Thursday, March 27, 2008

Training wheels

Returning to thoughts on creativity...

In the past months I've made [seemingly] silly, fun and outrageous goals as to my creative aspirations. I've dreamed of perfect days, jobs, lives and pastimes ranging from living in a place with only spring flowers, to doing African dance, to being a photographer, to having a mountain in my backyard change form daily... *laugh* It's been hope-giving, but at times I've experienced resistance in the form of, "Megan, you can't do that! Why would you even dream about it? That's ridiculous!"

Not so!

This week, I experienced two of my goals take visible steps towards actualizing (for Spanish speakers, I want to use the verb "realizar"...)! Goal #1: Become a good enough tango dancer to keep up with my teacher. Hope #1: This week, when he taught me how to lean on him so he could put me into an incline, I learned quickly. He gave me a proud, excited hug and beso on the cheek and sent me off to practice. I am inspired by his encouragement and faith in me. Goal #2: Do a headstand in yoga by December 2009. Hope #2: Last night in yoga, as we worked on upper body strength, our scary teacher (we flinch when she walks past us -- she's so intimidating! Oh Gloria...) stopped in front of me and said, "Do you want to try a headstand today? It just clicked for you." (!!!!) I did a headstand! (Not completely alone... Gloria helped me balance.) Gloria ohhhmmm'd later, "You're like a kid on training wheels, it will happen."

Some fun exercises to think about:
1. What are 12 things you would love to do? They don't have to be things you already do... allow yourself to dream a bit! Don't think too hard, just list them.
2. List 20 things you like to do.
a. Now for each one, is it free or have a cost? Cheap or expensive? Do to alone or with someone? Is it daring or calming? What part of you does it feed -- spiritual, mental, emotional, physical?
b. From that list, create the perfect day as life is now.
c. Now create and describe a perfect day in your wish-world.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Eating Disorders, Latin America

While in Buenos Aires, I was challenged with body image because there is a heavy emphasis on maintaining one's figure. Culturally, it is very distinct than the United States. Of course, Argentines do eat healthier portions and walk more, but it was more than that...something was not right. I had heard random statistics of eating disorders, but had never read anything trustworthy. And finally on BBCmundo there is an article about eating disorders in Latin America! For those of you who read Spanish, here is the link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/misc/newsid_7294000/7294863.stm

The author speaks of women in Argentina (and now other places) taking anti-hunger drugs on a regular basis. These drugs, filled with amphetamines, sedatives, laxatives, diuretics and hormones, wreck women's bodies. My family was very healthy, therefore I was never directly affected by the use of anti-hunger drugs, but I knew others who were. The association of the fight against anorexia and bulimia (ALUBA) quotes that 1 in 10 Argentine girls have some sort of eating disorder. 1:10. That is incredible. Why more in Latin America? The answer must be more complex than differences in eating cultures. If I find answers, I'll let you know.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Chicago 10

This past weekend I saw two fantastic independent films -- if you need an activity this week, don't miss them: Chicago 10 and The Counterfeiters. Especially Chicago 10. It is just quality and fun and historical and... great.

Here's the trailer:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M9uJL7lWdFg

Enjoy!!