Learning From My Pain and Going Beyond Physical Discomfort

Aloha Everyone,

Today is another wonderful day. I am making steady progress of managing and lessening pain derived from my sport injury.

Yesterday I was not even able to stand on my tip toes. Today I can stay up for, 9 minutes without feeling pain in my body.

I can now hug my left knees standing on my right foot. I am able to kick my back with my right heel standing on my left foot. However shoulder stand and head stand is still a way to go.

I am taking this as a great opportunity to connect with others who are living with pain. I wonder if they their pain are constant or do their pain subside and amplify, high and low like a tide. Doing something which I can pay full attention to is also another way to mitigate physical pain. Being mindful and know how every part of your body reacts to pain. Focus. Imagine pain free body. Breathe.

My sister dropped by with a fruit basket to see how I am feeling. Her comment of "I thought you might look wilted, but you look normal" as a very kind compliment. I will practice 30 more minutes of Tadasana "Mountain Pose" before going to bed.

"An asana is not a posture which you asume mechanically.  It involves thought, at the end of which a balance is achieved between movement and resistance."

- B.K.S. Iyengar from YOGA, the Path to Holistic Health

Aloha -- Cathi

Rehabilitating Through Yoga and Nabe

Aloha Everyone,

I have been spending the last few days rehabilitating my body from the injury that I sustained a few days ago by doing my Tan Soo Do kicks.

Thankfully, I have brought one of my treasured Yoga reference books with me from Hawaii.

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured."

--B.K.S.Iyengar

Just as important as doing yoga, I am eating good food. For dinner, J.J. prepared Nabe, a hot pot Japanese dish. Perfect for cold evening in Southern California. Hopefully, my mother and my brother are keeping themselves warm in snowy Tokyo.

Aloha -- Cathi

Roger Whitlock, Watercolors Artist, and Juan, from Colinas, Mexico

Aloha Everyone,

There were two other wonderful people that J.J. and I met on our trip to Hawaii:

Roger Whitlock is a watercolors artist. We have known Roger, his wife, Claudia, and their daughter Ellen for nearly 30 years. Roger has been painting watercolors for as long as we have been friends. During our recent stay in Honolulu, we saw Roger at a gallery demonstrating his watercolor techniques. To see his portfolio, go to: http://rogerwhitlock.com/

Juan is from Colinas, Mexico and he is working at Koko Head Cafe. He is affable, international and sophisticated and well-traveled. Our conversation with Juan about Colinas was very interesting and educational.

Aloha -- Cathi

My First Wheel Chair Ride At The Airport

Aloha Everyone,

At 5:30 am, our friend, George came to give us a ride to the airport.

The sports injury I sustained is improving thanks to Jenny's Minestrone Soup and Aleve and the heat waist band J.J. purchased for me from Long's (CVS) Pharmacy. To mitigate additional stress on my injured ligaments, I have opted to use the wheel chair service.

Arturo asked me if I have a black belt in Tang Soo Do. Ha! The truth is I was trying to remember various kicks my granddaughter taught me. I should've been more mindful. The next time I will remember to do warm up exercises first.

At this time J.J. and I would like to thank Jeff and Jenny for their generosity and hospitality. We are honored to be the first house guests at their new home. And to all our Kamaaina and out-of-town friends, mahalo "thank you" for making our 16-days home coming more delightful.

Aloha -- Cathi

Yoga Ohana Revisited, And A Final Dinner in Hawaii

Aloha Everyone,

Our yoga and meditation practice this morning was incredible.  Thank you to our Yoga Ohana who were able to practice with me. I feel truly blessed.

Our last night in paradise, we walked to Big City Diner at Ward Center for dinner. Here is JJ's choice of Boneless Kalbi.

Jeff decided on chili hot dogs.

Mama-san's vegetarian stir-fried vegetables with light ginger and garlic over brown rice was an excellent choice for me.

Aloha -- Cathi