Nox Amicus

At 10:31pm on Sunday, April 11th, the moon was New again. Almost two weeks ago now, but the theme for that cycle was Time – and last month I was also two weeks into the cycle before the announcement came – so really, I’m right on schedule. Perspective counts for a lot.

The theme of Time was particularly poignant – but I carry forward the fact that every moment counts, and redemption or salvation can be on our next breath.

The theme for this month saw its inception in one such moment. It was late February when I was gently called to be mindful of the sugar I was putting into my coffee.

Those of you who have been following along for the past year know that I’ve been struggling with weight, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All indicators of something called Metabolic Syndrome which increases my risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.  I’d started walking last year and was incredibly proud of myself, until the bloodwork came back barely changed.

So – sugar. At first I brushed it off and drank the coffee. The next day I thought about it again and looked at how many grams of sugar I was starting out my day with. Recommendations say you should consume no more than 35-60 grams of added sugar per day. I was starting every day with 36. I went back to diligently keeping a food diary – then suddenly, as if no one had ever said it before, came the epiphany – diet and exercise.

The app I use suggested a 1500 calorie/day diet – with a cap of 57g of sugar, 17g saturated fat, and a suggested 76g of protein. So on March 3rd I began. In that time I’ve lost 11 pounds. When I had my bloodwork done at the end of March they were the best results I’d had since 2010 – total cholesterol and triglycerides are in a normal range and my A1c is down from 5.9 to 5.5. Right now, I’m at my lowest consistent weight in 15 years and am averaging nearly 6000 steps/day.

So the theme for this month is Well-being. I am moved to choose it primarily because of the physical aspect, but I am also called to examine the more metaphysical interpretation. Spiritual mentors I respect speak of being “a proper person, properly prepared” – my physical Well-being is improving, but how can I improve my overall state of Being Well? Now that the ship is being rehabbed, how can I be sure the captain is in good shape?

To this end I want to go back a few years and revisit The Four Agreements – Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best. I’ve fallen down on all but the first lately, and I know I want to be better. I also want to try to apply some focus to the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path – Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. I seem to be pulled in directions that lead away from my true sense of self, not toward it. While this is to be expected from time to time, it’s gone on longer than I’m comfortable with – so let’s draw the circle a little tighter for a bit. My thinking is that by focusing on the basics and examining how I’m living my life, I can bring clarity to those moments where I’m falling away from my best self – and in so doing, “Be” well.

No song this time – I had a few choices, but they all seemed to veer too far from the theme for this cycle; and frankly, veering too far from the theme is the problem to be answered this month.

Wishing everyone well-being!!