Destination True North
Plant Happy!
I’m totally plant happy. When I become passionate about something, it can really take on a whole new meaning in my life. It’s always been like that.
When I was a kid my father said I had an addictive personality. If I loved something, I became a golden retriever and couldn’t get enough. I discovered this when my parents gave me a roll of Life Savers. I loved them. There was no shut-off valve. The roll would be gone in no time.
It’s been like that with everything I’ve loved throughout my life, but one of the biggest silver linings to growing older is temperance. I now know it’s wiser to have healthier addictions than Life Savers, potato chips, and wine. Maybe addiction is hereditary. One of my relatives had a bar in his Cadillac, but we all have choices to make!
The good news is I know I can get addicted to all sorts of things, so let’s just say becoming addicted to creating recipes, doing yoga, and plantings things is a very good idea.
Enjoyable spring chores
I’ve planted part of my heirloom garden (using heirloom seeds used in an earlier era). Being a novice is a tad challenging, but we all have to start somewhere. This weekend I’ll be buying many varieties of tomato plants and a few peppers and, most definitely some cucumbers.
As a back up, I decided to go ahead and buy a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share, but more on that in a later post.
I’m going to have faith that all will turn out well with my garden. At the very least it’s going to be a heck of a lot of fun. There is nothing quite like playing with seeds and plants and dirt.
I want to absorb it all and take it in! My next-door neighbors, Teresa and Dave, just purchased chickens. One of my dogs is a bird dog, her name is Anya. I really enjoy their chickens. They just gave me a dozen eggs. Anya is passionate about visiting those birds. We’re thinking of installing a fence . . .
And let me just say, there is no comparison to eating an egg that comes from a hen who is enjoying her life. Teresa babies her hens and feeds them a steady diet of kale, cucumber, and corn. She gifted me with close to a dozen eggs from her hens, and it was like winning the lottery. The yolks were a deep golden color. There is no comparing their taste to that of store-bought eggs.
And that is why I’ve made my way to farmer’s markets as often as possible and have decided to go ahead with purchasing a CSA share. In large part, it is why I am growing my own food. Growing your own food and eating local produce and eggs is an experience not to be missed.
Do you have a great story that relates to growing something or a favorite local food producer? What richness does it add to your life?
About Heidi Boone
Heidi Boone is a sales professional on the outside and a tree hugger on the inside. She strives for well-being at every level and blogs about her experiences with yoga, eating a largely plant-based diet, and exploring the many ways to make the journey both joyous and life affirming.
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For My Mother
Yesterday was the anniversary of my mother’s passing. She’s been gone nine years. I took the day off from work because I wanted to carry her spirit with me throughout the day.
The pups got walked, and I took in the beauty that’s all around us this time of year. My mother was not a church-goer; she said nature was her cathedral. I wanted to be surrounded by the natural world—that was her world and deepest inspiration.
Yes, time heals. But I miss her. I miss her every day. I miss her realness and how easily she accepted me. It wasn’t the easiest of connections, but she was one of my greatest teachers.
Neither of us was perfect. We loved heatedly and fiercely, but we loved and we forgave. She let me know that it was okay to be human.
That being said, it’s hard at certain moments to forgive myself for some of the less-than-stellar experiences we shared when she was dying. Letting go was hard on both of us.
Many people watched us battle or laugh with total abandon throughout our last days together. I knew she would do anything for me and vice versa. I yelled at her and wasn’t too wonderful a few times when she was dying. I always felt mental anguish and apologized.
She said, “I know you are scared, so am I. My biggest fear is not being able to see your face ever again. Don’t apologize. You are you. Never change how passionate you are.” Let’s just say she, too, was easy to forgive. It was a tough but magical connection.
Mom’s lessons
When I was little, I had a favorite pine tree in our backyard. I would climb to the top and swing from its branches. I never told her this, but one of the biggest gifts she gave me was the space she allowed for my childhood rituals and somewhat daring nature. Some moms might have been scared to see a six-year-old swinging upside down from 30 feet up. Not Helga.
That was her name, Helga. Let me paint a clearer picture for you: Helga was tough as nails, a ‘force of nature,’ as a dear friend aptly put it.
She had a deep German accent and smoked a pack a day. She loved gambling and bad television. She was blunt and gave you her unedited thoughts, and it was truly maddening. She was quirky, and I was mortified by some of her quirks.
But she also could express joy in a way that made her shine. She would get more excited at the sight of me walking through the door or the gift of soup or strawberry shortcake than a five year old. Her face beamed. What you saw is what you got. Always.
I look back from the summit of four decades plus and realize that she was a breath of fresh air. At her core, my mother had deep integrity and kindness. I sometimes wonder how much softer she might have been if she hadn’t endured a war in her country when she was a child and not seen things that children should never see.
I realize that her experiences, including not having food and witnessing deep suffering and great loss as a child, made her look and act formidable to some. But she was just more certain of herself and more firmly planted than most people I know. She stood by those she loved and insisted on telling her truth.
My mother’s dear friend, Tessie, once said to me, ‘Your mother was more there for me than my own family.” Tessie had a hard life, her husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at 39, and he was not supposed to survive. My mother spent many nights at Tessie’s kitchen table, so that Tessie could visit her husband in the hospital and her children could sleep in their own beds.
“Those who judge your mother don’t know the real Helga,” Tessie said. Tessie is now dying and many childhood memories are making their way to the surface.
They were devoted friends, they showed one another a loyalty and devotion that was remarkable to witness. Helga was as committed to her relationships as the day is long and Tessie, who grew up in the Charlestown projects, would lie down on train tracks for someone she cared about.
They came from different worlds, but not really. I am mourning the passing of an era in my own life. I’ve been speaking with Tessie’s daughter, Liz, who was one of my closest childhood friends and is still one of my favorite people.
Our parents were so alike—they were dear friends. Together Liz and I have laughed at their quirks, commiserated over their shortcomings, and been moved by their strengths.
Coming full circle
There is an epilogue to the pine tree story. We moved from that neighborhood, and I grew up and life went on. Years later, I drove past the house and realized that my tree was gone. The people who were living there had cut down all of the trees. I started to cry. Shortly thereafter, I spoke with my dad, who said my mother had had the same response. In a choked voice, she had said, “They’ve cut down Heidi’s tree . . .”
The tender and gentler side of my mother was something my father always saw. I now get her innocence and big heart in ways I couldn’t always when she was alive.
When my mother was dying she said, “Always remember the good times. Think of the good times and go out there and live fully.” That is exactly how she lived. Whenever I talked about feeling guilt or holding on to a tough memory, she would say, “Let it go.”
I now view Helga as one of my greatest inspirations. Many times when I wonder about what to do, I hear her voice in my head. She knew what to do because she never abandoned her genuine self. She made no apologies and had the courage to be happy in the here and now.
Yesterday, I planted a lilac bush in her honor. It didn’t stop there. I also planted heirloom vegetables and signed up for a CSA.
And my mantra was deeply intertwined with all my mother wished for me; to pay attention to all that is real and brings you joy—and to move forward in that direction.
My mother's spirit was with me throughout the day and, as oftentimes happens, I found myself wondering/hoping that she knew how many times I think of her every day, how much her spirit lives on in me. I choose to believe she does know. There is an old English proverb: A falling leaf is a whisper to the living.
About Heidi Boone: Heidi Boone is a sales professional on the outside and a tree hugger on the inside. She strives for well-being at every level and blogs about her experiences with yoga, eating a largely plant-based diet, and exploring the many ways to make the journey both joyous and life affirming.
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Replenish the Well
So, I ate my way through New Orleans, as planned, and now I’m on a cleanse. If they gave out grades for eating every deliciously decadent food under the sun, then I would have been at the head of the class while enjoying myself in NOLA.
I joke not. We ate dinner at the home of a truly lovely woman, her name is Kay, and she is a dear friend’s dear friend.
Kay is a native and her love of her home is clearly evident. The hospitality she showed me and my friend Dan knew no bounds.
She introduced me to my first beignet at the Morningside Café in City Park. While enjoying the beauty of the moss-covered trees and swans and a café’ au lait, I had to restrain myself from eating at least a half dozen of these deep fried and prettily powdered regional specialties!
Not to mention her husband Byron’s delicious barbecued shrimp. I could have eaten heaping plates full of shrimp, which By had purchased right off the docks that morning for $4 a pound. They were the size of endives, and I was in heaven. He gave me his recipe, which requires six sticks of butter . . .
Yes, about that cleanse. I’m getting my digestion back in balance by sticking with greens, other low glycemic vegetables, fruit, and raw nuts. I’m trying to juice a lot and my evening meal will be a large salad with a healthy dressing and a glass or two of vegetable juice.
The "spring cleansing" for my humble abode got put on hold, temporarily, because of personal obligations. However, I’m happy to report that I am nesting today and plan on continuing with getting rid of that which is no longer needed and, at long last, applying a bit more “feng shui” to Heidiland.
There is nothing like taking a bit of time to organize and feed the soul. My back and body ached from a week plus without yoga. So, this morning, I was up with the birds and playing with the pups, chatted with a friend, and made it in plenty of time for the 8 am class. Bikram is one of a few hand-picked salvations that I know should always be at the top of the ‘to do’ list.
We must replenish our own wells and spirits. I know so many people who are either very busy and/or have mega doses of stress to add to the mix. I admit that this week at work was a humdinger. When that happens, I try to follow these guidelines:
1. Balance the body. Oftentimes, this is done by taking Bikram yoga (or any yoga) and moving outdoors. I usually take very long walks with the pups. Sunshine is a must! In general being good to the body. It could be skin brushing, a bath, a massage or yoga.
2. Eat well. On most days, I make sure to get adequate protein, water, many many greens, and seeds and nuts.
3. Clean the home/ declutter. Time to wipe off the dust-covered jackets of my feng shui books!
4. Do positive affirmations and have a few healthy spiritual practices that allow me to enjoy the silence. Love Louise Hay! Love positive affirmation tapes!
5. Do something creative near the end of the day—such as cooking, writing or singing. That’s it. Simple. But it does require discipline. Oftentimes, I don’t have the time or get lazy and skip over a few items on this general guideline for well-being. I guess that’s why there is another rule to be added: Lighten up and be good to yourself.
What's your favorite way of regaining balance and "filling the well"?
About Heidi Boone
Heidi Boone is a sales professional on the outside and a tree hugger on the inside. She strives for well-being at every level and blogs about her experiences with yoga, eating a largely plant-based diet, and exploring the many ways to make the journey both joyous and life affirming.
CommentsSpring Rituals
I have become fond of cleanses. Not militantly fond of them, mind you, but I know that a wee bit of discipline for a short duration of time can pay huge dividends.
In many ways, a cleanse acts like a Roto-rooter for the mind, body, and spirit. And I always become motivated about this sort of thing as the days grow lighter and spring draws nearer.
In truth, I’m doubly motivated this year. On the first day of spring, March 20, I will be flying to New Orleans for a mini vacation. Let me make it clear, I am not into deprivation. There is no way you are going to be able to keep me away from Bananas Foster, pralines, and beignets—not to mention shrimp po’ boys, gumbo, and etouffee—once I am in the Big Easy!
Let’s just say I think it’s a good idea to crank up my faithful juicer, eat a lot of alkalizing foods, and drink plenty of water in anticipation of eating my way through one of America’s cuisine capitals!
I’m keeping my cleanse simple: Over 50 percent of the foods are raw vegetables (lots of salads), and I try to have 9 to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Breakfast consists of a berry smoothie (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries) made with whey and almond milk. The largest meal comes at midday. It usually consists of a source of lean protein (I’m partial to salmon) and a large salad. Dinner is on the lighter side—another salad and vegetable juice. Raw nuts (in moderation) and fruits are typical snacks. Most importantly, I make sure I drink 64 ounces of water daily.
I’m not a certified nutritionist, but this outline is largely based on the recommendations of an Ayurvedic counselor I met with many years ago. When I follow the advice he gave me, it really gives me energy. We all need to find what works for us!
This is also the perfect time of year to do a little pre-spring cleaning and to feng shui the house. After a Saturday morning spent making multiple phone calls, catching up with relatives and friends, I am ready for action! Now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and sing along to music, while I go to work, clear out some old stuff that no longer serves its purpose and make way for the new.
My natural cleanser is being poured into a bucket of water or two (or three or four) and everything is being washed. The air outside is refreshing—carrying a hint of spring. I’ve opened a few windows to circulate the air, lavender oil is being burned in an aromatherapy burner, and some favorite tunes are playing in the background. Seasonal rituals add life to the here and now and also rejuvenate the spirit.
I look at expiration dates on spices, put clothes in bags so that I can give them away, slowly make my way around my home to clean, circulate energy, and bring in good chi.
There is such a feeling of accomplishment when you stand back and admire your efforts after doing a deep cleansing on your home and your body. Life seems to flow that much more effortlessly in so many ways.
My dogs, Anya and Pookie, are tired from our snowshoe hike. It’s one of my favorite winter activities, and I knew this weekend might be one of the last opportunities to take advantage of being in the woods after a fresh snowfall.
We had a wonderful walk, and now the dogs are happily snoring away and Baldrick, my cat, has wedged himself between the two of them. It’s a happy scene. I look at them and know I made the right choice for how to spend this Saturday. How I adore living within the rhythms of each given season!
Do you have a favorite spring ritual? Feel free to share!
About Heidi Boone
Heidi Boone is a sales professional on the outside and a tree hugger on the inside. She strives for well-being at every level and blogs about her experiences with yoga, eating a largely plant-based diet, and exploring the many ways to make the journey both joyous and life affirming.
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Being Patient: Easier Said Than Done!
Okay, so maybe a life of balance has always been a challenge for me. Really, isn’t it for most of us?
I love being in motion: Bikram yoga, snowshoeing, biking, and kayaking. What doesn’t come as easily to me is meditation or, for that matter, the more meditative forms of yoga. I had heard Yin yoga was the perfect complement to the more dynamic forms of yoga that I enjoy. It concentrates on the deep connective tissue at the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.
I enthusiastically convinced a friend to take a workshop with me at Prana Power Yoga in Cambridge, MA. I told him it would be easy, uplifting, and relaxing. For the most part, I was right. Except for one small detail . . . you hold the poses for 3 to 5 minutes at a time. This can be uncomfortable and requires a patience that often eludes me. If my animals could talk, they’d probably be sharing a few choice expletives that have come out of my mouth when my computer is slow or not working! (I’m a work in progress—what can I say?)
So halfway through class, while we were doing a sitting version of Eagle Pose (Garudasana) for what seemed like an eternity, I leaned over to my friend, who was gritting his teeth. I chuckled, and said, “‘Let’s do a Yin yoga workshop,’ she said. ‘It will be fun,’ she said.”
After class, though, I did feel extremely calm and centered. We walked out with one of our fellow workshop attendees and discovered that she was a yoga teacher who regularly taught at the center. She was very enthusiastic about Yin yoga. I asked her what the main benefit was. She looked at me and said, “Patience.”
A lack of patience and follow-through has been my Achilles’ heel since I can remember.
Wouldn’t you know it, the following morning, I took a Bikram class, and that was just about the best 90 minutes of hot yoga in my life. There was a flow and a joy to the practice. I was unaware of anything but being connected to every asana posture.
This experience with patience has inspired me to do a cleanse. Not just a typical juicing/raw foods sort of cleanse, but also supporting it with a cleanse for the mind through meditation and affirmations. I’ll explore this more in an upcoming post. In the meantime, it would be great to hear from anyone who has done anything similar!
About Heidi Boone
Heidi Boone is a sales professional on the outside and a tree hugger on the inside. She strives for well-being at every level and blogs about her experiences with yoga, eating a largely plant-based diet, and exploring the many ways to make the journey both joyous and life affirming.
Is Bikram Yoga For You?
I welcomed the New Year flat on my back in corpse pose. I was at Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Mass., doing Savasana one minute before the ball dropped in Times Square and for the first full minute of 2013.
A few years ago, if someone told me I’d be practicing yoga in a 105-degree room for 90 minutes, I would have bet the bank against them. But there I was, sweating like a pig and smiling widely. It felt joyous and life affirming to end 2012 and start the New Year this way!
In Savasana, you lie on your back with your palms facing upward, arms by your side. It is in those still moments that, in layman’s terms, you reap the rewards of your practice, allowing the mind, body, and spirit to integrate the benefits of all of the asanas (postures) practiced during class.
Bikram’s not a walk in the park. During my very first class, I had thoughts like “you must be joking” and “one more minute of this and I’m bolting for the door.”
That’s normal for most people, as it takes your body time to acclimate to the heat. Studio owner Teri Almquist led my very first class, and I remember her saying to new students that the only requirement was that they breathe. She said we didn’t need to do every pose perfectly. Over time and with patience, she promised we’d see change. One thing I know for sure—it’s amazing how much more patience you develop outside of the classroom!
Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram yoga, refers to the practice as torture, but asks, “What would you prefer, 90 minutes of torture or a lifetime of torture?”
Many times, I’ve walked out of the Bikram torture chamber feeling cleansed, free of the back stiffness that has plagued me, enjoying a clearer mind and a sense of joy that makes me want to return as much as possible.
My mother was European and she sometimes got words in English confused. She said to me once, “Heidi, you do so much better in life when you practice your yogurt! Why don’t you go back to yogurt class?”
I wish I had taken her advice years ago! But today I do yoga because it makes me happy. In this stress-filled world, I want to encourage as many people as possible to find a practice that feels right to them and makes them shine!
I took the final two weeks of the year off. There were many great holiday offers, including the chance to be with family in Michigan and an invite from a friend traveling around the United Kingdom. I would usually be packed and ready to go in a New York minute. But this vacation was different, it was filled with Bikram and other yoga classes. I spent time with the people who are closest to me. For the most part, I listened to music, read, cooked my favorite foods, sang to my beloved pets and brought them for walks and truly enjoyed the company I was keeping . . . my own.
Thank you for joining me on my journey; I’m excited to learn about yours!
About Heidi Boone
Heidi Boone is a sales professional on the outside and a tree hugger on the inside. She strives for well-being at every level and blogs about her experiences with yoga, eating a largely plant-based diet, and exploring the many ways to make the journey both joyous and life affirming.