Vestibular reset

The Vestibular Reset

Rolling OverRoll from side to side (back to stomach and back). Do each roll eight times on both sides (16 total reps).

1. Roll over with arm, leg, and head.
2. Roll over with arm and head only.
3. Roll over with leg only.
4. Roll over with head only (don’t use your legs or arms to help).

Advanced Challenges

1. Roll across the room without touching the floor with your arms, legs, or head!
2. The “hard roll”: Roll left and right from the back without pushing off or assisting with your hands or feet and keeping your elbow in contact with the opposite knee. There should be no separation. Very challenging.
3. Roll across the room on your stomach and holding your ankles (how pose position).

---

Commando CrawlCrawl for three minutes total, alternating forward and backwards.

1. Crawl forward using your forearms and thighs in a cross-crawl pattern. Keep the hips down and the head and chest high.
2. Crawl backwards using the cross-crawl pattern of forearm and opposite knee.

---

RockingDo each move 16 times.

1. Rock back and forth from all fours—hands and knees (head up with butt to heels, and rock forward until the hips touch the floor).
2. Rock back and forth from all fours—elbows and knees (bring your hips back to the heels and then to the floor).
3. Without allowing the knees to touch or moving the hands, rock from a support position on your hands and toes (butt to heels and hips to floor). Keep your head up.

---

Baby CrawlingOn hands and knees, crawl in each direction for one minute.

1. Crawl forward, making sure that the opposite hand and knee touch simultaneously.
2. Crawl backwards, making sure that your opposite knee and hand touch at the same time.
3. Crawl laterally to the left, and then to the right.
4. Crawl in a tight square. Four “steps” forward, four right, four backwards, four left. Repeat in the reverse direction.

---

Crawling Challenges

1. Leopard crawl: This is almost identical to baby crawling, but keep your knees off the floor and hips even with the shoulders. Your head stays up with the chest pushed forward. Take small steps at first—this uses every muscle in your body. Crawl forward for one minute, and then crawl backwards for one minute. Take care to keep the opposite limbs moving simultaneously.
2. Sideways crawl: Start with knees together and hands apart, then move the knees apart and bring the hands together. The opposite hand and knee work together. Many find this pattern very challenging, but that’s what the reset patterning is all about. It stimulates the brain in a positive way. Crawl on each side for one minute.
3. Spider-Man crawl: This is the ultimate, because it demands strength, balance, and constant attention to form. Unlike a bear crawl, which can get sloppy and allow your spine to sag, the Spider-Man Crawl requires you to keep your hips stay below the shoulders while your head and chest remain upright. Prepare to fall over a few times, but stick with it: “Your resulting fitness will be amazing,” Maxwell promises. Start with just one minute and build from there. Add a few seconds each day. Your goal is five minutes nonstop.

---

MarchingThis is a great vestibular reset. It’s surprisingly cardio. Emphasize standing tall and lifting the opposite leg and arm. The rear hand reaches back to the thigh at waist height, as if reaching for your back pocket. Notice how the forefoot contacts the floor first, and then the heel. This is an excellent drill for teaching barefoot running. Do this at least 100 times.

Standing knee-to-elbows drill: Hold your hands behind your head. Try to touch your elbow to the opposite knee. It’s okay if you can’t touch—come as close as you can.

Vestibular reset adapted from maxwellsc.com.

see video also :  http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/agility-and-balance/natural-born-heroes/Natural-Born-Heroes-Vestibular-Reset.html

Corpse poses Savasana

http://yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com/2011/10/savasana-corpse-pose-variations.html

by Nina

In my post last week on Savasana (see here), I promised that I would do a follow-up post that shows alternative positions you can take if lying flat on your back in uncomfortable or even if you just want to rest in a position that’s a bit cushier and self indulgent.

The first Savasana variation is the simple addition of support under your head, a position that is good for people who are tight in the shoulders or chest and find it hard to rest their heads comfortably on the ground. Most people benefit from a bit of support under their heads, so check it out. Just make sure the support under your head is firm (not soft) and that your shoulders are touching the ground (not the support). Ideally in Savasana, your chin should be pointing slighting down toward your chest (not tipping back away from it).

Savasana with Head Support

The second of Savasana variation provides support behind your knees, a position that is good for people who have lower back problems or who simply want to rest their backs comfortably on the ground. Use a bolster (as shown below) or a rolled blanket behind your knees.

Savasana with Knee Support

The third variation of Savasana uses a chair to support your calves, which provides excellent rest for your lower back. It also creates a sight inversion (your legs are higher than your torso), which will help enhance your ability to relax (inverted poses is a topic I will address in a future post). Make sure that your legs drop comfortably onto the chair seat (if you are tall, you might have to stack blankets on the chair to make the surface high enough). If you can’t get your legs through the back of the chair, try turning the chair sideways instead.

Savasana with Legs on a Chair

The fourth and fifth variations are restorative versions of Savasana, with support under your torso and head. One version uses a bolster under your torso, and the other a stack of two folded blankets. This may be easier for you than lying flat on the floor or even deliciously comfy, and can help you breathe more freely in the pose as the support helps open your chest. When you do either of these versions, make sure that you sit on the floor (not on the bolster or blankets) before you lay back. The support should be under your torso, but not under your buttocks (a typical mistake I see beginners make!).

Restorative Savasana (Bolster Supporting Torso)

Restorative Savasana (Blankets Supporting Torso)

The sixth version is a Side-Lying Savasana, which is good for anyone who, for medical or other reasons, cannot lie on their backs (as well as for pregnant women). Notice there is support under your head, between your legs and between your arms—super comfy! You can use folded blankets or pillows, or any combination of the two.

Side-Lying Savasana

The last version is Crocodile pose (Makrasana), which is helpful for people who feel anxious or vulnerable lying on their backs and need the comfort of having their front bodies protected. If this pose is hard on your lower back, trying placing a folded blanket under your lower belly (below your navel) so your lower back doesn’t arch as deeply.

Crocodile Pose (Makrasana)

That’s it for now, but feel free to come up with your own variations to these basic versions or to use a version you learned in class or from a book. If you’re not comfortable in the pose, you won’t be able to relax, so take the time to set yourself up with whatever props you like. You can even get creative. I used to teach yoga in a room that had couches in it (don’t ask), and had my students do a pose I called “Legs on the Couch,” which was a variation of Savasana with legs on a chair. My students, who were busy graduate students or mothers of young children, absolutely loved it. (By the way, if you don’t have a yoga bolster, I recommend going ahead and splurging on one. You’ll be amazed at how much use and enjoyment you’ll get from it for years to come.) 

Yoga tune ups

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/motivate-me/10572882/The-2-min-stretch-all-desk-workers-should-do

https://www.yogatuneup.com//sample-quickfix-videos

Jill Miller

heart is always there shining, and we must just learn to" open to it"

https://books.google.com/books?id=KSGhjsO9lfgC&pg=PT14&lpg=PT14&dq=in+the+heart+lies+the+deathless&source=bl&ots=fIrR3_tcEy&sig=8x5iWACBwIbN0DVq0GrZk8VGtUg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zJ7gVJWsKIebgwT5nYGADQ&ved=0CE0Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=in%20the%20heart%20lies%20the%20deathless&f=false

EM and Yoga Lauren Walker

Introduction to Energy Medicine Yoga.mp4
Oberlin Nidra 1.mp3
Montana TT Nidra .mp3
yoga nidra, nov. 2011.mp3

Eyes

 per doc Tourrette

REclined twist pose good for back, core and stress

http://yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com/2015/02/featured-pose-reclined-twist.html

Anne Merkel Autoimmune EFT

http://www.eft-articles.com/eft-articles.taf?_function=authorarticles&Author_ID=377

Here are the first five Autoimmune Coaching & Energy Therapy Support call recordings. These will get you started as you await your first live monthly call on the upcoming second Wednesday of the month.

AI call #1: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP1_071013.mp3

This call was an introduction to the series and included clinical data about gluten and its role with autoimmune as well as the benefits of grounding yourself via "earthing".

AI call #2: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP2_081413.mp3

This  second call focused on various issues often involved with autoimmune and cases that had been resolved using energy therapy approaches.

AI Call #3: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP3_091113.mp3 

The fourth call was primarily energy therapy or meridian tapping for negative feelings around the autoimmune symptoms and condition, and also clearing the feelings of victimhood. You will benefit from listening to this recording regularly and tapping along as you change what you say to reflect various issues.

AI Call #4: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP4_100913.mp3

This call focused on some basic subconscious issues that often are at the root of autoimmune issues. Once they are cleared the body usually can heal itself naturally. This is a good one to use over and over in order to keep clearing hidden issues that are costing you your health.

AI Call #5: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP5_111313.mp3

This call was all about clearing the negative aspects of your diagnosis. Every aspect of getting the news from a professional practitioner may be costing you your health, so let's examine it together and clear the emotional residue. You do not need the extra stress!

Recently I was interviewed about how to address skin issues, so here is a copy of that call - complete with an energy therapy segment at the end:  http://is.gd/AISkin . So often skin disorders are difficult to cure and take time to heal. Help your body to clear the cause and allow it to rebalance!

And, on our 8th Autoimmune call I discussed how living with an autoimmune issue or threat of one requires some lifestyle changes to support the healing of the body. This call will help you to clear your subconscious inner resistance so that you can easily make clear decisions. Go to:  http://is.gd/EZChange . You may use the tapping sequence at the end over and over to clear multiple issues.

Autoimune and EFT Anne Merkel

 http://is.gd/EZChange   Resistance to Change

In this article I’d like to share simple-to-use steps for self application, so here is an easy  AK/ Applied Kinesiology & EFT/ Emotional Freedom Technique protocol that can be followed for clearing fear around your physical condition. Feel free to use this as a guide as you customize it for your own case.

First think about your physical condition and address your fear. Do you feel a tightness or any other sensation in your body as you think about all aspects of your disorder?

Fear about your symptoms: Whenever symptoms show up, it is easiest to clear these as well as any fear associated with them, so they are gone.

1- Start by touching with one hand the area where you feel the physical sensation of your illness,, and place the other hand across your forehead. Breathe into the physical sensation as you might in a yoga session. Feel the pain or discomfort and breathe it out on each exhale. Note any shifts in the physical sensation, movement of the pain to another location, thoughts or emotions that might flood into your mind as you are holding this circuit.

2- Now focus just on any fear that you feel about your condition. Do you feel that in your body?
Society teaches that you are a victim of your body, and that you must turn outside of yourself to find help. This sense of powerlessness often brings up fear, so this is a good time to clear that by creating a circuit placing one hand where you feel the sensation (often in the stomach or mid-section / solar plexus area of the body), and placing the other hand across the forhead. Focus on the fear and breathe it out.

3- You may add some EFT tapping to the Kinesiology protocol above where you focus on clearing the fear about your condition and all aspects of it. Tap on the “Karate Chop” point on the side of your hand between the base of the pinky finger and beginning of your wrist as you repeat:

“Even though I feel like a victim of my body and I am afraid, I deeply & completely appreciate myself and my body’s approach to healing itself.”

•  “Even though I feel like a victim of my doctors and their protocols, and I feel afraid, I deeply and completely appreciate myself and my body’s ability to heal.”
• “Even though I feel this fear & sense of victimhood, I deeply & completely accept myself and choose to let these hopeless feelings go now.”
• “Even though this fear is still in me, I deeply & completely accept myself, and I choose to clear the fear now.”
• “Even though I feel powerless, I deeply & completely accept myself.”
• “Even though this illness makes me feel afraid and powerless, I deeply & completely accept myself and my own power.”

You do not need to suffer or to live with fear that keeps you sick! I hope that the simple protocol listed above will help to quickly get you beyond the stress, fear, and the associated emotions.

- See more at: http://arielagroup.com/blog/#sthash.o8qzVbce.dpuf


http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP12_061114.mp3

That letting go...

"At some point in life the world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph, paint or even remember it. It is enough. No record of it needs to be kept and you don't need someone to share it with or tell it to. When that happens — that letting go — you let go because you can." –Toni Morrison, 'Tar Baby'

FB Porriddge,

Food Babe's Pumpkin Quinoa Porridge

 

Print

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

12 mins

Total time

17 mins

 

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed and drained
• 1 and ½ cups almond milk, divided (nut allergy: use coconut milk)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
• 2-3 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup, more as desired
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• Optional:
• 2 tablespoons coconut flakes

Instructions

1. In a pot, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of almond milk. Bring to a boil and add the quinoa, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
2. Once the liquid has evaporated, take off the heat and stir in the ground flaxseeds. To serve, place some of the porridge in a bowl and add about ¼ cup almond milk or desired amount. Top with the walnuts, honey or maple syrup and coconut if using. Enjoy!

Sensory Smart children resources

Raising a Sensory Smart Child article in my pdf. file

asensorylife.com/our-sensory-villagetrade.html

http://peaceautismandlove.com/raising-sensory-smart-child-book-review/

http://asensorylife.com/the-effects-of-spinning.html

http://asensorylife.com/yogapeutics.html
Why is Yogapeutics different than the rest?

For starters, it is founded and developed by a sensory integration occupational therapist by the name of Lindsey Lieneck, OTR. This in itself sets it apart! The activities and poses have been developed with not only the foundation and theory of yoga and aerial yoga, but with an emphasis on what the brain and nervous system needs for enrichment and self-regulation.  When one incorporates these incredible techniques and benefits with the foundation and theory of sensory integration...you have created the most beautiful and beneficial combination for a true therapeutic outcome!

The Sensory Benefits of Yogapeutics

• The vestibular system is activated the entire time one is suspended in the hammock. The amount and intensity of the vestibular input is variable, and controlled by the child, depending on the sensory needs at that moment. 
• The body receives an incredible dose of full body proprioception while different muscles are engaged in different poses. Additional proprioception is also achieved through ongoing joint compression and traction. 
• Head inversion is such an incredible tool for self-regulation, and a very common position in Yogapeutics.
• The use of the suspended hammock allows for an excellent opportunity to place the spine in traction.
• Full body deep pressure touch is ongoing and variable depending on the position in the hammock. One can also simply get cozy in the hammock for a nice calming and soothing dose of full body deep pressure touch in full flexion.
• Body awareness, body in space, and motor planning are facilitated and promoted while engaged in the poses.
• Prone extension and full body flexion body sensorimotor positions are used throughout the activities.
• Yogapeutics promotes meaningful, purposeful, and FUNctional activity...which is when the brain responds the best!
• Most importantly, Yogapeutics is a great tool for all sensory kids! It provides a very powerful dose of sensory input via thepower sensations in a calm, quiet, low key environment...the best of both sensory worlds! 

Yoga for Aging reclined twist variations

http://yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com/2015/02/featured-pose-reclined-twist.html

Mudras for Emotional Well Being

Autoimmune, Tap, Anne Merkel

Here are the first five Autoimmune Coaching & Energy Therapy Support call recordings. These will get you started as you await your first live monthly call on the upcoming second Wednesday of the month.

AI call #1: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP1_071013.mp3

This call was an introduction to the series and included clinical data about gluten and its role with autoimmune as well as the benefits of grounding yourself via "earthing".

 

AI call #2: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP2_081413.mp3

This  second call focused on various issues often involved with autoimmune and cases that had been resolved using energy therapy approaches.

 

AI Call #3: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP3_091113.mp3 

The fourth call was primarily energy therapy or meridian tapping for negative feelings around the autoimmune symptoms and condition, and also clearing the feelings of victimhood. You will benefit from listening to this recording regularly and tapping along as you change what you say to reflect various issues.

 

AI Call #4: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP4_100913.mp3

This call focused on some basic subconscious issues that often are at the root of autoimmune issues. Once they are cleared the body usually can heal itself naturally. This is a good one to use over and over in order to keep clearing hidden issues that are costing you your health.

 

AI Call #5: http://ariela.audioacrobat.com/download/AITAP5_111313.mp3

This call was all about clearing the negative aspects of your diagnosis. Every aspect of getting the news from a professional practitioner may be costing you your health, so let's examine it together and clear the emotional residue. You do not need the extra stress!

 

I hope you enjoy these recordings, and I look forward to hearing you on the next live call!

 

Anne I. Merkel, Ph.D. -  Your Partner for Whole Person Balance

 

 

706-374-6460 / Toll Free: 1-877-262-2276

Website: www.ArielaGroup.com

Coaching Tips: www.MyEFTCoach.com

Blog: www.AlchemistAnne.com

Stay Connected: www.Facebook.com/Ariela.Group

Breath and Core

http://www.alignforhealth.com/blog/breathing-and-core-stability

The key to true core stability is to develop motor control, timing and coordination of the intrinsic muscles first, and then develop the abs, obliques and back muscles once the inner stabilization system is firing and wiring together.

Intrinsic Core Muscles

Intrinsic Core Muscles. This pic is from the website of Brent Brockbush. To learn more about the Intrinsic Stabilization System click on the pic and it will take you to the site of BrentBrockbush.com.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a great way to reconnect the inner core muscles

Action of the diaphragm during inhalation and exhalation

The Rhythm of the Respiratory Cycle: During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts while the pelvic floor and the deep abdominal muscles relax. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes while the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles contract.

Establishing Core Stability Through Diaphragmatic Breathing

How a dog smells

http://www.brainpickings.org/2015/02/17/alexandra-horowitz-dog-animation/

Inside of a dog


dancing hearts website https://www.facebook.com/dancinghearts
http://cognitivedogtraining.com/the-most-effective-dog-training-tool/

Steve Maxwell

http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/agility-and-balance/natural-born-heroes/Natural-Born-Heroes-Vestibular-Reset.html


http://www.maxwellsc.com/crawl-like-a-baby.cfm   video

gimme five  http://maxwellsc.com/gimmefive.cfm

friends forever

3 part restorative yoga for digestion

http://yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com/2012/05/featured-sequence-mini-restorative.html

And he’s observed that a lovely underlying principle for working with digestive issues is that no matter what’s going on, all digestive issues respond to restorative poses. Remember, the opposite of the Fight, Flight or Freeze response is the Rest and Digest response (also known as the Relaxation response—see Relaxation Reponse and Yoga for information). So with that in mind, today we’re presenting a mini restorative practice consisting of three of Baxter’s favorite restorative poses, which you can use to help with digestive problems as well as other problems caused by stress, such as insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety. 

1.    Reclined Cobbler’s Pose, from 10 to 20 minutes. Set a timer so you don’t fall asleep in the pose.

You will notice from the photograph that we’re using quite a few official yoga props (including a block under the bolster to prop the bolster at an angle). Don’t let this prevent you from trying it! If you don't have bolsters and blocks, look around your house to see what else you can use; try cushions from your couch, folded blankets, beach towels, and so on. Just make sure you’re completely physically comfortable in the pose.

One of the important parts of completing digestion is good elimination. In addition to physical relaxation, which this pose provides, gravity is also helpful for good elimination. As you can see from the photo, Reclined Cobbler’s pose creates a gradual slope from your head to your hips. Therefore, it’s possible that this pose can help with problems such as constipation and sluggish elimination. One of our favorite teachers, Patricia Walden, suggests that this pose may increase blood flow to your organs, as well as cool your digestive fire. 

2.    Supported Child’s Pose, for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn your head to the other side when you’re half way through.

Make sure your bolster (or folded blankets, stacked pillows or couch cushion) is pulled in against your pubic bone so your belly actually rests on the prop. If necessary, turn the bolster on its edge or add folded blankets on top of the bolster to make sure your belly is fully supported.

As you can see from the photo, Child’s pose is a forward bend of your belly toward your thighs. Because the bolster is pressing against your belly, it’s possible this posture will have a stimulating effect on your digestive system and your abdominal organs. Patricia Walden suggests that this pose can relieve constipation, gas, and bloating.

3.    Legs Up the Wall pose, from 10 to 15 minutes. Come out if your legs fall asleep.

We’re showing two versions of the pose, one with just a folded blanket and the other using a bolster with a folded blanket underneath it and a second folded blanket under the spine. Try both versions to see which one is more comfortable for you. If they are equally comfortable, try the higher version, as this may enhance your relaxation.

This pose is a slight inversion (more so on the bolster than on the blanket). Therefore, it could have any even more profound quieting effect on your nervous system than the first two poses. Also because your hips are higher than your heart, there is a mild reversal of the effects of gravity, which could quiet an over-stimulated system in people who have, for example, IBS or chronic diarrhea. Patricia Walden says this is an excellent pose of nausea and diarrhea. However, if you have a history of gerd or chronic heartburn, take care with this pose, and come out if makes your symptoms worse. 

Solace by David Whyte

SOLACE

Solace is the art of asking the beautiful question, of our selves, of our world or of one another; often in fiercely difficult and un-beautiful moments. Solace is what we must look for when the mind cannot bear the pain, the loss or the suffering that eventually touches every life and every endeavor; when longing does not come to fruition in any form we can recognize, when people we love disappear, when hope must take a different form than the one we have shaped for it.

Solace is the beautiful, imaginative home where disappointment goes to be rehabilitated. When life does not in any way add up, we must turn to the part of us that has never wanted a life of simple calculation.

Solace is found in allowing the body’s innate wisdom to come to the fore, the part of us that already knows it is mortal and must take its leave like everything else, and leading us, when the mind cannot bear what it is seeing or hearing, to the waves falling on the beach; or when the heart cannot take any more to the birdsong in the tree above our heads, even as we are being told of a death, each note an essence of morning and of mourning; of the current of a life moving on, but somehow, also, and most beautifully, carrying, bearing, and even celebrating the life we have just lost. A life we could not see or appreciate until it was taken from us. To be consoled is to be invited onto the terrible ground of beauty upon which our inevitable disappearance stands, to a voice that does not soothe falsely, but touches the epicenter of our pain or articulates the essence of our loss, and then emancipates us into both life and death as an equal birthright.

Solace is not an evasion, nor a cure for our suffering, nor a made up state of mind. Solace is a direct seeing and participation; a celebration of the beautiful coming and going, appearance and disappearance of which we have always been a part. Solace is not meant to be an answer, but an invitation, through the door of pain and difficulty, to the depth of suffering and simultaneous beauty in the world that the strategic mind by itself cannot grasp nor make sense of. To look for solace is to learn to ask fiercer and more exquisitely pointed questions, questions that reshape our identities and our bodies and our relation to others simply by asking them. Standing in loss but not overwhelmed by it, we become useful and generous and compassionate and even amusing companions for others. But solace also asks us very direct and forceful questions. Firstly, how will you bear the inevitable that is coming to you? And how will you endure it through the years? And above all, how will you shape a life equal to and as beautiful and as astonishing as a world that can birth you, bring you into this light and then take you away?

‘SOLACE’ Excerpted From CONSOLATIONS:
The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words.
© David Whyte and Many Rivers Press 2015
Now Available http://davidwhyte.stores.yahoo.net/newbook.html

Adichie and feminism

We teach girls to shrink themselves
To make themselves smaller
We say to girls
"You can have ambition
But not too much
You should aim to be successful
But not too successful
Otherwise you will threaten the man"
Because I am female
I am expected to aspire to marriage
I am expected to make my life choices
Always keeping in mind that
Marriage is the most important
Now marriage can be a source of
Joy and love and mutual support
But why do we teach to aspire to marriage
And we don't teach boys the same?
We raise girls to each other as competitors
Not for jobs or for accomplishments
Which I think can be a good thing
But for the attention of men
We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings
In the way that boys are
Feminist: the person who believes in the social
Political, and economic equality of the sexes

Adichie is also the author of the novel "Purple Hibiscus" and the short-story collection "The Thing Around Your Neck."

Beyonce's self-titled new release, which has videos for every track and is being called a "visual album," is available exclusively on iTunes.

Mary Oliver's Cancer P

The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac
by Mary Oliver

1.
Why should I have been surprised?
Hunters walk the forest
without a sound.
The hunter, strapped to his rifle,
the fox on his feet of silk,
the serpent on his empire of muscles—
all move in a stillness,
hungry, careful, intent.
Just as the cancer
entered the forest of my body,
without a sound.

2.
The question is,
what will it be like
after the last day?
Will I float
into the sky
or will I fray
within the earth or a river—
remembering nothing?
How desperate I would be
if I couldn't remember
the sun rising, if I couldn't
remember trees, rivers; if I couldn't
even remember, beloved,
your beloved name.

3.
I know, you never intended to be in this world.
But you're in it all the same.

so why not get started immediately.

I mean, belonging to it.
There is so much to admire, to weep over.

And to write music or poems about.

Bless the feet that take you to and fro.
Bless the eyes and the listening ears.
Bless the tongue, the marvel of taste.
Bless touching.

You could live a hundred years, it's happened.
Or not.
I am speaking from the fortunate platform
of many years,
none of which, I think, I ever wasted.
Do you need a prod?
Do you need a little darkness to get you going?
Let me be urgent as a knife, then,
and remind you of Keats,
so single of purpose and thinking, for a while,
he had a lifetime.

4.
Late yesterday afternoon, in the heat,
all the fragile blue flowers in bloom
in the shrubs in the yard next door had
tumbled from the shrubs and lay
wrinkled and fading in the grass. But
this morning the shrubs were full of
the blue flowers again. There wasn't
a single one on the grass. How, I
wondered, did they roll back up to
the branches, that fiercely wanting,
as we all do, just a little more of
life?

he poet discusses what she calls "the cancer visit." In 2012 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and said that death had "left his calling card." She was treated and was given "a clean bill of health."

In her collection Dream Work, "The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac" is a four-part poem that recalls the shadowy underworld of loss and survival. And yet, grief is coupled with a hopefulness. The poem is petitionary, asking of us to make what we can of the time we have left.

http://www.onbeing.org/blog/mary-olivers-cancer-poem/7277