Army Ranger Cory Remsburg

My dad had flown in WWII and Korea, so Army ROTC at LSU was a natural fit.  One of the ROTC instructors had started a Bengal Raiders group to train cadets to survive Vietnam.  We’d train weekends in the swamps learning tactics, leadership skills, teamwork, and a better understanding of our physical and mental limits.  You know how life works, that experience rippled into me becoming an Airborne Ranger.  When I broke my back it was my Ranger training that got me through 6 months of hospitalization and 6 months of a full body cast.  As I watched President Obama describe Army Ranger Cory Remsburg as a man that, “never gives up, and he does not quit", I understood where that came from.  Gain strength from your life ripples today. 

Friendship Factor

We sat by the lake on a wooden bench with the warmth of the sun at 6,230 feet above sea level.  For every 1k foot of elevation gained the suns intensity increases by 4%, so it felt like we were on a beach.  20+ years ago we’d sealed our friendship on a beach walk and a willingness to share our hopes and fears.  Saturday, we sat on the bench and talked about my cancer, about his move to a new job and community, about our kids.  We laughed, shed a few tears, and connected as we always do through our hearts.  I have no doubt that the energy of our friendship will continue to glow, long after our souls have departed.  Thank a friend today for their heart connection.   

Colorado Springs Weekend - Garden of the Gods

I’ve had conferences at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs 4-5 times over the past 20 years, but its presence and mountainscape still leaves me breathless.  I stood on Cheyenne Lake and listened to the geese, closed my eyes and felt the cool wind wrap me in a calm healing spirit.  I turned, opened my eyes and saw the red tops of the Garden of the Gods, and memories like tears came back of my first visit as a child many years ago.  We all have places inside us that bring us a deep spiritual and emotional calmness – we just have to mindful enough to let go to get there.  Today, be mindful enough to let go. 

Mindfully Ignite Spiritual Connections

No scooter ride today.  I am on my way to Colorado Springs this afternoon, so after scrapping the ice off my truck windows, I drive to work in the comfort of a cozy warm cab.  As I pull out, I immediately miss my usual, almost sensual engagement with the space around me.  The high we experience as runners, bikers, surfers, and skaters is not just hormonal and endorphin changes, but deep spiritual connections ignited as we move.  My scooter rides, inline skate sessions, or walks, become moments where I am more mindful of how I explore and fully engage in this adventure we call life.  Today, move more, and be mindful of when you ignite deep spiritual connections to the web of life. 

Bernie Siegel & Winter Storms

National Weather Service today: Winter storm warning in effect for Southeast Texas, producing rain during the day, possible sleet tonight. All through high school I drove a stripped down 1948 Willis Jeep without sides, doors, or a roof. On rainy days I wore a poncho, but in hard rains I’d still get to school wet and would use the dryers in the gym to dry my clothes. I left today on my scooter wearing my overcoat, with raingear stored under my scooter seat. Bernie Siegel, in his book Faith, Hope & Healing said, “You make your own weather by focusing on sunny or cloudy skies.” Pay attention to your reflective focus today and choose joy to thrive! Faith, Hope & Healing - Bernie Siegel

MD Anderson Roberto Clemente, Jr. Meeting

I met with Roberto Clemente, Jr. last week and gave him a wellness coach tour of MD Anderson showing him the many faces of caring at our institution and he was impressed.  He was 6 when his dad died (1972) in the plane crash delivering supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake survivors.  Roberto carries on his father’s legacy of kindness and goodwill through the many projects he is involved in helping kids and adults.  It’s easy to see how he has become an inspiration to many.  As he drove off, I realized he had that stillness of spirit we see in people that live in the present, making the most out of each day, uncluttered by dwelling on past regrets or future fantasies.  Where will you dwell today?

Steve McQueen Weekend

Last week, I sat in a waiting room with a woman whose cancer had spread to her brain.  She had been a piano teacher and her hands were beautiful.  After a few minutes she said what all with advanced cancer wish, “Why can’t I just live with my cancer?” then smiled and said, “Let’s not waste a day”.  Her smiles and hug stayed with me all weekend as I rode my scooter around the back streets of Houston dreaming I was Steve McQueen in the movie the Great Escape and trying to catch up with my son who was running the marathon.  At the end of Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day, she asks, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”