Week 8--Sunday--"Don't Walk Away Angry"

This week's card choice is:  "Don't Walk Away Angry." 

The card reads, "Learn how to fight fairly.  Fight to resolve differences, not to win.  In fact, maybe after a short respite and a few deep breaths, you could shift what started out as an argument into a constructive discussion.  Taking a mutually agreed upon break is one thing, but giving up or walking away angry is another.  This only prolongs and escalates an angry mood indefinitely.  If you find your fights quickly get out of control, consider reading a book on fair fighting or seeking out a third part to referee."

I italicized a section of the description for a purpose; I have never heard this advice explained in this manner.  Fighting not to win is contrary to our contemporary culture, seen often in movies and advertising.  Besides, capitalism is all about being the "big dog."  What do I take from this?  On first blush, it appears that being angry over something is not a bad thing in and of itself; anger can indicated something is wrong.  As the Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be you angry, yet do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down upon your wrath."  The key, then, is to constructively use anger. 

I see many people use their anger and fight to be right; they fight to justify their position (even when in the wrong), not aware that they manner in which they fight harms even friends and family.  What a powerful emotion...

From http://www.positive-way.com/howto2.htm are nine steps on fighting fairly:

"How to Fight Fair in your Marriage and Other Relationships."

1. Be Respectful.
2. Keep the problem the problem.
3. Stay on one subject.
4. Use time-outs as needed.
5. Listen for understanding.
6. Don’t mind read your partner
7. Try to see things from your partner’s point of view
8. Seek to solve the problem.
9. Forgive and accept each other.

Week 7--Saturday Night

Today marks my last day for this make a difference card to "Be in Nature" for the week.  We walked the whippets on the Monon; it was wonderful.  The whips were happy, I was happy, my hubby was happy, the warm sun was shining, the wind was cool, people were out and about and smiling, and the river's water was strong and flowing rapidly.  Today, simply, was a perfect day to be outside!

The Monon Trail

Week 7--Friday Night

Beautiful day again here in central Indiana; I loved it!  Sun--I crave sun--not the boiling, broiling, crustacean-inducing-color giver of summer, but the gentle, warm, energizing sun of late Spring.  I swear I'm a solar panel...one day in the sun for me will go a long way for peace and tranquility (that may be going too far).  Let's just say that a full day's sun--heck--even twenty minutes of sun exposure will energize and enhance my mood.  If you catch me outside, you're much more likely to catch me smiling and carefree.

I heard a babbling brook yesterday while finishing my exercise bout; it wasn't quite as "babbling" today since the snow has all but vanished.  However, the sound of running water over stones was music to my ears.  Why is that sound so comforting to many people?  I have one of those Zen-inspired indoor water features; the water trickles from the top to the base and in between runs over two or three ceramic outcroppings creating the softest sound.  I like it. 

Reflective moment:  I hypothesize that when humans partake in the splendor, beauty, and sheer unpredictability of "Nature" they tend to think outside themselves, believe in something more than themselves and put it all into perspective.  Perspective keeps us grounded; being a "grounded" person can positively affect others' lives and perhaps even make a difference.

Week 7--Thursday Evening

"To be, or not to be...in nature.  That is the question."  For me, it was a glorious hour communing with the fresh air, strong wind and slightly overcast, patchy clouded sky.  I decided that since it was once again above 60 degrees in Indiana in February, I would take advantage of it. 

Work today was particularly draining; not that it was bad, per se, just...draining.  After eight hours, I was happy I had brought along my workout gear, so I decided to leave.  I changed and drove over to the neighborhood across the pond from our office. 

It was a reviving walk/run; I started my jaunt with my fancy new iPod (thank you husband) but decided I really wanted to just listen to the sounds of nature--feel and hear the wind, the sound of the gravel under my shoes as I ran, and the chirping of birds.  I eventually returned to my motivational music near the end of my exercise journey (more tired than when I started), but all-in-all I believe I enjoy outside runs sans music.

Nature today reminded me of an excerpt and scene from Jane Eyre when Jane first traverses the grounds of Thornfield Hall after a dreary winter, "It was a fine, calm day...the ground was hard, the air was still...I walked fast till I got warm, and then I walked slowly to enjoy and analyze the species of pleasure brooding for me in the hour and situation."

Our Indiana sky this late afternoon looked something like this:  overcast yet fresh (without the mountains
in the distance).

Week 7--Wednesday Evening

Today, I took a walk after work and enjoyed the balmy 50 degree temps in Indiana.  It was great--beautiful sunset, birds singing, geese...honking, and snow melting.  Being in nature and enjoying that smell of fresh air does wonders for me.  It was sunny earlier today and I just welcomed the respite from sitting at a computer.  Perhaps I will be able to talk another walk tomorrow if it's warm enough.  Nite folks.

Week 7--Tuesday Evening

I did not get an opportunity to enjoy nature today; in fact, I enjoyed the Tuesday late afternoon, pre-dinner Wal-Mart crowd before heading home.  Why?  It was an opportune moment to finally tie up some errand loose ends.  Have an appointment tomorrow that will require me to be outside...let's hope it's sunny and warmer!

Week 7--Tuesday

Nature is beautiful...and currently cold where I'm located.  However, since we Hoosiers feel the need to wear sandals and shorts as soon as the mercury hits 40 degrees, I took a nice brisk walk outside yesterday evening.  It was great!  I was not, contrary to my heritage, wearing shorts--or sandals.  I was appropriately dressed.  Speaking of appropriate cold-weather dress, check out this link if you desire to "Be in Nature" in a cold weather environment: 

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/sports_health/injuries/articles/dressing-for-cold-weather-exercise.aspx?utm_campaign=competitive+edge&utm_medium=email&utm_source=compedge1102&utm_content=exercise

Tonight's agenda:  another walk/jog but at a different locale.  Until the heat returns to the land of corn, here's a nice view to take your mind off dry skin, chapped lips, turtlenecks and hot tea:  Ahhhhhh...