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Happy Fall! The weather in fall is the best time for a runner. I fell in love with autumn because I started running before the end of May. I never thought running would be on my list of favorite activities. It hadn't crossed my mind until few months ago (probably because often I heard that running puts lot of stress to knees and potentially can damage body especially the extreme long distance running.). Running is one of the best cardio exercises – no fee, no special equipment and no schedule is requested. It is a high impact exercise which helps to build strong bones and connective tissue and to increase the strength of heart and lung. It is convenient and economic enough for me to give it a try even though I may get the ‘damage’. I ran with both great caution and curiosity at the beginning. The more I run, the more I found out the ‘secrets’ of running. (I will reveal more ‘secrets’ of running in my future blog. Please stay tuned!) The health benefits of running are nothing short of amazing, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is like a ‘moving meditation’. Our mind and body are constantly communicating and connecting, even unconsciously. The connection between mind and body creates balance, flow, strength, ease and flexibility to our thoughts and actions. The constant change of our internal state affects our physical performance even like our daily activities – walking, cleaning, grocery shopping, reading or sitting. How long I can run depends on how quiet my mind is. One day, I can go for mile after mile without any hesitation; the other day, I have to take a break in between to finish the routine. When my mind stays focused on the present moment, my body expresses the effortless strength with freedom and control. Before I was too proud of my little success of running, my friend, Alan challenged me to run 6 miles in Central Park. I hesitated and answered back: "Maybe." Alan said: "If you believe it, you can do it." (It is true. Thanks, Alan!) He reminded me to believe myself and the impossible possibility that beyond my imagination. Every challenge is a chance to expand our reality, to grow and explore a new way of thinking and living. My hesitation was just a fear of failure. I realized I have nothing to lose to take on challenge, but a belief to gain about my own strength and capability to success in many different ways of my life. I am ready, bring it on! Love and light, Mandy  My first Central Park run with my friend, Alan in May 2011.
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 Little Juliette was enjoying her watermelon. In a child’s world, everything is perfect. Nothing is off-limits to see, hear, taste, smell and touch. Through their inner world, they learn more about the outer world. That begins their journey of experiencing life. They keep exploring new things with their uniqueness, imagination and creativity. They have no fear of being adventurous; they have unbound spontaneity. Time with children can be joyful and memorable moments. It reminds me of when I was once a kid and of the love my parents gave me. And yet, I still have this side of me living in my heart. It brings more color, more fun and more joy in my life. August was a great month for me – had an inspiring vacation, got lots of sunlight, met new friends and spent time with old friends. Two weeks ago, I had a wonderful weekend with my friend, Joan and her daughter, Juliette in New Jersey. We went grocery shopping, had frozen yogurt, played in the park and enjoyed the down time staying at home. When Juliette smiled, I was delighted. When Juliette sang, I clapped. When Juliette danced, I was energized. Juliette is such an adorable, beautiful, smart twenty-two months old and absolutely curious about everything around her. Although she speaks with very limited vocabulary at the moment, she understands English, Mandarin, French and Cantonese. She likes running around and exploring her own adventure, singing her favorite songs whenever she has a moment, dancing when the music is in the right beat and touching everything whatever it draws her attention. There is no doubt that Juliette is a 21st century baby. She loves modern inventions and technologies and would not miss any chance to explore any of them like car key, nail clipper, A/C power plug, and her most favorite one - cell phone. Whenever she sees a cell phone was ‘available’ in her peripheral, she claims the ownership right away. When she gets it, her tiny fingers excitingly press the keyboards over and over again. She is so focused and her face is like saying: “I must know the secret of this machine!” Juliette is also a super foodie. She likes watermelon, steamed roasted pork bun, wontons, seaweeds, blue cheese and olives. Basically, whatever you give her that is edible; she would eat it without hesitation. I am amazed how much Juliette enjoys her food. Her taste buds have an incredible acceptance comparing to the kids in her age. She is definitely an easy going little one when comes to food. I spent the day watching Joan take care of Juliette from giving her bath, to putting her to bed, I was actually quite exhausted. Don’t get me wrong. I had a very good time and yet I learned a very important lesson. The biggest challenge of being a parent is the practice of being patient and self-aware. The job is 24/7 a day. We give guidance to our children without reinforcing our collective thoughts of “what should be” or interrupting the freedom of individual self-expression and creation. With trust, we see the ability and strength of our children. With acceptance, we support the choice of our children. The relationship and bonding between Joan and Juliette is irreplaceable. I am so touched by Joan’s unconditional love and so proud of her being a great mom (also, to those of you who are parents). She keeps growing and learning how to be a parent day by day. Parenting is a life-time commitment. There is no easy task, but, the experience is rewardable especially when you see this little ‘bean’ is growing stronger every day. I hope one day I will take on the challenge too. Love and light, Mandy |
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