This post started with the title This Year, I Want To Learn…, but after thinking about the things I want to focus on, I think it’s more about practicing. Maybe I already know how to do them, but I need to start doing them.
1. Meditation. I want to slow down for a few minutes a day and clear out instead of running in a million directions. I’ve been inspired by . (thanks to for the link)
2. Speaking Chinese. Now that I have a job that takes me there, I really want to be able to say things like, this food is delicious, and what a beautiful garden, thank you for your hospitality and where is the bathroom? Last time I was there, it would have helped if I could have said “I need more toilet paper”, as housekeeping couldn’t figure it out while I was calling them from the bathroom floor at 3am during a bout of food poisoning. This may be the first phrase on my list. (note the best cure for a yucky tummy, red sugar and chopped fresh ginger in hot water, instant recovery!)
3. The science of food. Big area, maybe I’ll start with cheese. I think fresh mozzarella would be the BOMB.
4. Listening. I’ve noticed so much hate and narrow mindedness this year, I think people have stopped listening? I truly believe listening inspires things like respect and confidence and understanding.
5. Sunday Suppers. Local food cooked and enjoyed with family and friends. We need to spend more time together, and when we are together, we should be eating good food.
6. Peace. I’d like to think it’s contagious. And with my brother and other family members on duty in hazard zones, I can’t help but wonder what their lives would be like if the world were a more peaceful place and everytime they sent a photo, there wouldn’t be an automatic weapon and full body armor in the photo (with a tank in the background), it would be a photo of them with their wife and kids. (Not that their service hasn’t been rewarding, I know my brother is an amazing ambassador and has made friends all over the world, no doubt it is an incredible and fantastic experience.)
What are you going to practice this year?
Welcome back!
hey zanne, i miss your updates! good to hear from you! have a happy new year.
yoga
playing instruments – recorder, clarinet, piano, guitar, anything – develop another part of my body & brain
patience, patience, patience
being present
being bold
listening
An inspirational list! Calming my mind. Being present. Being strong.
Hey Zanne, I was just making dinner and logged back on to my computer b/c I your post reminded me of the one time I learned to say “it’s delicious” in Chinese. My friend Mei’s mom was visiting her from China and they invited us over for the most amazing dinner. Must have been 12 dishes all prepared in her tiny kitchen. Her mom didn’t speak English and I asked Mei how to say “it’s delicious” in Chinese. When I repeated the phrase her mom got a big smile on her face. It was a cool moment. Also, so interesting how much you can communicate without words. They came back to Garth’s apartment briefly and we were laughing about stuff that she was checking out. O.k. back to dinner. Hope you are well.