with Natalie caine

June 24, 2010 | by Natalie Caine | No Comments

If I move from within , I am fine. If my mind rattles, I tumble.

Do you Empty Nesters and Boomers have that experience when you have to pull yourself up and begin again? What chatters in your head more than you like?

My secret to a quiet head is doing something simple that I love.  I only have to step out the door while still in my night shirt, sipping black coffee.  I look at the changes in my flower and vegetable garden.  I shoot photos close and far, back, and front. I feel lifted and emptied of the rattle after that time in the garden with my camera.

 I want a new digital camera so I need to have a big garage sale with neighbors.   I need to have one just because it is summer on the lawn and I love open space in my garage and cupboards. Definitely not motivated right now to make that happen.

I keep a photo of ballet dancers on my wall in front of my work space. I have never been a ballerina, except when I was six.   I look up and see that inner movement and grace.  Visuals of beauty relax me.  What relaxes you?

I remind myself of the bigger picture and not the fly buzzing in my room that won’t leave me alone.

I don’t jump ahead with the what if’s and the dreads of later that will come.  I know that is a common suggestion. It works.  You need to practice doing that, and you know it reduces tears and stress.  PRESENT MOMENT. Look around right now and let your eye catch something.  Mine just caught the black rim of my computer.  I never saw that it was bottomed in silver.  I stare, shoulders down, feet on the floor, lips closed, air through my nose.  I am here.    It isn’t exciting or life changing. It is a shift and sometimes we simply need to SHIFT just for a break from the fullness that is cramping.

Walking my neighborhood happens if I let go of work and remind myself that 20 minutes refreshes.  I don’t schedule when to walk.  I just know if I don’t walk in the early morning mixed with photo joy , then I need to walk in the evening.  I am better if I walk early because my mind rattles and I tumble sometimes in the evening.

How do you begin when you don’t want to?

 How do you follow through with your new role as a parent and not fall to the back?  My two lines that reduce the disappointments are: The adult children lead now. Let my expectations go . Get nurtured by doing something fun.  I often hear when I teach that it is challenging to figure out what would be fun.  Pick something and try it. You can leave. It is a new practice to focus on yourself when you have been there for others or distracted with work.  Simply begin something.

Hope to hear how you are doing.

Take good care,
Natalie
818-763-0188
Los Angeles, CA