Happy Peepster or the Joy of Peeps

PEEPS - It's What's for Dinner!

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I am a lover of Peeps.  The taste, the look, the texture, the variety of shapes and colors.  They are the goofiest of sweets and generally they only appear seasonally at Easter.  To celebrate the season I just thought I'd sure some lighthearted thoughts on a favorite Easter tradition:

Ever wonder the history? Just a few highlights from 6 Things You didn't Know About Peeps:

Originally they had wings and are over 60 years old!

The first Peeps diorama contest was in 2004.  Check out 2016 winner:  A Peep Inside (Out) Donald J. Trump

There are actually Peeps stores...and they have a Peeps car!

Peeps has become an industry unto itself with all sorts of food and artistic creations:

Most importantly, they are gluten and fat free!

So when you gather with your family for Easter dinner and need to avoid any of those hot topics like religion and politics, share these little tidbits to keep the conversation safe and enjoyable...and don't forget to serve Peeps!

Cultures of Joy

I found a unique book at the Wellness Center Free Library called The Sweet Life,  apropos since it's all about living a happier and more balanced life.  It focuses on the unique and healthiest of cultural practices from around the world.  As much as we like to believe America is where it's at, we have some pretty poor behaviors compared to the rest of the world such as working too much, wasting too much and having too much...all take from our time, our energy and our relationships.

Here is just a few I plan to implement in my own life:


Scandinavia - the law of Jante...while having it's negative points just taking on the idea of simpler living, less materialism, humble surroundings, not being wasteful. Give away clothes you don't wear, clean out items you don't use, don't buy things unless you really need them.  In America we have the saying, "keeping up with the Joneses", it's basically the opposite...modesty and making due with less. According to a study Americans are less happy because we focus too much on things at the expense of our relationships.  I love purging.  With all my moves (more than 40 in my 52 years!) I am well versed in it.  But I can always do more...more importantly I need to work on buying less and eating less, goals for this year.









India - Inner peace with meditation.  According to a study, the more we meditate, the more our stress is reduced. Specifically it is supposed to help reduce pain, enhance immune system, decrease depression, anxiety, anger and confusion.  Also slows heart rate, increases blood flow, reverses heart disease, control thoughts, increase energy, gives sense of calm and balance.  I definitely need more of all of these.  Frequency is more important than length of time.  Sitting still is not my favorite...this will definitely take some effort.








Hungary - Slow down and get personal.  Enjoy people, relationships, the moment.  This is a hard one for me.  I'm an introvert and I do everything fast.  It's also subjective, not something I can check off my list.  According to this book, the Hungarian people are the best part of their culture.  They like to do nothing special except spend time getting to know each other, understand what they think and why they think it.  They like to ask very personal questions.  What a concept compared to America being big on boundaries, both physical and emotional.  I do need to slow down and enjoy people more, find out what makes people tick and take more of an interest in it...but I'll keep my personal boundaries as needed.

Philippines - A people of hope and optimism.  It's a cultural norm to refrain from negative comments, children are taught to maintain cordial relations with everyone.  Yes, I need this practice.  It's in their smiles: spontaneous, warm and infectious.  They are known for their cheerful approach to life, a sense of humor, pleasant disposition and indomitable spirit. What a wonderful culture.  I need to work on this one.

Simplicity, meditation, connection and optimism...

on my way to more joy!

The Lotus of Joy

My joy journey has brought me to question suffering and its value.  There is so much pain in the world, why is it necessary? How do we feel joy in the midst of it?  I have been inspired by learning more about the life of the lotus flower.  It teaches us a lot about the ability to blossom even in the most unlikely of places.  

My own life has been full of pain and struggle, not surprisingly, few can avoid it in this life...and mine is relatively mild compared to many.  However, just like the lotus flower that blossoms in mud, I see the beauty that has come from my struggles.  I'm determined to treat my own suffering and pain with more respect and patience knowing that in time something precious and unique will unfold from it.  That doesn't answer the question to the amount of global suffering there is, I'm certainly not prepared to answer all of the world's questions.  But for myself, I'm content to know within my own little realm of the world, I'll do my best to blossom within the space and circumstances I've been tossed in.


On the same note, as I walked the beach this morning I was surprised to see the mess from the recent storm.  The waves overtook the road in front of my condo and filled it with sand and rocks.  There was a lady outside actually shoveling her driveway, that's not a sight you see often at the beach.  Some of the road was actually removed, the cement torn up.  The beach was so full of rocks in places you couldn't walk on it.  This is normally a very clean and sandy beach, even winter storms rarely create such a mess here.  One of the most interesting things I noticed was that the rocks had rolled up from the ocean in groups.  There are large piles of rocks in some areas and in other areas none.  This is similar to the shells I find, they often come in groups during different seasons.  All the little ones that look like angel wings, or sand dollers, or the ones with ridges...if you find one, you are likely to find another close by.  They tend to run with a tribe, just like people.  In the stormy mass of rocks today I found delicate shells, I didn't see any on the sand, just buried in the mound of rocks.  The lotus in the mud.  Even in a mess, there is always something beautiful to be found...you just have to look a little harder sometimes.

The documentary AWAKE in the Dream has a powerful message about mindfulness, being awake and aware of the moment....seeing the lotus in the mud.  It isn't enough to blossom, we need to actually be aware enough to see the blossom.  It's so easy to walk right by a beautiful flower or shell buried in rocks...or to dismiss or discount our little triumphs.  But part of loving ourselves and loving others is being in the present moment and witnessing our own experiences.  This is the joy we seek...presence of mind and body. A lofty goal for sure, but one worth working towards.

The lotus flower blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud. – Buddhist proverb

“…Without mud, you cannot have a lotus flower. Without suffering, you have no ways in order to learn how to be understanding and compassionate…. Happiness is the lotus flower, and the suffering is the mud. So the practice is how to make use of the suffering, make use of the mud, to create the flower, the happiness, and this is possible.”  ~Thich Nhat Hanh

The Story of the Lotus Flower

"The lotus flower is a beautiful flower that can be found all over the world. But the start of this flower’s life is not as beautiful as one might imagine. It’s unlike many other flowers. When the lotus first begins to sprout, it is under water, making its home in lakes and ponds in areas where the water remains fairly still on the surface. But underneath the surface, the lotus is surrounded by mud and muck and by fish, by insects, and simply dirty, rough conditions. 

Despite these conditions, the lotus flower maintains strength, and pushes aside each of these dirty obstacles as it makes its way to clearer surfaces. At this time, the lotus is still just a stem with only a few leaves, and a small flower pod. But in time, the stem continues to grow, and the pod slowly surfaces above the water, into the clean air, finally freeing itself from the harsh life conditions below. It is then that the lotus slowly opens each beautiful petal to the sun, basking in the worldly beauty surrounding it. The lotus flower is ready to take on the world. Despite being born into dark, murky conditions, where hope for such beautiful life seems dubious, the lotus grows, rises above adversity. Ironically, this same dirty water washes its surface clean. As the lotus opens each petal to the air, not a stain or spot of mud remains externally. The inner lotus too, has never seen a drop of mud or dirty water. It is pure, and bright, and beautiful.

In Buddhism, the bud of the lotus symbolizes potential. The lotus flower represents an awakening, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. Just as the lotus flower emerges from the water clean, the lotus also represents purity of body, speech, and mind. The lotus could be thought of as an awakened mind, which grows naturally toward the warmth and light of truth, love and compassion. The lotus may appear fragile on the surface, but it is flexible and strong, securely anchored under the surface of the water."

Joy through Self Care

I'm learning a lot about self care in my journey to joy.  This is not something I grew up with or even thought much about through the years of raising kids.  In fact, I never had a massage or pedicure until I was divorced, my kids became adults and I was in my forties.  Money was tight, time was tighter.  It just wasn't feasible in my life at the time, and didn't seem important.  I did exercise, read books and wrote in a journal when I could squeeze it in but not really as a ritual that I gave to myself and certainly not the luxury of spas or retreats.  I also felt guilty being so selfish with my own desires.  I can now, both time and money is much more my own...and I don't feel guilty, I've finally realized that making sure I'm healthy is the most important thing I can do for those around me.  And wow, does it make a difference!  I now get a pedicure and a massage once a month.  I just joined a Wellness Center that brings fitness to a level of luxury I never knew existed.  I'm working on my nutrition, my biggest challenge, and I see a therapist when I'm feeling in a funk I can't get out of. I even go on personal and girlfriend retreats that are rejuvenating!  This lifestyle is a lot more fun for sure.  I feel very lucky to be able to do these things for myself. 

However, one of the best things I started doing for my own self care doesn't cost a dime and only takes 30 minutes.  My sister let me in on this little secret and I can't imagine my day without it now. It's called the Miracle Morning. a book by Hal Elrod.  I admit, I didn't read the book but I read the basic instructions and took it from there..it's pretty basic, and yet wonderful.  

Hal isn't the only one preaching morning self care, there are a few others out there, all good and practical advice, 

Self Care Power Hour with the Blissful Mind

7 Morning Rituals That Will Change Your Life

MY MORNING RITUAL – HOW TO BE UNSTOPPABLE EVERYDAY OF YOUR LIFE

Hal just puts it in a recipe that's easy to remember and kind of addicting...so now I'm saving every day with SAVERS!  

Right now I'm reading out of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic and The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo as well as one my cousin just recommended which is great...and definitely something I need help with, FEAR by Thich Nhat Hanh.  

I write in my journal and I do yoga.  I'm REALLY lucky and get to look out at an ocean view while meditating on my life...doesn't get much better than that.  I turn on my calm music (YouTube has wonderful calm, yoga, or zen music stations that last over 3 hours!), start the diffuser with essential oils and try to focus on controlling my mind in a positive ways (always a challenge).  It is an incredible way to start the day.  

When my husband is home, I'm embarrassed to say, I get frustrated because I'm used to my alone time after he goes to work...just his presence kind of ruins my personal morning retreat (don't tell him I said that!)...need to work on getting him in on the act.  Just for him I try to do a different ritual that includes him...he likes the music and diffuser but wants to talk and cuddle, walk on the beach and get coffee together...all good rituals for self care and us care...it's the simple things that bring the most joy.