Category Archives: Play

Sauna Bathing and the10 Powerful Health Benefits

May 23, 2022 Play
Sauna Bathing and the10 Powerful Health Benefits

What is it?

I think the Fins have it right when it comes to sauna bathing and unlocking its powerful health benefits. This Finnish tradition has been around for thousands of years where you gain therapeutic benefits from alternating hot and cold temperatures. In Finland, it’s called “kylpy.” I first got introduced to this “thermal cycle” a few years ago after visiting a local thermal spa called Thermea.

When I went, I thought it was simply a place to go and relax, knowing that just relaxing had health benefits. But, little did I know, the Finnish knew more, and this hot/cold cycle has a lot more health benefits, including cardiovascular benefits.

How does it work?

The cycle goes something like this:

1) spend 15 to 20 minutes in a warm “bath” or sauna-like environment

2) immediately after, do a “polar plunge” where you dip yourself into a cold bath or do a cold “arctic-like” shower for about 10-15 seconds

3) spend another 20 minutes relaxing

4) go back to Step 1, and start all over for at least two more full cycles

The goal is to experience a significant change in temperature from warm (75C or 168F) to chilling temperatures of about 68F or 20C.  

When your body goes through this rapid and extreme temperature change, you experience many benefits in the warm cycle. The cooling process causes your body to have almost a “shock” experience and causes your adrenaline to flow.

What are some of the health benefits?

According to research, your body works to stay in homeostasis. And by having your body exposed to a wide range of temperatures, you are causing your body to “work.” Some research indicates that it’s like doing a workout.

Some of the body systems and conditions that benefit from this thermal cycle include:

  • cardiovascular (heart and circulatory system)
  • pulmonary (impact on your lungs and breathing)
  • immune (the system helps you prevent getting ill)
  • chronic diseases such as arthritis and headaches

But how? How does alternating between hot and cold improve things like your cardio system? I was skeptical and so did a little more research.

Cardiovascular

One of the health benefits is a healthier heart and circulatory system. With the alternating temperatures, the impact on your body at an anatomic/physiologic/endocrine level involves making your system more “elastic” and things like better dilation of your arteries. More specifically, the benefits listed in a 2018 study from Mayo Clinic Proceedings:

  • less stiff arteries
  • more dilation at the lining level of your arteries
  • reduced pressure (blood pressure) in the circulatory system
  • improved lipid profiles (reducing the bad fat in your body)

When you are in the warm portion of the cycle, your body increases its heart rate, and according to the May Clinic research, to between 120 and 180 beats per minute. (Resting heart rate can be like 70-80 beats per minute.). So the heartbeat achieved through this thermal cycle can be similar to going for a light to moderate walk.

Pulmonary

In terms of the lungs and your breathing system, some of the impacts include:

  • improved lung capacity
  • improved breathing in those living with asthma and chronic bronchitis
  • reduced incidence of pneumonia

Immune

As for immunity, the hot and cold cycle can also make your immune or illness prevention system work in top shape. Some of the effects include:

  • cutting the incidence of colds by half
  • limited studies showing some impact for those living with psoriasis (an autoimmune disease resulting in hypergrowth of skin)

Chronic Disease

Research shows that many chronic conditions benefit from this cycle:

  • reducing the intensity of headaches
  • reducing joint stiffness (and pain) associated with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Limits and Risk

Of course, as with anything, this thermal cycle may not be for everyone. And with everything in terms of a healthy lifestyle, it usually requires some regular practice and application and doesn’t come from “one-time” events.

Like any event that “stresses” your systems, it’s always essential to consult with your physician or nurse practitioner. According to research, the critical thing to remember about this thermal cycle is that it does cause your heartbeat to elevate (just like exercise), so those with an unstable health condition should particularly consult their physician. Likewise, research shows those individuals with cardiovascular disease should exercise caution.

Other conditions that should be discussed with your family doctor or nurse practitioner include orthostatic hypertension (blood pressure that changes significantly when you stand up after sitting) and XX.

While doing any relaxation has a lot of impact on your mental health and wellbeing, this thermal cycle has only been shown to have a limited effect on clinical conditions such as depression and psychosis. However, while research is still limited, there is an impact on the “feel good” hormone called endorphins. 

Bliss Reflection

Doing any spa event, of course, gives people joy. However, the thermal spa, in particular, forces me to stop, breathe, relax, and focus on “me.” The ability to slow down the pace is what gives me joy. And to be present with my thoughts and feelings, where the main agenda is “nothing,” is just good for my soul.

I have gone to these spas with or without friends, enjoying both. With friends, I want the storytelling and laughter. It’s always funny to see the contorted faces when they each do the polar plunge. The gasps and colourful language can be hilarious.   

When I go on my own, I enjoy people watching and just being still with nothing to do and no outcome or goal to be met. So while going on your own can sometimes feel intimidating, I quickly find that I get over it and draw into myself. 

It’s also clear that going for these thermal baths could impact my ticker (aka heart) and the psychological benefits of reducing my stress level. I admit I may not be going enough to experience that impact, but after doing this research, I realize that I will try to find a way to do it more often. And well, I am worth it.

Bliss Hints and Tips

References

Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK. Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018 Aug;93(8):1111-1121. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.008. PMID: 30077204.

Visitng the Majestic Clydesdale Horses: An Unforgettable Experience

May 16, 2022 Play
Visitng the Majestic Clydesdale Horses: An Unforgettable Experience

You will have an unforgettable trip when you see the majestic Clydesdale horses in person. Last Spring, I was down in Missouri and found out that just a short drive from Columbia, MO, I would be able to visit the infamous Clysedales – yes, those Budweiser horses.

Tour

Clydesdale’s training and breeding facility are called the Warm Springs Ranch. Located about 20 minutes outside Columbia, MO., it’s an affordable trip and is roughly $15 per person.

Upon arrival, you line up at the main gate, and when the tour is ready, you are escorted to the barn. This is where for the beer drinkers, this is when you get to enjoy a cold glass of Budweiser beer. Of course, this is an optional feature of the tour.

The day we visited was a 90+F day, and although I was not a beer drinker, I could not resist that cold glass of beer. And the good news is, you get to walk around with it as you tour the venue. But I digress, and not the highlight of the tour.

When you visit, you walk through the whole complex, from the area where mares are giving birth to their foals to the Budweiser trailers that transport the horses to the Budweiser stagecoach. So you get to see it all. You even get to see those massive harnesses when they pull the coaches.

As you weave through the facility, you hear many of the technical facts around how they care for these horses, help the mares give birth, and also the kind of training the coach driver must have in order to control these very powerful horses. (They of course make it look easy!)

While there, we mostly saw female horses with their young foals on our tour. The majority of the male horses were on the road except for a couple outside in the paddock or just resting in the barn. Apparently, the one left in the barn is not quite a team player and enjoys his own thing, so he stays behind and visits with the other horses or us visitors.

The tour’s highlight was seeing the horses up close, and I was mesmerized. I loved petting them. I felt a connection with the horses. This is said by someone who has NEVER come that close to a live horse. You look into their eyes and tell them they are communicating with you. 

They are very tall animals, and they have such a presence. Frankly, I was speechless when these animals walked past you with their confident and majestic gait. The white “socks” against the brown coat – the classic Clydesdale look – makes them stunning.  

In the end, I saw about 10 Clydesdales from young to mature adults on tour. You are provided ample time to visit the horses, and your host is full of information and facts. You are never rushed, and for $15, the tour was worth every penny and then some.

And yes, like every tourist organization out there, you also can take home some souvenirs – anything from calendars to plush toys, to clothing to rare artifacts – the souvenir shop has it all.

A Few Facts about Clydesdales

The horses:

  • Were first developed in the 1700s in Scotland
  • Are now located in England, Canada, Australia, and the US.
  • Are draft horses which means their job is to be pullers or strong working horses
  • Are about 16 to 17 hands tall and are one of the tallest horses
  • Have hooves that can be the size of a plate
  • Are docile and friendly
  • Are endangered

Bliss Reflection

Each time I visit either zoos or farms, I am immediately reminded that humans are not the superior species. Instead, I find that I understand that we are part of this web of animals and species, each relying on one another. I think that’s evident as a pet owner and in my previous blogs.

And you are reminded of this interconnectedness when you look into the eyes of these horses. While they are workhorses, they have intelligence and deep feelings. You see it in their eyes.

Horses deserve our respect. They help us accomplish many things, from transporting our products and supplies to allowing us to enjoy some recreation. They bring us a lot of joy, and the next time I encounter a horse, I will try not to overlook them and view them just as domestic animals.

This trip to visit the Clydesdales was very memorable. To this day, I am so happy that I chose to pick “learning and stretching my thinking” over just visiting another mall.  

My only regret is I have spent overlooking these animals. And it took me being on vacation to appreciate them so many years later.

So the next time you go on a trip, what stretching will you do?

Bliss Hints and Tips

  • For more information about the tour that I did at the Warm Springs Ranch, click here.
  • Check out the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada for the go-to resource about these horses.
  • For more interesting facts about these horses, check out this blog for 7 Interesting Facts.
  • Check this out for more information on the conservation movement around these horses.
  • And now a book that helps you “Think Like a Horse”.

A Memorable Spring in the South – Part 2

Apr 26, 2022 Play
A Memorable Spring in the South – Part 2

I just had a memorable spring in the south! I have been down to Nashville a few times in my lifetime. We all know that Nashville is THE Music City, and if you want to hear some great country, rock or bluegrass, you can find it in Nashville.

I recently visited Nashville as part of a conference, and even though I had been before, I decided to try something different. If you have never been, visiting the Grand Old Opry, listening to live country music and enjoying some southern cooking is a must.

On my third time down, I decided to go for the historical perspective on Nashville and was lucky enough to do a few tours of a couple of southern mansions. One I stumbled on as I drove on a quick errand and came across The Hermitage and home of former President Andrew Jackson.

The other I found online using the Viator app (a tour company I had used when I was in Europe). The second one, Belle Meade, a mansion and thoroughbred farm, was also dripping in southern hospitality.

Both homes are grand in scale and oozing history. In my previous blog on touring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I mentioned my love of museums. You can get lost in all that history, and museums always give you a new perspective on life. They teach you what life was like back when but also teach you what we have learned and what yet we have to learn.

Two Southern Mansion Tours

The two tours – The Hermitage and Belle Meade – were stunning. They were stunning both in terms of the dwellings and surrounding lands and rich in history and stories of southern life – good and bad.

Both featured families who owned the land centuries ago and, in their way, made a rich and luxurious living in Nashville. But you also learn about the darker side of the era where both farms saw civil wars and had a history with slavery.

As I said earlier my earlier post, it’s essential to learn about our history, good and bad. But, it’s also important to remember that museums tell you “a” story, and it is also essential to keep learning even after you leave the museum.

Tour #2: Belle Meade

About

Belle Meade is another southern mansion infamous worldwide as a thoroughbred farm. This farm is the place that sired horses like Iriquois, Seabiscuit and Secretariat. It was “born” in 1807, and the last family lived in this mansion in the early 1900s; in the 1950s, it became a historical location.

Belle Meade, otherwise known as “beautiful meadow,” is a former 1200-acre farm located within Nashville in the southwestern part. Today, Belle Meade is a historical museum with tours of the mansion and winery, including wine tastings, gift shops, and food and wine pairings.

The Tour

Like the Hermitage, Belle Meade is a grand and beautiful place. Not only can you visit inside the mansion and see what life was like in the 1800s, but you can spend time wandering the beautiful grounds and see how a farm from that era lived and operated.

My tour started in the mansion. Again, and like the Hermitage, the main hall is grand with 14-foot high ceilings. To the left is a beautifully laid-out dining table full of trimmings. A small family room is equally decadent and detailed, with a southern flair to the right.

Upstairs you find the bedrooms and a whole other living area, including a sitting room, a small kitchen, and a summer veranda. Again, I marvel at the decor and the attention to detail that has taken place to re-enact the living quarters of this civil war-era home. You can almost see the families travelling from room to room.

Lace, pastel colours, brass, dark walnut wood, and deep rich colours are everywhere. Beds are equally decadent with mile-high beds – which was a thing in that era. Elaborately decorated fireplaces are everywhere (the primary heating for the room).

Again, the mansion’s history also includes stories of the enslaved people who were this beautiful museum’s backbone. Two individuals who became emancipated were why this farm was so successful – Bob Green and Susannah Carter.

  • Bob Green was a world-renowned horse trainer that was an expert in his field. As head groom, he trained famous horses like Iroquois, Bramble, Enquirer and Luke Blackburn. Future descendants would be Seabiscuit and Secretariat.
  • Susannah Carter was the entrusted house servant and essentially ran the house. The Harding family, owners of Belle Meade, relied on Susannah to run the entire home, and she ensured the condition of the home was worthy of all its esteemed guests.

After touring the mansion, I wandered out with the group and sampled some wine from the local winery. I may have even taken a bottle home.

Afterwards, I spent time slowly wandering the grounds, including visiting the cabin of the enslaved people on this farm, the ice house, the smokehouse, and the stable house.The 30-acre grounds in the spring include grand southern trees and a sprinkling of vibrant spring colour and lush green grass.

My tour lasted 2 hours and was a blend between guided and self-guided. And as you can tell, I quite enjoy the self-guided.

Recipe

I was lucky enough to pick up a book with some authentic recipes from the era. Perfect Southern hospitality recipes that all sound delicious while not low in fat. I just purchased the book and have tried one recipe that had become a favourite and reminded me of the Affogato coffee recipe that I loved when I visited Australia a few years ago.

Coffee Punch

2 quarts of strong brewed coffee (8 cups)
1 pint of cold milk (2 cups)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
2 quarts vanilla ice cream
1/2 pint heavy cream
1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg

Assemble all ingredients and utensils. In a deep bowl, combine coffee, milk, vanilla and sugar. Chill. Break ice cream into chunks in punch bowl just before serving; pour chilled coffee mixture over ice cream. Whip cream and spoon into mounds on top of the punch. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Recipe From: Meet Me at Belle Meade: Timeless Images and Flavourful Southern Recipes from a Sanctuary of Southern Hospitality by Andrew B. Miller, Mary Lawson and Daisy King (2014). Southwestern Publishing House: Nashville, TN.

Bliss Reflection

I love to wander. I am not 100% sure why, but I love to wander and learn about the life, people, traditions, and history.

Travelling, for me, is the school of life. It’s a history, geography, social studies and science lesson wrapped into one. Sure I heard about the civil war, southern plantations, and enslaved people in history books.

But until you are there, you don’t appreciate the stories, struggles and successes in the same way. There is so much more meaning to those stories when you see the place where it happened.

I consider myself blessed for being able to travel as I do. That came to a complete stop during Covid. And Nashville was the first trip in a post- Covid environment – ok, maybe a quieter period during Covid.

Being there just for four days gave me life. It once again fed my curiosity. I always leave with lots of questions and a renewed appreciation for the talent in a non-digital and non-tech world.

The artistry in the buildings, wood, food, and agriculture is impressive. But, seeing it in person allows everything you studied in school to leap off the page. And if you are like me, these travels inspire you to want to read and understand more.

So, it’s important to allow yourself to wander. Take the time to breathe and play.

Bliss Hints and Tips

A Memorable Spring In the South

Apr 23, 2022 Play
A Memorable Spring In the South

I have been down to Nashville a few times in my lifetime. We all know that Nashville is THE Music City, and if you want to hear some great country, rock or bluegrass, you can find it in Nashville.

I recently visited Nashville as part of a conference, and even though I had been before, I decided to try something different. If you have never been, visiting the Grand Old Opry, listening to live country music and enjoying some southern cooking is a must.

On my third time down, I decided to go for the historical perspective on Nashville and was lucky enough to do a few tours of a couple of southern mansions. One I stumbled on as I drove on a quick errand and came across The Hermitage and home of former President Andrew Jackson.

The other I found online using the Viator app (a tour company I had used when I was in Europe). The second one, Belle Meade, a mansion and thoroughbred farm, was also dripping in southern hospitality.

Both homes are grand in scale and oozing history.

Two Southern Tours

In my previous blog on touring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I mentioned my love of museums. You can get lost in all that history, and museums always give you a new perspective on life. They teach you what life was like back when but also teach you what we have learned and what yet we have to learn.

The two tours – The Hermitage and Belle Meade – were stunning. They were stunning both in terms of the dwellings and surrounding lands and rich in history and stories of southern life – good and bad.

Both featured families who owned the land centuries ago and, in their way, made a rich and luxurious living in Nashville. But you also learn about the darker side of the era where both farms saw civil wars and had a history with slavery.

As I said earlier, it’s essential to learn about our history, good and bad. But, it’s also important to remember that museums tell you “a” story, and it is also essential to keep learning even after you leave the museum.

In this two part series, I’ll share info on the Hermitage. And in Part 2, will share more about Belle Meade.

The Hermitage and Home of President Andrew Jackson (7th US President)

About

The Hermitage is a 1200-acre farm located in Nashville. In addition to the mansion, the grounds have a 1.5-mile walking trail peppered with buildings from the era, including a farm and the burial site of the former President, along with more modern trappings such as a gift shop, and café and a wine tasting area.

The Inside Tour

When you walk upon the Hermitage, you notice a grand mansion at the end of a tree-lined driveway. The grand scale of the front yard is breathtaking. As you walk up the trail in the front yard, you can’t help but notice the grand trees of the south lining each side of the driveway. You can almost see the horse-drawn carriage coming up the lane.

The Hermitage offers a guided tour, and once you arrive, staff greet you wearing era-appropriate costumes, and you quickly get a sense of the times.

Once inside, the grand scale of the 8000+ square foot residence and the 14-foot ceilings are stunning. The wrap-around Parisian wallpaper is so detailed that it tells a story. Yes, perhaps in today’s time, it would be over the top, but that hallway could be bigger than some of the main floors in homes today.

As you travel the rooms, you are cautioned not to touch any artifacts as many are centuries old. But the rooms are laid out with such detail that you would think the family would walk in any moment. Every room has the original furniture, including serving-ware, glassware, and décor such as clocks, frames and books.

On the tour, you travel to the main bedrooms, the main sitting room and the dining room. Next, you go up to the second floor and only visit the bedrooms for visitors. According to the tour guides, the second floor was only for visitors to the mansion. However, it welcomed all visitors, including those without a home who needed a place to rest. Therefore, these rooms were as equally decadent and luxurious.

Outside Tour

As you walk outside, you enter the sprawling homestead. You can take a 1.5-mile stroll throughout the property, visiting the original homestead (before the Jacksons built the mansion), the Springhouse cabin, and the enslaved people’s homes.

On your way back, you can go through the garden that holds the tombs of Andrew and Rachel Jackson.
To complete the tour and not feel rushed, you need about 2 ½ hours. In the end, you can choose to visit the gift shop, enjoy lunch and enjoy a wine tasting of authentic Nashville wine. (In terms of the wine, I was pleasantly surprised and bought myself a delicious red.)

Overall, I knew very little about the era and this President. However, stumbling on the Hermitage made for a perfect sunny southern afternoon.

Bliss Reflection

I love to wander. I am not 100% sure why, but I love to wander and learn about the life, people, traditions, and history.

Travelling, for me, is the school of life. It’s a history, geography, social studies and science lesson wrapped into one. Sure I heard about the civil war, southern plantations, and enslaved people in history books.

But until you are there, you don’t appreciate the stories, struggles and successes in the same way. There is so much more meaning to those stories when you see the place where it happened.

I consider myself blessed for being able to travel as I do. That came to a complete stop during Covid. And Nashville was the first trip in a post- Covid environment – ok, maybe a quieter period during Covid.

Being there just for four days gave me life. It once again fed my curiosity. I always leave with lots of questions and a renewed appreciation for the talent in a non-digital and non-tech world.

The artistry in the buildings, wood, food, and agriculture is impressive. But, seeing it in person allows everything you studied in school to leap off the page. And if you are like me, these travels inspire you to want to read and understand more.

So, it’s important to allow yourself to wander. Take the time to breathe and play.

Bliss Hints and Tips

  • To read more about The Hermitage, check out their main page
  • The Whitehouse (of course) has more information about the 7th President, Andrew Jackson
  • For more information on this controversial figure, read a story from History.com.

How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Apr 17, 2022 Play
How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

As I said in my earlier posts How to Take Some Baby Steps, and A Random Act of Kindness, feeding my curiosity brings me joy. But these stories aren’t about me. I’m curious about what brings my friends joy and bliss in their days.

Surprisingly, and maybe because we are friends, I discovered some similarities even though I interviewed them separately. But also heard about some key differences. And I learned a few new and interesting things about each of them.

While they each presented differing circumstances and very personal stories, they all realized that in order to find joy, they had to:

1) step out of their comfort zone
2) consciously choose to reframe or rethink how they looked at a situation and do that on a daily basis
3) take baby steps – no bing bang or one and done changes
4) realize they are just like everyone else around them and everyone started “here” at one point or another
5) be kind to themselves as they were “stretching”

Here is Buddy Bliss #3.

Buddy Bliss #3

I am lucky. I have known a lot of my friends for at least over 10 or 12 years. I find once I meet a new friend, they become friends for a long time. This friend is no different.

I met her through another friend, and since then we have travelled to places like New York City, enjoyed long weekend cabin excursions and have done a lot of “silly” together. We even realized that we both love the arts and opera! Sure, like with all your friends you have differences, but we’ve sure found more things we enjoy than not. And usually with the “silly” there are a lot of laughs.

I chose to end my series of friend interviews with this friend. Its because I knew what it took for her to be “interviewed” much less for it to be posted on a blog – something in the past she would NEVER do even if you bribed her with her favourite craft beer. So the fact that she did this, brings me joy, for her.

She stepped out of her comfort zone. And is doing it at a time, when most folks suggest that due to people’s age, they won’t change. So her being willing to be a part of this is even doubly more special and “joyous” for her.

So here.we.go!

Question
So, spring is here and it means a time for renewal and fresh perspectives. So what are some fresh perspectives that have given you joy?

Response
Yes, fresh perspective. Something I think I have to all the time. Because sometimes you get caught up in day to day living and well, it can wear you down physically and emotionally.
You have to look at things with fresh eyes and look at how to reenergize yourself and for me a big example was when I had a harder time in my life and I realized that to get through it, I had to concentrate on positive things every day.

Question
So how exactly did you do that?

Response
Well, I started out with small things like choosing to focus on the sunrise or looking or learning how others approached a situation and looked at what was good or positive about that. What I realized was that joy or positivity doesn’t always fall on your lap. You have to go out there and look for it.

Question
Sounds too easy, no?

Response
There was a time that each day was about some form of despair or depression. Its not easy. I am not sure exactly what brought me out of that but realizing you have to make a choice because life is going on around you and if you don’t find something to motivate you its just going to keep getting worse. So sometimes I fake it till I make it. But I realized that I can’t life in isolation and if you don’t actively put yourself in a positive spot, it won’t happen. You have to force yourself into that mindset.

Question
So what is one of those bliss moments for you?

Response
Mine is my saxophone. Although I had to push myself to learn the saxophone, I love it. I knew nothing about playing the saxophone and I just had to find a way to believe in myself and push myself to find situations that brought me joy. No one is going to take your hand and one day I just wanted to play music and found myself joining a jazz band. Of all things! I would have missed out on something that brought me so much joy! And today, I can’t imagine what if I never just “did it” – how much I would have missed out on!

Question
So I’ve asked folks in our circle, what would be some hints and tips for folks. What would be some that you’d want to suggest?

Response
1) Take daily baby steps – I learned to recognize I just kept doing the same daily routines. And there was nothing special or something I could appreciate. I find myself walking outside and seeing the sun shine and the birds sing and seeing it as my “Disney” moment. Finding joy doesn’t have to a big thing, and it can be all the small things around you that make you crack a smile.

To get through those hard times, you just have to chunk things into manageable steps. You can’t get focussed on the big end goal. Focus on the mini steps and each little step you take celebrate…and then take the next small step. It’s true – one day you look back and you realize “you did it” but focussing on the whole end goal, is just too overwhelming.

2) If you have a hard time finding the small things, it may mean you have to start slowing down and taking it all in. I now have to take a minute to look around me and find what would once look like the most insignificant thing, like a puddle, gives me joy. Or walking past a park with kids playing and hearing a silly story, can bring you joy! I think I had to learn to stop and look around and some days really look around and take just a little more time to reflect. I realized that we are surrounded by beauty and fun and the incredulity of the plant. How often do we look up at the stars or a blade of grass and be fascinated?

3) You are not alone. We all go through crap. I have realized that no one is living a beautiful life and with perfection. We falsely assume people have it all and that’s a high bar to live up to. And its not the case. So sometimes you have to let go of these false thoughts and realize everyone is just like you and trying to sort life out.

The world can be crushing if you think you are along. So I also look to others and see what is making t hem happy. By watching others, I can learn and see what brings others joy. Its ok to open up to other people and who understand you and its ok and safe to do that. And if you find that others are going through it, it helps. At the same time, you can’t get overly caught up in sharing how bad things are…that’s not good either. So you have to share and then also keep moving forward and not getting stuck in complaining!

4) Remember – this too shall pass. When you go to try something new, you can talk yourself out of it. When you step out of your comfort zone, this feeling of awkwardness and fear, will pass. I have to remind myself to relax, and breathe.

I was listening to a podcast one day and the therapist was chatting with a young adult who was anxious about going to class and was feeling isolated. And I remember what the therapist said “its 5 seconds” and this will pass. Its such a short period of time, so why not just reach out to someone? Its just 5 seconds! And I thought “how true”. Just stepping out of your zone, means taking 5 seconds, doing something different, and then, those 5 seconds of discomfort are over! And you moved forward.

So when I learned my saxophone (something that took me out of my comfort zone), I just pulled out a poster I had with one of my favourite quotes, and just said “right” and went for my lesson. So find that phrase or favourite quote that gets you to move forward and remind yourself to keep improving or advancing. Whatever fear you are feeling, will pass and sometimes you have to replace that fearful thought with a new thought!

The wins when you step out of your comfort zone!

Question
So this sounds great but what if you slip back into your old ways?

Response
When I recognized that things at work were getting me down about a month ago, I realized that you can’t completely guard yourself against feeling bad. So sometimes I think you have to recognize that you can’t pull yourself out of feeling bad, instantly. When things are weighing on us, you have to force yourself to find the happy things to focus on but you also have to be kind to yourself when you do find yourself feeling down. And you have to put things into perspective.

For example, a coworker left work a few months ago. When she left, I realized she was my anchor at work and kept me positive….and when she left, I realized my anchor left and worried how worse things at work were going to get. And then after stewing, I realized that you just have to accept the anger and feeling depressed but no situation will be forever.

So you have to adapt. And maybe you have to use a new coping mechanism and maybe you need a break. And for me that was playing the sax (saxophone) and reading. And after a while I realized – that didn’t help so I needed to change my routine and reassess.

Life is crazy and messy and you just have to choose to move forward and you can’t stay stuck in that one place forever. But you just have to move forward. And its hard but 5 seconds of discomfort and you’re already one step ahead.

Bliss Reflection

Years ago, my friend probably would have never agreed to be interviewed for this blog. So it’s pretty amazing that she agreed to doing this. I know that sharing her story was probably putting her way put of her comfort zone. I know – I saw her struggle to try to share and could feel the tension between wanting to just stop and knowing she had to keep going.

I didn’t force her to keep going. She wanted to.. I admire her for doing this and her spirit. She knew this new journey in blogging has brought me joy and she in turn wanted to support it even though it made her uncomfortable. Wow.

I am grateful that she wanted to share her story. I think when you have someone want to grow like she does, you have to admire it. It gives me hope and reminds me that I am never stuck and if she can do this, so can I. And that gives me joy.

Bliss Hints and Tips

– Still not convinced? That’s ok. Here are some more hints and tips on stepping out of your comfort zone and also one from the Inside of Happiness.

Random Act of Kindness: 8 Tips That Work

Apr 14, 2022 Play
Random Act of Kindness: 8 Tips That Work

As I said in my earlier post, How to Take Some Baby Steps, feeding my curiosity brings me joy. And while I am discovering what brings me joy, I also want to discover what brings my “squad” or circle of friends joy too.

So I decided to start interviewing my friends and asking them, what gives you bliss or joy? Surprisingly, and maybe because we are friends, I discovered some similarities even though I interviewed them separately. But also heard about some key differences.

While they each presented differing circumstances and very personal stories, they all realized that in order to find joy, they had to:

1) step out of their comfort zone
2) consciously choose to reframe or rethink how they looked at a situation and do that on a daily basis
3) take baby steps – no bing bang or one and done changes
4) realize they are just like everyone else around them and everyone started “here” at one point or another
5) be kind to themselves as they were “stretching”

Here is Buddy Bliss #2.

Buddy Bliss #2

Although each of my friends asked for anonymity, I can assure all of them are real. My second friend and I have been friends for over 45 years (sorry to my friend for revealing your age). Since we were little, we have probably spent every second or third weekend together. In our younger years, we played “Charlie’s Angels” in our front yard and in our young adult years we travelled and now in our “best years” we enjoy camping and evening fires and a nice glass of wine. We reminisce and laugh a lot. But not sure we have ever asked each other these kinds of questions. And so I set out to ask them – what brings you joy?”

Here.we.go.

Question:
Its finally spring. Time for renewal, being renewed and thinking anew. Can you think of a time when you chose to look at a situation differently and its proven to give you joy?

Response:
Oh my. OK. I think what brings me joy is talking or acknowledging somehow and in some way the people I see or pass. So if I am walking down a hall at work, I will nod my head to, or smile and say Hi to whomever I pass. I’ll say “Hi” to the construction workers working on my house and take a moment to chat with them! If it’s a janitor in the building or a complete stranger that I pass, I will at least greet them.

Question:
What kind of examples do you have? Who do you talk to?

Response:
Well…almost anyone is who I talk to.

Sometimes I connect with people I haven’t connected in a while. Even at work. One time I just kind of reached out to a branch that I knew had stuff going on. And just by a simple question and reaching out, people just opened up. Wow – did they share. And it does feel good to know that you could be there for that person.

It could be the construction workers at my workplace. By the time they are done, I know their hobbies, their likes, things about their families, etc.

Sometimes with young children in my family, I love seeing the world through their eyes. Looking up and seeing an airplane for the first time. And for a moment, you get caught in that wonder and amazement. It just does something for the soul to be amazed especially when you get caught up in focussing on your daily chores and lives.

Or for another office coworker who was experiencing grief, I reached out. I never really hung out with this individual, but I just wanted to reach out and just sent a short email. I was surprised by their reaction. They shared that they were contemplating resigning because they thought people around the office didn’t care. Me reaching out to them, meant something to them. And then I thought – this could be me one day. And what if I needed someone to just reach out?

So moments like these want me to stay connected to people and staying connected or connecting people, is my joy.

Question:
Why do you do this? (Laughing) Aren’t you worried folks will think you “strange”?

Response:
I am not exactly sure why. I guess life can be “heavy filled” with losses and burdens enough. People may carry all of this. Everyone has a story behind their lives – they have families, friends, and deep worlds within them and stuff we don’t see.

Even before Covid, I chose to make this my practice. And especially during Covid, when we were so separated, I feel to do it even more. I guess I see that we all are connected – there’s that human connection that I think about. I like people, even though some can be (insert expletive).

But we all have hard times and have that “story” and maybe a story of victory. And I like kind of acknowledging that “I see you” and sometimes if folks are carrying “things” that sometimes is all that person needs and that makes me feel good too.

I like people with all their faults and quirks and their stories. I love seeing all that – people are interesting to me.

Sometimes I think its also my faith. My faith – the very friendly and inclusive version – has been my foundation. I believe in kindness and believing in helping however you can, however small. We just need to give more of ourselves and not turn our back on one another. Covid has really strengthened that for me.

And well, we have one go around at life, and you have to make it count. And this is one of my ways of making it count.

Question:
What if you couldn’t do this anymore, for whatever reason?

Response:
If I couldn’t do it anymore? I’d feel a sorrow or a loss. Kind of silly, but my people at the grocery store know me, my contractors know me, and we just have so few changes to connect with people. I would feel like I am missing out. I guess I find it comforting. And knowing that these people broadens my worlds. You learn so much about people and their customs, traditions and beliefs and you realize that they are not better than your own, and help you grow. So I see this learning as a “win”.

Question:
Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone like you do, requires a daily reminder and daily action. How do you do that?

Response:
I use this phrase “my joy is your joy and I take pleasure in your joy”. I feel such pleasure and joy when I see somebody else happy.

I just remind myself “can there be such a thing as too much kindness in this world”. And we know the answer to that question – no!

I also live by another quote “the best way to get an old friend is to get a new friend”.

Question:
So if folks are reading this and a finding doing this awkward or uncomfortable, what advice do you have to share about how you break out of that “fear”?

Response:

  • The more you do it, the easier it gets. Of course. It starts with a simple Hi and in my experiences everyone says Hi back.
  • Just eye contact and acknowledging the person with a head nod or wave makes me feel human. And human to human, I feel I am acknowledging them.
  • Realize you have nothing to lose and who knows you might make a new acquaintance
  • Accept that the outcome isn’t always a conversation. There is no pressure to have a discussion.
  • I always try to walk with open body language and speak with a positive tone.
  • If you do this with someone that you pass frequently or often, then just start with a Hi. Those first initial Hi’s matter.
  • Believe that sometimes you meet people for a reason. And as the saying goes, you meet people for a reason, or a season or a lifetime. The goal isn’t an expectation that this will be a lifetime, but I sure enjoy my life more knowing that I have had thousands of these small “warm” contacts.
  • Try not to worry if you will look “odd”. I figure, what do you have to lose. If they don’t answer you, or ignore you – so what?

Question:
When I asked you to think about a bliss story, did you think you would go here?

Response:
Gee, no. Not at all. This went where I didn’t think it would go. Wow. (Laughing). Sometimes it takes somebody to remind you to look around a bit. Its quite wondrous.

Bliss Reflection

As long as I known my friend, she has done this – waved and said Hi to complete strangers. Whether its truck drivers that we pass on a highway or a grocery store clerk – she will take a moment to wave Hi or crack a joke.

And I can tell you first hand, that no one looks at her strangely. And if in the rare instance they do, it becomes a moment that is forgotten quickly.

What isn’t forgotten is how for a brief moment two people connected over a Hi and a smile. You can see how the other person lights up or lightens when they realize a complete stranger “sees them” or is curious about them.

Its this random act of kindness that only costs you a “hi” and stepping our of your comfort zone for a few seconds. And sometimes this random act can lead to a new friend, or a new business contact or just a moment in your day where you’ve heard a great story. So the next time you pass a stranger, will you smile and say “hi”?

Bliss Hints and Tips

  • So if saying Hi to strangers isn’t your thing, check out some other random acts of kindness ideas.
  • Want to be really random? Try this tool from Mentalhealth.org.uk. You can click a button and it will tell you which act to do today.

How 5 Baby Steps Can Bring You to Wellness

Apr 11, 2022 Play
How 5 Baby Steps Can Bring You to Wellness

Feeding my curiosity brings me joy. And while I am discovering what brings me joy, I am also wanting to discover what brings others joy too.

So I decided to start interviewing my friends and asking them, what gives you bliss or joy? Surprisingly, and maybe because we are friends, I discovered some similarities even though I interviewed them separately. But also heard about some key differences.

While they each presented differing circumstances and very personal stories, they all realized that in order to find joy, they had to:

1) step out of their comfort zone
2) consciously choose to reframe or rethink how they looked at a situation and do that on a daily basis
3) take some baby steps – no bing bang or one and done changes
4) realize they are just like everyone else around them and everyone started “here” at one point or another
5) be kind to themselves as they were “stretching”

Here is Buddy Bliss #1

Buddy Bliss #1

Although each of my friends asked for anonymity, I can assure all of them are real. My second friend is my sister. So I guess you can say we’ve been friends for life. Since we were little, we have probably spent every second or third weekend together. In our younger years, we played “Charlie’s Angels” in our front yard and in our young adult years we travelled and now in our “best years” we enjoy camping and evening fires and a nice glass of wine. We reminisce and laugh a lot. But not sure we have ever asked each other these kinds of questions. And so I set out to ask them – what brings you joy?”

Here.we.go.

Question
So what moment in your life do you think you had to choose a “fresh” perspective on things?

Response
So when I joined cross-fit 6 years ago and was 60lbs heavier – I was the slowest, and heaviest I have ever been. When my mom passed away and I realized that I had stopped living in order to take care of her. She was my focus. And while I knew my mom was well looked after, I could tell that it had consumed me and I fell into a bit of a depression. And the weight came on.

And I knew after she passed away, I needed to change things – for myself.

Question
So what did you do? Where did you start?

Response
I just started moving. Just to get a new flow going. I knew someone who had done cross-fit and they asked me to join them. And I said I would give it a try and see how it goes. And I ended up loving it! And I think the real shift in thinking was that I realized that this wasn’t about “exercise” but enjoying the movement for the sake of movement. And I began to wonder “why do I enjoy this so much?”

Question
And what was the answer?

Response
Because I loved pushing myself and I loved that they help push me. And movement helps me feel much less burdened. And I need that.

Question
Tell me more about those early days? Why didn’t you just give up?

Response
I started enjoying it and the movement, and I realized I had to remind myself when I was my slowest and heaviest, that this wasn’t about me keeping up with these super fit people. But the super fit people helped make me want to stretch. And this was just about me improving. And that helped me stay with it.

Question
What else seemed to keep you going?

Response
Well during the lockdowns in Covid, it gave me some social interaction (even virtually) and allowed me to be with others. Like I said, the movement and moving around was helpful for my mental health. (Laughing) and by moving it helped me not want to take a fork and stab someone in the eye.

Once I started seeing the progress and getting better, well of course you have a feeling of accomplishment. So of course that keeps you going.

And I find the gym owner and his vision really inspired me. He had a vision about the principles that the gym would be based on – how it had to be inclusive and challenging (but not hard or impossible). He also meets me where I am at that day and he wants to praise us even for the small steps. He would even make sure that all his staff were trained with the same principles and ideals so you get that same feeling no matter who you meet or work with at the gym.

Question
So what are some hints and tips you would suggest to folks who are where you were?

Response
1) Experiment. Cross -fit was a fit for me, but it may not be for everyone. And that’s ok. I also experimented with a few things at first. People should keep trying until they find the one thing that they love. And then the motivation becomes not about pushing those 5 extra pounds but the joy of doing something they love.


2) Accept the discomfort and don’t fear it. It will feel uncomfortable. Just focus on your why. And don’t be bothered by the uncomfortable in those early days – that will pass. But focus on the joy the activity brings. It will help you move forward.


3) Forgive yourself for the days you don’t feel like it, and try not to shame. I had days where I didn’t feel like it. I would tell myself in the morning, that if after hour of sitting and relaxing the in the morning, I still didn’t feel like, then don’t go. But I allowed myself to not make a rash decision, allowed myself to get up slowly and THEN make a decision about the gym. And I think like in 5 years, I have not gone 2 times. And if on the day I go, I know I am not feeling my best, I still go but I choose to do something light and make the goal “just moving”.


4) You’re not alone. So many folks come to the gym and “just don’t feel like it”. Just like me. And knowing that not everyone in the gym is feeling 100%, makes it more ok for me to just be.


5) Don’t let “shyness” limit you or hold you back. I am a shy person and I realized when I started, that I did not have to talk to people. As much as we think people are watching us, they are not. And on the days you feel comfortable talking to others, say Hi, or approach and chat with the folks that you feel most comfortable with.

And give yourself time. I now find that the gym has become a place where I go to have fun. And now we’ve all had to work through our shyness and today we cheer each other on and its kind of fun and interactive. But in those early days, I didn’t pressure myself and when it felt right, I said “Hi”.

Question
So what is a phrase, song or saying that you repeat to help you keep going?

Response
Well this is what’s weird. When I go to the gym, there’s a “%^@#” Rocky poster over the door. It is such a man cave thing and hated it. And today when you ask me this question, I realize that I actually have been using that poster as my mantra. “Always remember that its just one more rep, one more step and just gotta go one more round”. Shoot. Maybe that posted did have an impact on me LOL

That %^&$ poster about taking some baby steps.

Basia’s Bliss Reflections

I have known these individuals for many many years. And even after 40 years, I am always surprised by what I learn about them. And yet again, I am surprised and fascinated about the human spirit to keep one pushing forward to find…joy.

And what I have also learned is that nothing is ever static. While it may feel like you are stuck in a time, or a state, you are not actually “stuck” but you really feel that you are. And how a simple and basic goal like “just need to move” can open so many doors and lead to many new experiences.

I also realized that maybe as friends, we need to ask each other more questions like “what gives you joy?” While I knew my friends for many many years, I realized that while we share many shared experiences, stories, tears and laughter, its something different to ask these kinds of “meaningful” questions – questions that help you see their soul. It’s quite powerful when you do. So when was the last time you asked one of your good friends “so what brings you joy?”

Bliss Hints and Tips

  • Wanting to know more about this gym’s owner and philosophy? Check out Starke Fitness.
  • Read about the latest research around the impact of taking small baby steps.
  • Here are some other tips folks have used to make big changes in their lives, just by taking some baby steps.

How to Start Your Own Blog in 5 Steps

Apr 4, 2022 Play
How to Start Your Own Blog in 5 Steps

Heads up: I am an affiliate (and fan) of Bluehost. I may receive a small commission that will get me a coffee or two (or three). This will be at no cost to you. Also, I only share info about products I love and have vetted.

First, if you told me that I was going to start my own blog a few yours ago, my response would have been “no way!” And here I am today, with Basiasbliss.com!

Now, while I may know a thing or two about computers, I am not “blog” savvy. In fact, I had no clue where to start.

And then after watching new blogs appear, and after conducting searches and coming upon blogs, I became curious. How do all these folks know how to program their blog? Do I need to take courses? Will I have to program in code?

The answer is no. And if I can do this, you can do this! Sure, it took a little getting used to, but 2 months in and I think I have my groove thanks to Bluehost and WordPress.

This is where WordPress and Bluehost comes in!

WordPress
WordPress, in my viewpoint, is a writing and design tool that helps create and layout posts without needing to know any “code” or programming. Everything you see online for www.basiasbliss.com is designed using WordPress. It’s much more powerful than a writing tool, as you will see, but for simplicity, it’s the tool to help write your blog.

Bluehost
Whereas Bluehost is the tool that helps “host” your WordPress site or blog. It’s the platform that gets your site on the Internet. I look at it like an envelope that wraps around your blog and it offers additional services that help ensure your site is protected, optimized and operating effectively.

Step1: Register for the Bluehost + WordPress Account

I did a little comparing and reading up about the different products out there. I ultimately decided to do Bluehost + WordPress because I wanted the blogging software and hosting environment all in one. I also liked that there was customer support with Bluehost because I knew I couldn’t go it alone. (And I haven’t regretted it – their customer support has been fantastic!)

Go to www.bluehost.com. You can pick a few plans that suit your needs. I chose the “Choice Plus” because I wanted less headache in terms of adding on things, and so picked an option for me that was 1) affordable, and 2) inclusive and included the important basics like domain name, security, SEO, and of course, WordPress.

When you are ready, pick your option and then go to Step 2.

Step 2: Pick your Domain Name

Your domain name is going to be your future blog address. However, I actually didn’t know what my blog’s name was going to be and was able to use an automated domain name at the beginning. (And when I had my name, I contact Bluehost customer service and the very friendly and knowledgeable staff helped me change it, and made it very easy). So if you are unsure, just click “I’ll pick my domain name later”.

If you do know your domain name, or are transferring an existing domain, enter it in the appropriate box.

When I picked my domain name, I tried to pick something that was short, identified me, and also identified what my blog was going to be about. And in my case, I called it “Basia’s Bliss”. But ti took a few pages of lists and surveying friends before I landed.

One last thing about the domain – if you purchase a domain while you purchase the hosting, you will also get the domain for free for a year.

Next, Step 3.

Step 3: Registration, Options and Payment

You’re making progress!

  • Type in your Name, Address and Postal Code
  • Confirm the plan you wish to purchase
  • Pick the options you wish to purchase such as safety and security features such as SiteLock, etc
  • Enter your payment information

Next, type in your username and password (for the first time), and create your account.

And then, voila – there you have it, Success! You now have the tools you need to start typing on your blog!

On to Step 4.

Step 4: Login and Launch

Using the same username and password from Step3, enter your blog account.

And then……. click the “Create your website” and begin your new blogging journey.

Select the “Customize” option or the “Beginners” option. (I of course picked “Beginners” because this felt very foreign to me, so I wanted to make sure I got all the help I needed.

Click “Start Building” and go to Step 5

Step 5: Design and Explore

Once you have picked the version of WordPress, this is where the fun begins!

Theme:
A Theme is your “look” or its layout. You have many to pick from and it all depends on the look you want. Spend some time looking and pick the one that suits you and your vision for the blog.

For example – I knew that my blog was going to be out joy and would be light-hearted, so I looked for themes that fit that topic.

Bluehost + WordPress have free ones and premium ones. I ended up picking a free one initially. And not to worry, you can change your theme later and can pick a “premium” version. Not long after typing a few blogs, I ended up switching my theme to a premium version.

Next, start designing your pages of your blog.

Use the WordPress easy step below and it will guide you through your first pages!!!!

And finally, you are a blogger.

5 Last Hints and Tips:

  1. Take it slowly. I remember starting and not understanding posts versus pages or struggling to figure out what a post should look and feel like. I tried to first focus solely on posts, and then began to worry about the set up of the home page, contact page, etc.
  2. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You will have to figure out security features, how to collect stats, and what the heck SEO is (I am still sorting that out today). All in due time. Be patient and you will have time to sort this other stuff out.
  3. Get a good book that explains WordPress or blogging. I purchased a few books and found the “Blogging for Dummies” a great guide or WordPress: The Missing Manual. Both were my lifeline when I got overwhelmed and lost. I have now purchased several more books and find reading then applying a good way to keep “improving” my understanding and my site.
  4. When you are truly stuck and trying to change your domain name, or anything technical – reach out to Bluehost customer support. I have had to use them a few times, and found them to be extremely prompt, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. And they always were able to help me solve my problem! This is a main reason I have chosen to feature Bluehost because I am very impressed with both their tools and their level of customer service.
  5. Join a bloggers group on Facebook. Having a group of bloggers to consult, or ask questions is beneficial. They also help each other expand your reach!

And lastly, have fun. I have truly found some joy in blogging and love learning a new skill. Hoping you will too. And Bluehost+WordPress will help you get going quickly!

The Joy of Getting Lost in a Cave

Apr 2, 2022 Play
The Joy of Getting Lost in a Cave

Is a cave artwork?

The answer is yes and its nature’s artwork. My whole life, I have never stepped into a cave – a live cave – that continues to grow its formations. Recently, I fed that curiosity and for the first time in my life I wandered and got lost in a cave in Missouri.

Location


Missouri is known for its caves. This particular cave is located down in the Ozarks, which is about a three hours drive from St.Louis. The Ozarks by itself has a lot to see including caves. The Bridal Caves, my first ever cave, didn’t disappoint.

History


The Bridal Caves, first protected in 1948, are named after a long history of “hosting” nuptuals for ancient people. The caves are located under Thunder Mountain and are located in the heart of the Ozarks in the Thunder Mountain State Park. There is a well told story where ancient local people – the Osage Native Americans – would crawl through this long and claustrophobic tunnel only to exchange vows inside these grand caves. That, is commitment.

Tours


On a hot and muggy Missouri day, you get a nice reprieve and enter a cool 60F environment, 30 feet below the surface. The cave comes alive and wows you from the minute you enter its chambers. Tall structures wrap around you as you meander through the many tunnels and entries. Colours or orange, gold, brown, white and red are all over. Wow.

You will learn about the many rock sculptures, how this cave is continuing to grow and see a wide array of formations ranging from “soda straw” looking structures to impressive rockscapes. Stalagmites, stalactite, and flowstones all over. You see formations that grow slowly from the ceiling and come down, and in another chamber you see ones growing from the ground up.

When you get to the end of the cave, you are surprised by a “Mystery Lake” that showcases true azure blue and teal colours. All this beauty deep in the heart of the cave structure.

One note – I had maybe not gone into caves because I thought I would be claustrophobic. I am pleased to say – I did well. Sure there were points where the walls were a little close, but I just kept focussed on the beauty and knowing the oxygen was flowing around me everywhere. And I am now raring to go to my next cave!

Bliss Reflection

Trying something new will always give you joy. But marvelling at how nature knows how to do”this”is what really gives me joy. I can learn for hours and still ask questions.

Caves continue to grow. Their formations are alive and as the years go by, they continue to create new sculptures. The colours or the rock change as the minerals, air and water interacts and you are suddenly under a 30 ft high ceiling, with smooth rock cascading down to your feet.

Caves are an unique form of art. They are impressive and grand. And what is most impressive, is the human hand has nothing to do with it. This is all nature.

Bliss Finds and Facts