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Post by peachymom1 on Jul 31, 2016 21:52:40 GMT -5
What’s on your mind – how to make kugel? This week’s Torah reading? Life goals? Prayer? We are all engaged in weight loss/weight maintenance journeys and we are all Jewish or at least interested in Judaism. We like to eat, we like to discuss. It is our goal here to provide each other support on our journeys, to share experiences, to call on our rich cultural heritage and texts, and to help each other grow spiritually.
Some of us take weekly turns starting the thread:
Angelika
Holly
Lee
Louise
Lynne
Peachy
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Post by peachymom1 on Jul 31, 2016 21:53:21 GMT -5
Good morning, and happy August!
Today I’m thinking about how we view our bodies. Wander down a science fiction trail with me for a moment. What if you could get a substitute body to replace your natural one? Presumably, it would function perfectly and not wear out or cause you pain. Somehow the essence of your consciousness would be able to be transferred to this perfect body, so you would still be you, just in a different body. You could choose your own features and even change them from time to time, kind of like you can change your hairstyle now.
Would you do it? How do you feel about your natural body? Do you love it, flaws and all, simply because it’s uniquely yours? Do you dislike it and wish you could change it? Do you feel that your body is a gift from our Creator and not to be tampered with? What’s the difference to you, if any, between replacing a vital part (a prosthetic arm, a kidney transplant, a hip replacement) and replacing the whole thing?
What are your thoughts and comments?
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Post by gazelle18 on Jul 31, 2016 22:07:20 GMT -5
Hi everyone!
Re:yesterday's topic: I need support, and cannot imagine not having some form of it, almost every day. I find our thread very supportive. I love the non-judgmental aspect of it the most, because there are just lots of days when I can't handle being judged. I feel very accepted on this thread.
Re: today's topic: if I could choose to change up my body parts, I would start with adding a few inches of height. I really do not like being short. I would love to lose my gut and my largish backside. My face is fine (for someone of my advanced years!) I could do without some of the wrinkles, but I don't obsess too much about them. Like others my age, I sort of feel like I have earned them!
A few years ago I developed vitiligo, which is an auto immune condition where you lose pigment in the skin. Fortunately, it is limited to a few patches (and luckily not on the face) and seems not to have progressed. I have learned to ignore this, for the most part, but would definitely prefer not to have it. Interestingly, my brother developed the same condition at the same age I did!
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lee058
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Post by lee058 on Aug 1, 2016 8:40:13 GMT -5
Good morning everybody. Hope you are all well today. Re today's topic: I would love to be thinner and healthier (no asthma, pre-diabetes, or other health problems). It would be nice to not need glasses, which I have worn since I was eight years old. I would like to not have hair where I don't want it (!!).
I also would like to have more ordinary feet. I have toes longer than my big toes on both feet, and that makes it difficult to buy shoes. I also have very flat feet, so I need a lot of arch support and can't wear any kind of heel without feeling like I am going to fall over.
Other than that, I wouldn't make too many changes. Interesting topic!
Have a peaceful day, Lee
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Post by savtele on Aug 1, 2016 8:57:30 GMT -5
Boker Tov All! Medically - we are rapidly getting to the place where body parts can be exchanged for new ones! I probably told you all about my friend who has had cystic fibrosis all her life. Scar tissue had caused her heart, which was perfectly healthy, to rotate in her chest, making a lung transplant impossible. But she got a heart/lung transplant - and gave her old, still-working-just-fine heart to someone else, in a rare "cascade transplant." (I think they'll be on Ellen Degeneres this next season) Both women are doing well, both their quality of life is much improved, both are looking forward to a bright future!
Now - my heart/lungs/kidneys work just fine, Baruch HaShem! My legs are another matter, and my back, and my shoulders ache - I tend to "limp onto my right side" - that's what the cane is for, so my R shoulder "catches" me. Over the years, the structure itself has taken a beating - and now the cracks are showing! I tire more easily than I used to, and it takes me longer to recover when I do. I have no problem standing in front of my closet, deciding on pants, shirt, jacket, shoes to wear. Why not body? If I could take the essence of "me" into another body - why not? I'm not sure how that would work, we're reaching into the realm of science fiction here, but hey, before 1967, getting a new heart was science fiction too! Of course, as long as I'm dreaming, my new body could look a little younger, have better muscle definition, and certainly less fat & less sun-damaged skin! I would regain the 3" that time & the elements have "stolen" from me, & I keep them! (I realize that I am taller at the beginning of the day than in late afternoon - still, spine compression happens to all of us due to gravity)
I hear an owl, hooting across the road. Right now, this enchants me! I saw one once, swooping down the river as I lay in the hammock - amazing. (They are quite elusive - I've ever only seen the one, although I know they are there) This year there is a bunny population explosion - no doubt the owls are eating well!
I have a sore throat today, and some tightness in my head - too much fun this weekend, I think! I'm going to lie low & relax. See how I feel about swimming after my meds kick in.
Have a good day ladies!
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Post by hollygail on Aug 1, 2016 9:52:43 GMT -5
Lee, I read (rather a long time ago, so can't give you a citation) that when the second toe is at least the length of the "big" toe, or even longer than the big toe, that's a sign of evolution. So if your "big" toe is less long than the one next to it, it means (according to what I read) that you, my dear lady, are more "evolved" (physically!) than I am. I'm in awe of you!
As for me: I don't like the wrinkles in my neck, which have shown up only in the last few years. I wouldn't at all mind if the two lines (one on either side of my nose going down outside my lips toward my chin) were less deep either. Frankly these two things are the only ones I've ever considered if I could "miraculously" change my body. I like that I have wavy hair, I have no problem being my height, I really like that my waist goes in toward the core of my body from both my hips and my chest (think "classic" shape, like in Greek and/or Roman sculpture), I have no problem with the brown shade my hair is turning (lighter than when I was younger, and, as you know, I changed the shade of gray that comes in to a purple I really like). What else is there? I wouldn't mind reversing the "forgetting" of words that are still in my head (that's a real bummer, ladies, especially for a "word" person like me!).
That's about it.
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Post by ima2one on Aug 1, 2016 10:27:43 GMT -5
I'm short. I'm fat. I'm old. I was never all that attractive to star with. I'd turn me in for a new me in a heartbeat.
Give me another 6 inches in height. A lot fewer pounds, and less floppy arms. Thicker hair. Eyes a bit further apart, more even, less prominent lids. Brows a bit fuller. Ears more even. Wider mouth, more prominent cheekbones. Get rid of the starting to sag neck, the couple of wrinkles starting on the forehead. Clearer skin, fewer moles. Smaller chest. Longer legs.
That's a start.
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lee058
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Posts: 23,258
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Post by lee058 on Aug 1, 2016 14:00:47 GMT -5
Holly, thanks for the compliment!
Have a great rest of the day, everyone.
Lee
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Post by louise on Aug 1, 2016 18:45:44 GMT -5
I guess I'd trade in my knees and ankles first off. If I could have more I would go for the body shape and size I had 30 years ago, imperfections and all - would love to be able to just complain about my big hips!
Many of you know I just had two deaths in my family. It has been a harrowing couple of weeks and I need to start integrating it all and get back into a routine. Food has been off the charts and have not been doing my workouts. One thing at a time, girl.
I'm going back to work tomorrow. May not stay for the whole day but need to go in and lead a production meeting. No crying please.
When it became clear that nothing could be done for DXH we had to make the decision to disconnect the ventilator. I was in FLA and asked his sisters to wait for me, which of course they did. Many calls to my rabbi about the halachic issues and then then night before I asked him for a prayer to say. And so I learned about the "deathbed vidui" (confession). Since he was sedated I said it on his behalf. There was also a Catholic priest there and you won't be surprised to know we said some very similar things.
At the funeral I wanted to say kaddish - I was the only Jew, no minyan. I get that we are required to say kaddish with a minyan to be with and to build community but I have no doubt that my solitary Kaddish was “okay”. Have always found that spiritual truths can sometimes seem to break apart with too much thought. I have my own experiences that line up my most deeply felt spiritual moments with my heart rather than my brain. Otherwise before you know it I would be wondering who am I to bless God or sanctify God’s name? For me the kaddish sanctified the moment and I had no doubt that God was right there with me in that moment and accepted the praise.
Not sure yet how regular I will be at first but missed you all very much and was in a genuine panic when I didn't see you on the old board.
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Post by happysavta on Aug 1, 2016 20:49:01 GMT -5
Here's a conversation between me and my almost 4 y/o DGD this last Saturday. She picked up my arm and pointed to the big wobbly wing of fat that hangs under my upper arm and says, "Savta, I love your arms. They're so fluffy." To which I answered, "Do you know why they are so fluffy? It's because these are my pillows." And she leaned over and cradled her head on my big, fat arm, and closed her eyes as though she was resting on a pillow.
Out of the mouths of babes, my friends!
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Post by happysavta on Aug 1, 2016 21:21:11 GMT -5
I didn't have a chance to write in yesterday, but the topic of support happens to be very much on my mind. Matter of fact, I was going to ask you all for some supportive ideas and suggestions. Here's my problem: I spend a majority of my day in bed. I have zero energy, literally. I wake up at 8, but I don't get out of my bedroom until 11 or 12:00. After a couple of hours, I'm tired and go back upstairs and take a nap.
Here's what I have thought of to try and get my energy back. (And I'd be grateful for any thoughts you have.)
First, I made an appointment tomorrow with a psychologist. I've seen him in the past and he did help me. I tend to have a depressive nature; it's in my Polish genes, I guess.
Second, next week I will have an appointment with an endocrinologist. Losing weight is a very slow process for me; gaining weight is speedy.
Third, I have to find something productive to do. I force myself to clean house or tackle the garage in starts and fits, but I quickly tire. I open the mail and I'm already tired.
Fourth, I need to find something challenging to do intellectually. All I do is watch TV. Holly suggested classes at the local Senior Center and I checked them out online. Not bad, but I don't know if I'd be comfortable around people in their 80s and on walkers.
Fifth, I have to find some social outlets. I'm not a very social person. I have you all, which I'm grateful for, but not any real live friends. Yesterday, I pushed myself to talk to a stranger sharing the table with me at the food court at Costco. It was very pleasant to get to know her. At the end, we introduced ourselves and I suggested we exchange emails. That's far outside my comfort zone, but like I said, I pushed myself, just to see what would happen.
Sixth, I've decided to get a little dog to be a companion. It's been 2 1/2 months since my husband went to China on business and it's very lonely.
Seventh, I need to find some physical activity I can do. Laying in bed and flipping channels isn't it. I think a little dog will force me to take walks and would also make me feel needed.
Eighth, I have to try to use more of my senses for pleasure. So, I bought a scented candle at Marshall's and tried it last night. It didn't make a very strong scent, though. I'm going to try a massage. Don't know if I like massages, but I would think they used scented lotions or something.
Ninth, I think perhaps I will need certain supplements and extracts. I've been doing some ready online on the relationship between feeling energetic and polyphenols. Interesting stuff. The endocrinologist I'm going to is very into that stuff.
That's all I could come up with on my own to change direction. Your input, chaverot, is welcome. Sometimes you just need to get up, dust yourself off and push on. I can't keep laying around and drifting off to sleep.
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Post by gazelle18 on Aug 1, 2016 21:29:44 GMT -5
Louise, it is SOOO good to see you back, and I am so sorry for your losses. We are here for you.
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Post by gazelle18 on Aug 1, 2016 21:42:28 GMT -5
Frieda:
Here's my feedback for what it is worth:
1. I have suffered from depression for years. Maybe it is MY Polish genes! I have found therapy (including antidepressant therapy) to be extremely helpful, and at times very necessary.
2. I hope an endocrinologist can help! I too find it very very slow to lose weight and very very quick to regain it.
3. I find that my mood lifts when I have something productive to do. I agree with your idea that this would help.
4. I am a huge believer in being challenged intellectually. Since retiring from law practice, this has been somewhat of a challenge. I can do better on this.
5. I am by nature a bit of an introvert, BUT I NEED to have social outlets. BEing with friends, or loving relatives, or even nice acquaintances, never fails to lift my mood
6. Get a dog!! Dogs are 1/2 clowns and 1/2 love sponges!!!!
7. I force myself to be active and I am always in a better frame of mind afterwards
8. Senses.... Other than taste of course! Wow, that's a cool idea. I need to think on that one
9. Can't help you with your no. 9.... Don't know much about supplements, etc. let us know what you learn!!!
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Post by louise on Aug 1, 2016 21:57:53 GMT -5
How do you enter a comment?
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Post by louise on Aug 1, 2016 23:04:38 GMT -5
How do you enter a comment?
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Post by louise on Aug 1, 2016 23:05:22 GMT -5
Frieda, you have successfully entered in the comment box - how do you do it?
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Post by peachymom1 on Aug 1, 2016 23:36:49 GMT -5
This has been very interesting reading!
Louise, hugs and hand pats to you. It's been a tough haul for you. I think if saying Kaddish gives you comfort, then by all means, say it, with or without a minyan. Beautiful words that bring comfort are a blessing, by yourself or with a community.
Frieda, I'm a big believer in the power of love between people and animals. I can't imagine my home without a pet. I think they bring great joy and companionship. I hope you get a really wonderful dog that cheers you up and lights up your life.
For me, getting going with activity has to be something I can actually DO. I had to start slowly and just walk for ten minutes. Then I worked up to longer. Then I joined a gym. Then I tired the elliptical. It's been a long journey with many speed bumps and detours. Hang in there.
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