Comments for Laura Berman Fortgang's Blog - A Meaningful Life

Comment on Fantasy Face-Off by Anne Walsh

Anne Walsh — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:29:43 +0000

Hm, I have to say that if I was a smoker if someone came up to me with a suggestion that I should smoke less and a lecture about how I was poisoning the air…my fantasy first reaction would be (and yes, I admit this is very childish) would be to light up 2 more and smoke them in front of them RIGHT THERE. also I’d find it patronising and self-righteous. I would be far more likely to want to give them up if an ex-smoker expressing empathy and understanding made some gentle suggestions. It’s sort of like people who have never struggled with over-eating (and who are usually the size of a matchbox) give lectures on how to “eat less and move more”.. thanks. NOT. And as for the bad habit of injecting stuff into the air for all of us…what about the fuel consumption of car owners?

Comment on Fantasy Face-Off by Lisa Taylor Huff

Lisa Taylor Huff — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:25:32 +0000

Interesting question, Laura. Living where I live now (France) where smoking is even more prevalent than in the States, it’s been, well, INTERESTING to observe the different attitude toward smoking over here. For instance, women in France seem to put being thin ahead of being healthy, so you see a LOT of women with babies, smoking (I assume for weight control). I want to ask them if they care about their kids even if they don’t care about themselves… but I can’t. It seems French people are somewhat in denial about smoking, whether directly or indirectly… but at least they finally got the smoking ban passed and implemented for public places. At least I can go to a restaurant without choking on smoke while I eat. To get to your broader question, though… it’s hard to know where to draw the line, but if I saw someone really abusing their child in public, I think I’d have to say something. Again, here in France it’s more common to see a parent give a child a smack in public and it seems no one else bats an eyelash, whereas in the US someone might be calling DYFS to report the parent. Here, it seems the attitude is that people think they should mind their own business; maybe in America the attitude is more toward thinking we should get involved or speak up.

Comment on Bumper Sticker Wisdom by Bark Off for Dogs

Bark Off for Dogs — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:11:10 +0000

As a completely new pet owner I love all the guidance in this article. I would like my dog to get very well trained and have a healthy atmosphere to live in. Many thanks for the information and facts.

Comment on What A Difference A Week Makes by Laura

Laura — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:44:04 +0000

Very coo, Sarah. Thanks for sharing. That ritual is what I love about silent meals at Kripalu. I may just be suggesting that exercise at home. Nice!

Comment on What A Difference A Week Makes by Sarah Fraser

Sarah Fraser — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:14:45 +0000

I recently read ‘Island’ by Aldous Huxley. In the story, the community on the island of Pala have an alternative way of saying Grace before a meal – they all eat their first mouthful in complete silence. They take time to chew properly and they pay attention to the taste, texture and sensation of the food, giving thanks for the nourishment it is providing them with. When everyone at the table has swallowed this first mouthful the group can go ahead and chat and continue with their meal. I think this is a wonderful and simple way to bring mindfullness to what we are putting into our bodies. Certainly food for thought

Comment on What A Difference A Week Makes by lbfcoach

lbfcoach — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:37:47 +0000

I hear you Jill. It takes a singular focus to remain conscious and kidlets demand singular focus times how many you have—-oh, my head hurts just thinking about it.

Comment on What A Difference A Week Makes by Jill

Jill — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:08:22 +0000

Consciousville!!! In a heartbeat.
I have consciousville when I am alone working or not working…..and unconsciousville hits when my crazy kidlets are underfoot!!!

Comment on What A Difference A Week Makes by lbfcoach

lbfcoach — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:09:33 +0000

Thanks, Honey! Glad it resonated enough to respond.

Comment on What A Difference A Week Makes by Bobette

Bobette — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:06:53 +0000

I love your ability to share what yuo see through your eyes and allow me to actually see it too!

Comment on ConFEISsions–Diary of a Feis Mom, Part I by Laura Berman Fortgang’s Blog – A Meaningful Life » Blog Archive » What A Difference A Week Makes

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:41:23 +0000

[...] week after being at Disney World with my daughter at Nationals for Irish Dance competition, I was at Kripalu, the yoga and retreat center in Stockbridge, [...]