Summer Mindfulness Challenge Results

Last month I challenged readers to "locate a food item you have never eaten before, photograph it, then explore it mindfully with all five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste), write a few lines about what you discovered, and email me the photo/description". Four adventurous souls accepted the challenge and this is what they discovered.....

Dragon Fruit (both N.B. and K.W. tried dragon fruit)


"It’s shaped like an extra large egg – perhaps the size of an ostrich egg, and cuts easily in half with a knife.  It’s very much like a  kiwi in terms of texture and taste.  Like the kiwi it shares the black crunchy bits inside and tastes better cold (in my opinion), although not quite as flavorful.  The skin is tougher than the kiwi and once cut into slices you can easily peel it back and eat like an orange. Overall, very enjoyable and refreshing." ~ N.B.

Cricket Chips

Cricket Chips (Chirps) "Chirps Chips are the most delicious taco chips that I have ever eaten! They have a wonderful wholesome flavor. I was unable to finish my bag of Chirps because a friend disappeared with them."   ~ W.S.

(I also tried Chirps, and they ARE really good! ~ P.R.)




Pluot
"A cross between a plum and an apricot. They are sometimes called Dinosaur Eggs. It was really good. Did you know there are actually four types of pluots?" ~ G.K.









Thanks for your mindful experiments during July, KW, NB, WS, and GK. All were so great that each of you will receive a complimentary copy of my CD Opening the Door to Meditation.

Mindfulness Challenge Day 28 Haiku -- Boston Strong

As Boston emerged from an historic snowstorm, which dumped over two feet of snow in less than 24 hours over parts of Greater Boston, the resilience of its residents became apparent. A lone figure carefully and symbolically shoveled the finish line of the Boston Marathon...yes, we are Boston Strong!


Boston Strong

Only in Boston
The finish line is shoveled
We are Boston Strong


Mindfulness Challenge Day 26 Haiku -- Calm Before the Storm

I live in New England. In New England it snows in the winter. Sometimes it snows ALOT in the winter. Let's take a collective breath and realize that we WILL be snowed in for a few days, but we WILL dig out, and spring WILL arrive this year. Sometimes it is easier to embrace the "what is" and not fight it.

Calm Before the Storm

Calm before the storm
Preparations have been made
It is what it is

Mindfulness Challenge Day 21 Haiku -- Tragedy at the Hospital

Yesterday, in one of Boston's academic medical centers, the Brigham and Women's Hospital, a doctor was gunned down by the son of a deceased patient who then took his own life in one of the exam rooms. The safety of this space of healing forever changed, and two families left with unimaginable suffering all in a gun flash.

Tragedy at the Hospital

Horror and sadness
Healer shot while caregiving
Two families in pain