What have you felt this month?

Did you laugh?
Did you cry?
Did you yell, scream or rage?

What have you felt this month?

What made you cry or laugh?
What brought on that anger?
Dear 50 stars, share those emotions
That only these stars on earth can have
In depth and infinite variety.

Re: What have you felt this month?

All the comedy films and the comedians made us laugh.
When important people died( like our parents, relations, and leaders) we cried.
When others make mistakes we get angry while in the youthful time, after getting old no one will care even if we get angry because they think these are old people.
Very difficult to site a situation that was so important never happened.

Re: What have you felt this month?

Sanmugan,

You make a good point.  Sometimes our elders are not treated with dignity and respect.  In today's consumptive disposable society, we send our loved ones off to warehouses, and marginalize their quality of life, often for our own convenience. 

Re: What have you felt this month?

And now, dear Sanmugan. Think of just this last month, and tell us
One thing that made you laugh
One thing that made you cry
One thing that made you angry
One thing that made you feel enthusiastic or excited or in wonder.


Nowadays I'm trying to get in touch with the human, experiencing side of me. I usually am not aware of my emotions till they're pointed out to me. Are you like that? Or do you feel many emotions, deeply?

Emotions are what distinguish human beings from other forms of life. But let's not debate that on this thread… let's just share what , at 50+, made us feel emotional, and what emotions these  were! Just in the last month.

Re: What have you felt this month?

How have I felt you say?  Let me count the ways.  I felt I couldn't stand up.  Then right after I felt I couldn't sit down.  Been Hot.  Needed to cool down.  Got Miller runnin round and round. 

Seriously tho-  been the gamut of emotions, but then that's life.  Lost a friend (cat) the other day, fell over sudden in the yard and died.  I miss his presence in the world.  I have joyful moments galore.  I had the pleasure of reading the (purportedly) funniest joke in the world.  I guess people even voted.  While I worked outside, I wasn't bothered by any blackflies and mosquitos.   I saw nature unfold in a thousand miraculous ways.  A gal I know touched my hand, a casual kindness.  Today I have the priviledge of one more day.

I find if I don't rise in the morning with the expectation of being angry or disappointed, then generally I don't have those experiences.  I suppose it's a plus I don't have to drive in rush hour traffic…..     ;-] 

Re: What have you felt this month?

Phil, I like the description of the gamut of feelings.

I also realize that one of my fears is the loss of our cat friend; who's actually a neighborhood cat who adopted us. Our somewhat uncreative name for him, is Whiskers. Others in the neighborhood have other names for him!

You said : ” I had the pleasure of reading the (purportedly) funniest joke in the world.” And you can actually get away without sharing it with us?  Can you share it with us?


[reposting as the last one came as a “REply to thread” rather than a “Reply to post.”  If this is a software bug in the groups, I will likely run a gamut of feelings right for this one thing. Well, okay..perhaps not rage :)  ]

Re: What have you felt this month?

Why soitinlee, nyuk,nyuk.  (moe larry or curly, you pick)

The article may be found here:

http://archives.cnn.com/2002/TECH/science/10/03/joke.funniest/

Aside from the joke, the article itself is fairly interesting.

enjoy

Re: What have you felt this month?

I felt overwhelmed this month, but things are looking better now.  My 23 year old son had surgery to correct a severely deviated septum that caused lots of sinus problems - and I accompanied him to the hospital and back to his apartment afterwards.  I stayed overnight to be sure he was doing okay.  Now, it is a week later and things are really looking good - and I have caught on on the sleep I lost on that first night post-surgical.  Funny how our kids are still our kids even when they are adults - and how their trials and tribulations still affect us deeply.

Peace,

Earon

Re: What have you felt this month?

Your post makes me feel emotional, Earon. As I live so far from my parents; I sometimes wonder how I'll feel if my kids go this far away, and we don't meet sometimes for a year or more!

I'm sure we have to learn detachment; and then again, perhaps we're meant to feel that sense of loss!

In that sense, I guess you have mixed feelings too; and are glad you can be there for your kids. Who'd have thought of sleepless nights after they've grown?!  I'm only now going back to a sleep routine. I got so out of it all these years, that I started enjoying being awake and having other things to do [tidying cupboards, reading, or working on my website].

But it played havoc with my health, so now I”m getting in my 7-8 hours most nights!

Re: What have you felt this month?

Earon and Meenakshi, your posts make me feel emotional too. ah yes, the trials and tribulations of our adult children seem to only deepen in ways. es muy profundo! we live just 11/2 from our son and cannot yet imagine living far away. but our life plans are picking up steam and if our son is good and “stable”, we will set sail before he does in a year's time or less! yet my folks, like yours, Meenakshi, are far away, they are in Texas which is kind of like another country (and many Texans would love it to be!) i imagine we will move to be closer to them in the not-so-distant future. we have been in the northeast for 20 years or so and near my husband's family, so it feels like that time of change is approaching soon as well. huge uprootment is at hand and we are in process of preparing by downsizing, preparing our home to sell in the spring, getting our finances in order for travel and light living, etc. i imagine that many of us are lightening our loads. downsizing, eh? it is exciting but stirs up such attachment and the need for letting go, what a dance!

Re: What have you felt this month?

This month I have been living with a smile inside in gratitude over all the good things and persons that are present in my life … my children,my love Ane Lis,my parents,my sister,my brother (who came from Denmark to visit me last month),the birds outside my window eating sunflower seeds … and not to be forgotten - several people on Gaia has offered me friendship … that is awsome !

This month I have also felt a time with sadness because my illness Cronical Fatique Syndrome have forced me to rest in bed for a whole week and made me feel so incredibly tired … and when I am so tired and somebody asks something of me I get angry - I do not want to but I can not help it … luckily I am able to say I am sorry afterwards to whom I must have made feel sad.

But every day I try to use some time to tell myself of all the good things and persons that are present in my life … and then I feel in my heart how grateful I am … and I always end up feeling gratefull to life that offers me all this … THANK YOU LIFE  !

Love and peace

Poul

Re: What have you felt this month?

Hi Poul,

I dont know if you are already there cus I am so new there, but there is a pod all about gratitude. here ya go, bro!

http://pods.gaia.com/gratitude_chain
 

Re: What have you felt this month?

Hi Poul,

I dont know if you are already there cus I am so new there, but there is a pod all about gratitude. here ya go, bro!

http://pods.gaia.com/gratitude_chain

Re: What have you felt this month?

I laughed, I did not cry, have not done that in quite awhile, My family is good, the things that make me rage now at 50 stars is the injustice in the world, the way we treat the planet and each other, sometimes it feels that my small drops in the bucket are useless. I rage against bitter nights and homeless, friends children sent off to war, the oil game that now effects the cost of bread.  I feel I need to help change things for the sake of the next generation, my grandchildren

Re: What have you felt this month?

Overwhelmed, too old, not strong, angry at myself for having too much stuff, honoured when people showed up to help, glad it's almost finished …

Re: What have you felt this month?

I hear you 50 stars. Struggles over the old, the young and moving. And laughing too.
Somewhere on Gaia Meenakshi said she didn't know how stretched thin an over weight person (herself) could get. Meenakshi I hope you're back to your right size by now.

As for me the most remarkable thing that happen this month was triggered by a poem a friend sent me. This is the poem she sent:

my real dwelling
has no pillars
and no roof either
so rain cannot soak it
and wind cannot blow it down
every day priests minutely examine the scriptures
and endlessly chant complicated sutras
before doing that though, they should learn
how to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain, the snow and moon.

by Ikkyu, a 15th century zen master

It was the last line that got me. And I began to read the love letters and somehow I knew I would get them all, from the wind, rain, snow and moon.
I wrote them out as a poem and posted it on my blog. I invite you to read it.

Re: What have you felt this month?

I'm thrilled at all these responses; and am going to respond themoment I'm back. Tillt hen, people, do talk to each other; get friendly, make us all laugh or cry or otherwise feel with you!

Re: What have you felt this month?

In the middle of the last month I returned back to our home. Everything remained as it is. There is nothing much to say. Only certain postings in this made me laugh, I like them. There was nothing to get angry or cry. I have allowed my children to live on their own.

Re: What have you felt this month?

One month later, I realize–I have now felt something that I don't remember feeling for a long time - a sense of physical well being. Happiness even while being pushed more than I ever have physically…ah, except at childbirth, but those are other miraculous stories.

Working with a personal trainer, so that the doc is convinced I can be physically in better shape than I was a month ago; I am amazed at how everything has changed:
I now don't need anyone to help me with the groceries.
I feel younger physically
More hopeful
More energetic
Better parent to kids who need an energetic parent, after all!

And quite bemused at this reminder of how important the physical is to our life. And how I had to “go upstairs” first, to accept this!

 

Re: What have you felt this month?

How about this day?

I'm in the Oprah/Eckhart Tolle A New Earth webclass.  I don't do the class real time because the video is blurry and the audio is choppy and it is the dinner hour in my home and that just doesn't work out to carve out 90 mins in prime evening time.  I download it to the iPod Nano I just happened to give myself at Christmas.  It is great because I get crystal clear video and smooth audio and I can back up and go forward and listen more than once.  I only run about one day behind the class.

With Class 4 also came a download of the theme music.  The entire composition only lasts about 2-1/2 mins.  Twice now I have listened to it as a meditation, connecting with the energies of Oprah, Eckhart and the 2 million people around the globe who are all resurrecting the “I” of their being simultaneously.  It is really unprecedented.  I wrote yesterday in the Living Metaphysics pod about my first experience with it.

Today, the energy flooded in so intensely, it truly was orgasmic and my breathing became rapid.  I thought I almost could not bear it, it was so strong.  Then, the music calms toward the end.  I was crying tears of joy and laughing as I began to bring myself down-to-earth, so to speak, to integrate the energies into my human physical self for meeting the day ahead of me.

Yesterday and many days, I do find myself yelling at the kids and angry at them.  It is embarassing to admit it; for I do love them fiercely.  The source of my stress is that the children are here 24/7 and so is the global business my husband and I run from our home.  When we are trying to close a deal for $100,000 and my 7 yr old is loudly belting out the theme music from Godzilla and the younger boy is melting down because his brother has frightened him, it is hard to accept that this is just the reality and that others in normal office environments will be understanding.  Many actually are and will make comments like “I couldn't work, if my child came to work with me” or they will say wistfully “I wish I could spend more time with my own child”.  However, we deal with many people and not all have recent experience of children in their life and most have not tried to do business with them present.  Always my efforts are simply to teach them to be mindful of when we are on the telephone.  The 7 yr old is very hard to bring into conscious awareness of that so lost is he in his imaginary world.  We actually manage our calls and answer very few directly when it rings.  Most go into voice mail until a convenient moment to talk.

I realize that this last experience is not common for the over 50 but it is my everyday experience.

Deborah

Re: What have you felt this month?

Yes, it's definitely not “common”, Deb; to have such young children at this age, and I marvel at how you're able to cope at all. Mine are teenagers, where my friends are already on their way towards grandmotherhood! I find it keeps me feeling young, as it is difficult to be very serious and sage-like when discussing hairstyles or proms!

It also makes me worry –actually, used to make me worry – about not being physically strong enough to see them through their youth without being a burden on them! That's history now; as I have once again rediscovered my physical activity.

OK, as for you– please don't be too hard on yourself; each of the jobs you have, and the ones you've taken, you work very diligently at - your business, taking care of m-i-l, kids, family, and then the pod here.  Although in our expanded state, energy is never-ending; it is not so at the physical level.

I personally have found it helpful to keep changing the thought that causes discomfort and replace it with a thought that causes de-stressing. I don't know if it can work for you —e.g. staying in the awareness, that everything is perfectly imperfectly perfect; or saying to myself- this is what is meant to happen. Not really being fatalistic; but allowing myself space to get back to my center.

Re: What have you felt this month?

Good discussion about stress !!! Thought I would pop in and share my de-stressor tip. Of course, there is the stress of just juggling many things. That's kinda unavoidable as long as one is in that kind of situation.

Still, my tip often works for me even there.

I ask myself “What am I believing is AT STAKE HERE?” Most of my stress ultimately arises when I am feeling in danger, threatened. I will lose something I need, or be harmed in some way  or someone else will be harmed in some way.  The answer to the question almost always gets a YEAH from my human rational mind. But I do have the opportunity go beyond that, and find the place of “All is well.” I might use the Byron Katie Questions, “Is that really true?” etc. Also I remind myself to TRUST. 

Then, I might act the same way I  would have acted before, but my inner space is more peaceful, less stressed. And often I  act differently. And I am not precluded from doing practical things to prevent the stressful situation from arising again, or so often !!!

I can see that you have some things at stake, such as “lost business,” and all the unpleasant consequences of lost income, etc. etc. It really is challenging. But, perhaps that question “What am I BELIEVING is at stake here?” might be enough to make a small shift.

With great admiration,
OM Bastet

Re: What have you felt this month?

I have felt a lot of stress this month, starting a new part-time job, working at my physical maximum at another part time job (doing bodywork can be hard work, especially working with elderly people in excruciating chronic pain, people living with cancer, etc.), my youngest son preparing to graduate from college (and being in more contact with my ex-spouse around related events), my middle son having surgery for a severely deviated septum and broken nose, my partner's processing the college selection challenge with her 18 year old daughter, my oldest son more clearly considering moving out of state, too much time on the Internet trying to build name recognition for myself and my book project, challenges in fundraising for my partner's nonprofit, my dad being away for the winter and finally on his way back home now, needing to push harder to find a way to finally get my book published, feeling more tired and not as healthy, dealing with pain from overdue dental work needs, needing to let go of my hopes to attend a conference in South Africa, stressing about the US political campaigns/elections, and the desperate need for peace.

On the other hand, there are many gifts and I am grateful for my life.  I could list them, but it is more compelling to focus on whining about my challenges – <lol>  I am focusing more on getting some rest and relaxation.  For me, getting high on esoteric ideas and global oneness can get in the way of my grounding and centering.  Working out is great, but sometimes the aches and pains holler loudly at us.  I have been able to retreat to some peaceful quiet and do some healthy breathing, in the midst of what seems to be chaos.  After all, the present is all there is, and if we are always involved with the future it is more difficult to let go of the past.  If we are not feeling nourished by the world, it is difficult to be the nourisher for others.

So little in this life has anything to do with ideas.  Yet, we get swept up in thought forms of infinite complexity, until we just sit down in quiet, or go for a walk in peace, take a luxurious nap, or find other ways to rediscover that within us which is more fully present.

Thanks for listening,

Earon

Re: What have you felt this month?

“So little in this life has anything to do with ideas. ” as you said, Earon. And I think you implied, so much has to do with experience or what happens or how we look at it. Which is why I have this thread. Like a way of showing ourselves where we really are–with ourselves, those around us; in all our energy fields, however we define them -as chakras or auric levels or Maslow heirarchy or other schemas.

Just putting it down as we do, we are able to look with expanded eye, one hopes : the eye in all our chakras, if you dont mind this schema!

So, what I'm feeling right now, is amazingly, feeling. Emotions. Even about to take a decision just based on feeling. VERY rare for me, who is usually out of touch with my feelings. I'm enjoying this; taking the feeling -emotional route; while my little sis is helping with the spiritual-healing route, and older sis is taking the practical organizational one. Together we're concerned about our parents, in their 80s, far away from us all, who're in europe and u.s., while my mother is undergoing tests for dizzy spells, and my dad is taking her for them.

We have lots of family help in India and she's being better cared for than she could've been here; but the question is –shall I go, leaving behind my kids end of school  year exams, activities and so on; other family obligations and so on; just to be with them, as a daughter? I want to, and am looking at flights and so on. My own family is very supportive; but my parents, other relatives are saying - no, no need. My dad said - your dharma [duty] is to look after your family. My son said - mom, you want to be with  your mom and dad, so it will be wrong of you not to go.

meanwhile this coming month is our 25th wedding anniversary for which we've called friends –a party at home after 5 years of no partying after my fil died; and also ….whew! I can leave it all just to hold my mom's hand and Reiki her tired body.

Let's see what happens; I've to decide very soon. I'm bemused by what happens to us as the years roll on….

Re: What have you felt this month?

Meenakshi, I received an intuitive impression of what might be going on with your Mom's dizzy spells, so thought I would share that here, as the health info is highly relevant to everyone.

The impression I got was that her problem at root has to do with WATER. The rest of what I say here is based on knowledge, not intuition.

So, excess water, or too little water, or toxic water?

Excess water can be from too much salt intake, poor kidney function, etc. This can lead to high blood pressure which is known to sometimes cause dizziness.

Too little water is a common but not widely known CAUSE of HIGH blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness. Dehydration is epidemic among older people.

I am not sure how toxins in the water could lead to dizziness, but I'll bet the subject is covered in one of the best books ever about water and health:

Your Body's Many Cries for Water, by F. Batmanghelidj.
http://books.gaia.com/119994/your_bodys_many_cries_for_water/by_fereydoon_batmanghelidj 

Apparently he has a second book, too.

And there are other fine books on the subject of water and health too; any Internet or Amazon search could turn them up.
 
In fact, the fatigue that seems to come with aging is often simply dehydration!!

This is one of my soapboxes, so I will quit here and not blather on.
May this be helpful, and may all be at peace…..

Namaste, OM Bastet

Re: What have you felt this month?

OM, thank you! With this intuition and all that we know of using intent and the emotions around water and….

OK, I'll stop blabbering and go tell my mom [when she wakes up; it's dawn in India right now].

THANK YOU! [deep bow]  [couldn't find an appropriate smiley on time]

Re: What have you felt this month?

I have felt so many things this month—but last night I felt mostly pride!

My daughter is going to try to make money with her art work.  She has always been a fine artist from an earlly age–Taking school wide and city wide prizes for her art work and her writing.
I think this is really brave of her .  She was recentlly laid off from her job and has been designing logos for websites and is entering a T-shirt design contest for a local store.
I love her so much–she has more courage than I had at 23

Re: What have you felt this month?

This past Sunday I had a really good scare that taught me a valueable lesson about my limits and my pride.
I was walking the local nature trail . This is one of my favorite  things to do because when I was growing up I spent alot of time in the wood, both alone and with friends.
Any way, I got so caught up in the nice day and the beauty of the place that I let my blood sugar get dangerously low and nearly passed out for the second time in my life(the first time was when I was a kid and I has a high feaver from the measles) . Lucky for me a kind gentleman gave me a ride back to town, where I was able to make it home and get to my couch before I fainted.
Wow!!!! It really come home to me that I was not 16 ….or even 36 anymore.
From now on I will not be caught on the trail without-
1.Water
2. some energy bars or fruit
3. my cellphone
I have also been reluctant to get myself some medical jewlery.
I thought it was for wimps. and besides I was “careful” wasen't I?
Well , better to be a wimp, than to faint -or worse.
The last few days my body has been healing from this experence, which is nice–but I am still going to see my doctor tomorrow.
I said it before and I will say it again-There is nothing “wimpy” about knowing your limits!!!!!

Re: What have you felt this month?

Lizzyl, so you're still having kind gentlemen rescue you ! ;) Ah, better when we're older; because then we don't have to worry if they have ulterior motives in doing so!

But seriously, I'm glad you were lucky to have a human angel nearby. I do think though, that when something happens when we're older, we think it's because of aging bodies? I wonder; it may just be that you do have to be careful at the amount of exercise you're doing–not because you're older; because you didn't do so much earlier, did you, in your younger years?

Re: What have you felt this month?

could be–I was very active in my teens and early 20's., then I got sedentary and played the yo-yo weight loss and diet game from my late 20's to now.
I just have to be more careful with my body. Sometimes the energy that I get from the T'ai Chi makes think I can do things —I have to tone it down and not over estemate my ability to do things in spite of my new fourn energy

Re: What have you felt this month?

Lizzy!

” … . .  nothing 'wimpy” about knowing our limits.” 

Oh yes,   I can know but do I accept and adjust accordingly?  

I am only just beginning to recognize how much energy is lost in resistance.  

I either deny, overdo and suffer the consequences. 
Or admit, do nothing and suffer the consequences.

Joyous Mary

Just looking at myself keeps me laughing.  

Re: What have you felt this month?

I have felt good about the coming of winter for the first time in years.
The weather man is predicting a snow storm tonight, but I am celebrating the wonder and beauty of the snow and the sharp, cold air!!!

Re: What have you felt this month?

Lizzy!

I join you in celebrating Winter. 

For many years have I wondered and enjoyed for all the reasons that you describe. 

Snow:  Wonder, peace, beauty, falling without sound and the silence growing thicker.  The cool crisp air.  

Winter is a special time of spiritual awareness for me.  

Its restrictions keep me mindful of a power and beauty greater than I.   

Re: What have you felt this month?

I have felt even more grateful than last year.
I had a wonderful Thanksgiving helping out at the local church dinner.  It was not only good to get out and meet new people, but I also got the chance to really see results of my service to the community.
My brother has been trying to talk me into this for the last three years and  I am only sorry that I did not go sooner.
It was also a chance to see how much my strength and stamina has improved.
Last year around this time, I could hardly stand for five minuets-I was on my feet for almost four and a half hours yesterday-with out a pain.
I could easily walk, stand, and lift.
I am usually withdrawn in social situations-I surprised myself by how easily I could smile and be at ease-Look total strangers in the eye and hold a conversation!
It was uplifting!
I am looking for some more volunteering to do at Christmas!

Re: What have you felt this month?

Lizzy!

Oh my! 

You tweak my conscience with:

“I am looking for more volunteering to do at Christmas.”

Last Sunday at church a sign-up sheet was passed around for Salvation Army Bell Ringer volunteers.     I did not sign. 

Since then, every place I go,  I see vacant designated bell-ringer spaces.  

This coming Sunday is the fourth day before  before Christmas.  

I wonder what I will do. 

Why do I wait until Sunday to decide?  

“Tis a puzzlement!” 


 

Re: What have you felt this month?

I am going into the new year more excited than I have been in years.
My grand total of pounds lost this year in 105!
Can't wait for 2009 and what it holds for me.

Re: What have you felt this month?

Congrats, Lizzy! Want to exchange before and after pics? tee hee hee!
I am excited for you and your journey of self-transformation. Way to go!

Re: What have you felt this month?

Mary
I only have access to a libuary computer so the pic exchange is a bit hard.
I have felt betrayed the last few days.
I don't want to go into detail.
read my latest blog entry.

Re: What have you felt this month?

I saw this thread and I decided to post an answer to it.  Hmm, what have i felt this month.  For one, I felt exhilerated at the fact that I have closed a chapter in my life and beginning a new one.  I turned 50 this month and I am so looking forward to what it can bring.  Anticipation is another feeling that I am going through.  Having taken the manager's qualifying test, and wondering if I passed it.  I waited two years to take it and worked my tail off and biting my fingernails down to the cuticle doesn't help matters any.
Important if that can be classified as a feeling.  Just yesterday my boss told me that our store manager wanted me to take charge of the shrink in our department.  I felt “important” to the company at that point, mostly honored that he would even consider me for it.
And finally, I feel grateful to Gaia for having such wonderful friends who are there for you no matter what.

Re: What have you felt this month?

Happy 50 Gina!!!!
I am glad that all your hard work is paying off at last.

Re: What have you felt this month?

I feel Good!!!!(Doin' a James Brown split–“Help me now! Woow) My Doc cut back my anti-depressant meds –again!!!!