mmmm

Is it possible to overdose on bananas?

Vulnerable. Perception. Perspective.

The most prominent words of 2009 (for me):

vul⋅ner⋅a⋅ble
–adjective
1. capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt, as by a weapon: a vulnerable part of the body.
2. open to moral attack, criticism, temptation, etc.: an argument vulnerable to refutation; He is vulnerable to bribery.

But if we were not vulnerable, we would never know pain. If we did not know pain, we would have less empathy. If we are not empathetic with ourselves and our friends, how then, can we truly know them?

per⋅cep⋅tion
–noun
1. the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.
2. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment: an artist of rare perception.

Perception changes. I often wish I could perceive things as if I were seeing them for the first, innocent time. However, with each moment we live, we must realize nothing will ever be exactly the same as it was.

per⋅spec⋅tive
–noun
1. the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship: You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.

One gains perspective on people by enhancing communication. Communication is successful when we learn to ask and listen. Perspective also changes as knowledge and acceptance are attained.

Yoga and deseos

I joined 15 women this morning for a yoga session and reflection of 2009. Before we started our breathing and stretching I asked the women what their favorite part of 2009 was. About 90 percent of them said they were grateful for becoming pregnant. They were also happy to have planted various crops, and one woman was glad she moved from the city to the "campo".

We breathed and did such yoga poses as: "eagle", "tree", "warrior", "cat, cow" and a "birds of paradise" rendition by yours truly, among others.

We then discussed our hopes for 2010. I wished for health among my family, friends and the babies to be born in the Casa. I especially wished for the health of my cousin, Bridget (hope4bridgit.org). Most of the women desire the same: to have healthy babies and family. Some women also hope that the government of Nicaragua will help the poor, feed the starving and find homes for people and children living on the street. Wouldn´t that be incredible...

In this new decade I wish everyone health, smiles, adventures, presence and love. May you enter 2010 with open hearts and minds and know that some wishes are simply universal.

La quinta visita

What´s new in Matagalpa: 2 supermarkets, a kareoke joint, a parking lot in the city, Chirstmas lights in the park, 5 women arrived to the Casa Materna today (to make a group of 18), a cyber cafe and coffe is now 55 cents at my favorite cafe instead of 50.

I have decided that I prefer ¨dry-hot¨ over ¨humid-hot¨.

Remembering not to flush toilet paper is still quite difficult.

Cold showers require certain abbriviated ehalations upon entering.