What I do to work with overwhelm: get myself outside and my face to the sun (even in the chilly 40s and 50s there is some warmth) and focus on my breath. Engage with my cat. Very much like the idea of moving the roadkill to a safer area.
Love the kingfisher. My hair is starting to look like his in my old age🤣 the fog one was so peaceful for me. My favorite today though was the reflection of the egret. Thank you for all you do here Karen it brightens my day.
Your lovely pictures of the bald eagle reminded me that I recently heard that the bald eagle was only recently officially named as our "national bird" back in 2024.
In the first place, I don't engage with a lot of social media. Facebook and Substack ... period. Facebook can grab me, though, because I've curated its algorithm to give me mostly information I want to see and track. I know I can't do much about the world conditions, so I breeze through headlines once a day and that's IT! Done. Even so, there are times when I'm braindead tired and scrolling mindlessly on Facebook or Notes gives me permission to not think ... much. There's always something.
Oh, and by the way, if there's roadkill and the traffic isn't too heavy, you might grab it and pull it to a safe place off the road for scavengers to enjoy in safety. That comes from a woman who ran a wildlife rescue that I volunteered for decades ago.
Really, I'm the same with social media. When I start scrolling it's not because there's something I want but usually something I'm avoiding. When I'm tired, at the end of the day, is when I'm most susceptible.
That's a good idea with the roadkill. Maybe I should start carrying some gloves in my car. I'm not very good with gross things so I don't know if I can do it, but I could try.
Music and movement at the start of my day for 30-40 mins help settle my brain and manage the inner chatter. Personally, I don't think it's ever possible to switch it off, mindfulness and meditation can help let the thoughts come and go without struggle. Guided meditations are really helpful. The more we struggle the louder or stronger the 'noise' - that's what I find.
Box breathing, with hand on your heart is a good self-compassionate practice.
Everything you've shared is completely normal, Karen. Especially in this 'productivity focused', 'attention economy.' Sometimes, it's one small choice at a time is the best action. warm wishes.
Thank you Victoria! One thing I have recently added is just letting my body move to music any way it wants to. I don't usually get that long, but even a few minutes helps. Guided practices help me A LOT. Thanks for reminding me this is pretty normal! Appreciate you!
Your love of the precious birds of the sky and the beauty they inhabit helps me with information overload, Karen. You are a gift to all of us and I thank you from my soul.
What a great question, and a thoughtful meditation on when and how we find focus and flow, Karen. I'm guessing that birds and other lives can't afford not to be focused, or they won't survive. (Not that focus and flow are all about surviving, but they're pretty damn important to it!)
I still my mind through my own version of walking meditation, taking a hike from my house out of town on the ditch road that runs along the mesa above my valley, where I can greet my plant kin, wild and domestic.
The singular focus of my mind while working/creating images. The bits and pieces of collage, the colour of water colour. It's amazing to me, to just "work"--the best kind of!--and be stil in this way.
I have to admit that having a set 3 hour class every Wednesday morning has really helped. After 6 weeks of that, I've added Sunday afternoons--a creating sabbath :) And am so enjoying.
Karen, this is maybe my favorite of your photo essays, ever. I can so relate with the long course of a meditative/brain training practice. I've been at it for 40+ years. (I say that not to brag. Quite the opposite. I'm still a novice at this point. Working with the mind is perhaps the most humbling thing I've ever experienced.) But it's SO worthwhile, in my opinion, and I'm glad you have the birds as your gurus, showing you how it's done.
Thank you Jeanne, and for understanding just how challenging this is! I suppose some folks find their answer quickly but oof, I have been working at this a while. I know you have and I know how it fuels your ability to help others. And yes, so worth it. The birds make great gurus!
I especially love the Kingfisher, doing a fly by for a photo op.
Idea #1: make sure your computer station at work is fitted to you. Especially your chair, where your eyes focus, hand position and keyboard height, etc. Same for however you use the internet at home. ( I can direct you to a guidelines chart if needed). If you are using an iPhone or pad, it is very important to watch your posture. Especially the big ‘no no’ head bent, shoulders curled and hunched.( My husband is a chiropractor, 38 years, and I ran the office😊).
#2: Maybe not post daily, every few days?Less time on the computer. Less stress of trying to accomplish everything all at once. I am sure we would all forgive you, be happy for you, if it makes a difference in how you feel.
3# Be aware if you are wearing a camera strap around your neck . How does it feel around your neck, is it pulling ,even if it is over one shoulder, take a moment and feel if it is causing any discomfort.
4# An exercise program is an amazing healer of mind and body.
Thanks Lor. I work from home and I've spent a LOT of time and money making my setup as ergonimically supportive as possible. I stand a lot of the day. I have movement boards to stand on. I have a rocking stool but not a "real" chair. Posting is a tiny bit of the time I spend on the computer tbh, but I appreciate your support. And I do not wear anything around my neck. I have a shoulder harness for my bins and camera, plus a belt hook for my camera. So when I'm not using it, I'm carrying the weight of it on my hips and I can put it in the center of my back.. Intriguingly, my neck and shoulders were at their best during spring migration! Besides walking 2-3 miles a day, I do some other form of exercise every day, including qi gong. I'm working on rebalancing my posture in every way I can.
But then, at some point, I have to stop moving and this is when I get in trouble! :)
As someone who spends many hours a day working under a lighted magnifying glass, I can attest to the benefit of allowing yourself to find different sitting positions. Quite surprising how even a 1/2 inch of height of your chair or hands/arm and head/eyes can ease ones over all staying power with what you are working on. I used to watch a typesetter named Rusty work from a wooden chair that he had not only cut the legs several inches shorter, but had also cut the back legs shorter, still. He slid in under the low working area and then balanced on those back legs for not just hours ... but for many years!!! Rusty took matters into his own hands so he could continue doing the job he loved! :-)
What helps me the most personally is swimming while meditating for an hour and a half every day but I realize that most people need a much quicker method.
I don’t have that issue….mine is memory…seems my mind is a sieve and nothing sticks …everything trickles thru and away…gone☹️🤷♀️😳🙄🤦♀️
Clear. On a clear day, you can see forever. And every day has clarity.
What I do to work with overwhelm: get myself outside and my face to the sun (even in the chilly 40s and 50s there is some warmth) and focus on my breath. Engage with my cat. Very much like the idea of moving the roadkill to a safer area.
Love the kingfisher. My hair is starting to look like his in my old age🤣 the fog one was so peaceful for me. My favorite today though was the reflection of the egret. Thank you for all you do here Karen it brightens my day.
LOL Julianne, then you have GREAT HAIR! :) Thank you!
Your lovely pictures of the bald eagle reminded me that I recently heard that the bald eagle was only recently officially named as our "national bird" back in 2024.
I didn't know that about the bald eagle! Well, you know, eagles are also thieves, they like to steal from other animals. Somehow this also fits...
Thank you Andrea!
In the first place, I don't engage with a lot of social media. Facebook and Substack ... period. Facebook can grab me, though, because I've curated its algorithm to give me mostly information I want to see and track. I know I can't do much about the world conditions, so I breeze through headlines once a day and that's IT! Done. Even so, there are times when I'm braindead tired and scrolling mindlessly on Facebook or Notes gives me permission to not think ... much. There's always something.
Oh, and by the way, if there's roadkill and the traffic isn't too heavy, you might grab it and pull it to a safe place off the road for scavengers to enjoy in safety. That comes from a woman who ran a wildlife rescue that I volunteered for decades ago.
Really, I'm the same with social media. When I start scrolling it's not because there's something I want but usually something I'm avoiding. When I'm tired, at the end of the day, is when I'm most susceptible.
That's a good idea with the roadkill. Maybe I should start carrying some gloves in my car. I'm not very good with gross things so I don't know if I can do it, but I could try.
At least try to move the dead animal to a safe "dining" place so other animals won't be endangered. AND don't do this if it's too dangerous for you.
Be well, my friend.
Another gorgeous sunrise, thanks, Karen!
Music and movement at the start of my day for 30-40 mins help settle my brain and manage the inner chatter. Personally, I don't think it's ever possible to switch it off, mindfulness and meditation can help let the thoughts come and go without struggle. Guided meditations are really helpful. The more we struggle the louder or stronger the 'noise' - that's what I find.
Box breathing, with hand on your heart is a good self-compassionate practice.
Everything you've shared is completely normal, Karen. Especially in this 'productivity focused', 'attention economy.' Sometimes, it's one small choice at a time is the best action. warm wishes.
Thank you Victoria! One thing I have recently added is just letting my body move to music any way it wants to. I don't usually get that long, but even a few minutes helps. Guided practices help me A LOT. Thanks for reminding me this is pretty normal! Appreciate you!
You're welcome, Karen..Yep, I do stretches waiting for the kettle to boil!
It's totally normal!! If in doubt watch Jill Bolte-Taylor's TED Talk, 'My Stroke of Insight', and what she says about her inner voices.
Your love of the precious birds of the sky and the beauty they inhabit helps me with information overload, Karen. You are a gift to all of us and I thank you from my soul.
Thank you Stephanie!
What a great question, and a thoughtful meditation on when and how we find focus and flow, Karen. I'm guessing that birds and other lives can't afford not to be focused, or they won't survive. (Not that focus and flow are all about surviving, but they're pretty damn important to it!)
I still my mind through my own version of walking meditation, taking a hike from my house out of town on the ditch road that runs along the mesa above my valley, where I can greet my plant kin, wild and domestic.
Thank you Susan. I love your practice and how you share it with us!
The singular focus of my mind while working/creating images. The bits and pieces of collage, the colour of water colour. It's amazing to me, to just "work"--the best kind of!--and be stil in this way.
The flicker photo!! Oh my!
I want to get back to being able to focusing on creating more again - but oof, it's been a challenge. Thanks Alison!
I have to admit that having a set 3 hour class every Wednesday morning has really helped. After 6 weeks of that, I've added Sunday afternoons--a creating sabbath :) And am so enjoying.
I really loved this. I too find my best meditation when birding. Thank you for the reminder to make time to see them.
Stunning pictures!
Thank you Annie
Karen, this is maybe my favorite of your photo essays, ever. I can so relate with the long course of a meditative/brain training practice. I've been at it for 40+ years. (I say that not to brag. Quite the opposite. I'm still a novice at this point. Working with the mind is perhaps the most humbling thing I've ever experienced.) But it's SO worthwhile, in my opinion, and I'm glad you have the birds as your gurus, showing you how it's done.
Thank you Jeanne, and for understanding just how challenging this is! I suppose some folks find their answer quickly but oof, I have been working at this a while. I know you have and I know how it fuels your ability to help others. And yes, so worth it. The birds make great gurus!
Walk, write, repeat.
Thank you David.
I especially love the Kingfisher, doing a fly by for a photo op.
Idea #1: make sure your computer station at work is fitted to you. Especially your chair, where your eyes focus, hand position and keyboard height, etc. Same for however you use the internet at home. ( I can direct you to a guidelines chart if needed). If you are using an iPhone or pad, it is very important to watch your posture. Especially the big ‘no no’ head bent, shoulders curled and hunched.( My husband is a chiropractor, 38 years, and I ran the office😊).
#2: Maybe not post daily, every few days?Less time on the computer. Less stress of trying to accomplish everything all at once. I am sure we would all forgive you, be happy for you, if it makes a difference in how you feel.
3# Be aware if you are wearing a camera strap around your neck . How does it feel around your neck, is it pulling ,even if it is over one shoulder, take a moment and feel if it is causing any discomfort.
4# An exercise program is an amazing healer of mind and body.
#3: Listen to the birds whispering in the air;
“Spend less time on social media”
Best of luck!
Thanks Lor. I work from home and I've spent a LOT of time and money making my setup as ergonimically supportive as possible. I stand a lot of the day. I have movement boards to stand on. I have a rocking stool but not a "real" chair. Posting is a tiny bit of the time I spend on the computer tbh, but I appreciate your support. And I do not wear anything around my neck. I have a shoulder harness for my bins and camera, plus a belt hook for my camera. So when I'm not using it, I'm carrying the weight of it on my hips and I can put it in the center of my back.. Intriguingly, my neck and shoulders were at their best during spring migration! Besides walking 2-3 miles a day, I do some other form of exercise every day, including qi gong. I'm working on rebalancing my posture in every way I can.
But then, at some point, I have to stop moving and this is when I get in trouble! :)
Sounds like you are doing everything you can.
As someone who spends many hours a day working under a lighted magnifying glass, I can attest to the benefit of allowing yourself to find different sitting positions. Quite surprising how even a 1/2 inch of height of your chair or hands/arm and head/eyes can ease ones over all staying power with what you are working on. I used to watch a typesetter named Rusty work from a wooden chair that he had not only cut the legs several inches shorter, but had also cut the back legs shorter, still. He slid in under the low working area and then balanced on those back legs for not just hours ... but for many years!!! Rusty took matters into his own hands so he could continue doing the job he loved! :-)
Yes, absolutely! Many good employers will pay for custom desk setups and better chairs. Some, even have desk set ups for standing.
What helps me the most personally is swimming while meditating for an hour and a half every day but I realize that most people need a much quicker method.
Swimming seems like it would be really helpful - moving and in water! I don't have that easily available. Thanks Steevie.
Soaring, watching, waiting, patience. Much wisdom in the bird brain. 🙏
Yes indeed. Thank you Leah.