walk or ride bike through ecological reserve once in June.
9) Write at least one note or email of gratitude once a week.
10) Finish reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright.
11) Read Wisdom of Stability by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove before the Staff Gathering (if it arrives in time).
12) Drink more water.
13) Floss more.
14) Take a day E.P.C. retreat in June (agenda free!)
15) Keep up with “31 days Til (l) Summer” blog for inspiration and ideas.
16) Practice examen once a week – consolation/desolation.
17) Do something life-giving every Sabbath.
18) Buy my veggies and chicken at the farmer’s market in Tuesdays.
19) Stay after church for lunch in the Living/Comedor once in June.
20) Visit a Museum.