adjusting humor
i think I figured stuff out for why I had been feeling so breathless
at the start of vespers the past few days.
I thought that it might be because of the beetroot supplement I had
started to take on Saturday initially. I think, however, it was because
of my outlook.
In the afternoons at 3pm I have to go to meal prep - which demands effort in
a really physical way - chopping - peeling - cutting and preparing foods - precisely
and fast - pounds and pounds of foods -
then I take all of the left over product to feed the chickens and cats -
and then take the remainder of that to the compost shed.
It may seem not a lot - but it takes a lot of physical focus - in a spiritually
disciplined environment -that is something to consider.
Today I realized it and saw that since right after that daily project - I then need
to set up chapel and deliver the vespers service.
and I realized I can't let the physical linearity of the kitchen duty
translate to how I mentally handle myself and the spiritual effort for the services.
I had to step back from the transition - and give myself a broader more
relaxed perspective on the service - not take it so seriously in other words.
To breath and room for it
I hope I'm communicating it sufficiently - but an old friend in Toronto used
to urge me (when interviewing for jobs) not to take it so seriously and get
all neurotic.
Well now that wisdom is coming home to me here at the monastery.
I'm seeing that linearity and taking things so seriously is not always
the healthiest path - i'm back in my cell now - and and just kind of awake
to relaxing with Blue and not taking things so seriously in a healthy way.
The folks on the classical radio station I listen too definitely take themselves
too seriously at times. : )
Anyways, have a good night,
Replies
The switch from physical prep to mental prep is real. Here's to you!
Thanks Middy!
If you're breathless, it could be the fine particulate matter in the air from the canadian wildfires fires. Maine is under a yellow alert today which means, "If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, consider reducing your activity level or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors."
Thanks Bob!!
Betanin, a compound found in beetroot, acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme CYP3A4, which plays a key role in metabolizing many medications. This means that beetroot can affect how certain drugs—including antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants—work in the body. Additionally, beetroot can lower blood pressure, which sometimes causes symptoms like shortness of breath. It might be a good idea to check in with your doctor about the breathlessness you've been experiencing, just to make sure it's safe for you to keep using the supplement. Hugs.
Thank you so much!!!!