Hello, Moga Friends! I think I’ve officially climbed out of hibernation. Each day, I'm greeted by more growth, more greenery, and more signs of life than the day before, and it fills me with so much joy. Speaking of which, have you ever had the pleasure of babysitting endangered turtles? G's fourth-grade class has been nurturing Blanding’s turtles since last fall, witnessing their journey from hatchlings to yearlings. For the first half of spring vacation, we got the chance to take them. At first, I hesitated to take on the responsibility—after all, with three kids, three dogs, and two fish, our hands are already quite full. But my weakness for cute animals won me over, so we agreed to take them in for a few days. By the second day, I found myself shooing G away so I could feed them myself, and by the time they left, I was so so sad to see them go. Did I ever mention that I have trouble letting go?
It's almost unbelievable that spring vacation has come and gone, and here we are, entering the "home stretch" of the school year. Just a few years ago, if you had asked me which season was my least favorite, I would have surprised you by saying spring. I know, shocking, right? You probably thought I’d say winter! But while winter chills me to the core, spring used to leave me feeling frustrated. It seemed like I was stuck in a holding pattern, eagerly awaiting the arrival of summer with its warmer temperatures, more sunlight, and vibrant life. However, these days, spring, especially the month of May, holds a special place in my heart. Let me explain.
May tests my patience like no other month of the year. I watch as the buds start to bloom, eagerly anticipating the first leaf to burst through. We have days where the temperature soars above 70 degrees, filling me with hope, only to be followed by temperatures in the 30s, sending me scrambling to protect my tender seedlings. There's so much anticipation. And waiting. And did I mention, the need for patience?
But what a way for the change of seasons and nature to remind us about life. How many times do we need to exercise the same kind of patience while waiting for an important announcement, perhaps a special date, or simply waiting in line at the grocery store? Recently, I experienced this waiting game in a different context. As you know, I’ve been practicing Jiu Jitsu with the boys since last August. I had to take some time off during the hockey season, but I’ve been back at it since March. Each week, I watch other students ahead of me advance, whether it's earning a new stripe on their belt or even a new belt altogether. So each class, I wondered when it would be my turn. Did my instructor see me nail that takedown? I’m sure he must have seen me execute the Kimora. And each class, I waited. Now, if you know anything about Jiu Jitsu, you'll know that skill is important, but equally valuable are effort, commitment, and attitude. There is so much to learn, and advancements take time, making it the perfect sport to learn the art of patience. So, a few weeks ago, I decided to let go. I resolved to show up, work hard, and let the results speak for themselves. And you know what? I got my first stripe!
In our modern, fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with the rhythms of nature and the seasons. Yet, they have so much to teach us. May teaches me to let go and enjoy the journey, whether it's nurturing my new seedlings, watching the trees fill out in the backyard, or simply pausing to appreciate life's little moments. May reminds me that in the midst of life's hustle and bustle, there's freedom in relinquishing control and embracing the ride. You’ll never know what you’ll learn along the way.
Love Letters From Nature
You guys, it’s lilac season! Lilac bushes, with their blossoms that seem to appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, are my all-time favorite. Who’s with me? I find myself unable to pass a lilac without pausing, closing my eyes, and inhaling in their sweet aroma. And every year I wish to myself: if only the bloom lasted just a little bit longer.
Thinking about the fleeting nature of lilac blooms brings to mind a quote I recently found online: "There is literally nothing in nature that blooms all year long, so do not expect yourself to do so." Though the source of this wisdom seems hard to find, its essence strikes a chord. Much like the lilac bush, which bursts into bloom for just a brief moment, our lives too are filled with cycles of growth and rest. So, this love letter from nature serves as a reminder to embrace life's ever-changing rhythm. It's in these brief moments that we often discover the most special and unforgettable experiences.
Kid Moga
As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches in May, I've been contemplating Moga offerings, library programming, and book displays, aiming to spread the message that mental health is general health. I don’t think it should be secluded to a single month; rather, it's an ongoing journey of self-care and awareness. Just as we tend to physical ailments like stomachaches, we must address symptoms of anxiety and other mental health conditions with the same approach. When we experience a stomachache, we naturally pause to evaluate what we ate that could have caused the upset. Perhaps it was that extra helping of spicy food or one too many Oreo cookies. In most cases, we can pinpoint an explanation for our discomfort. However, when the stomachache becomes a chronic condition, persisting despite dietary adjustments, we recognize the need to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Similarly, symptoms of anxiety often serve as signals, prompting us to pause and evaluate our mental well-being. When we experience moments of panic or unease, it's an opportunity to delve deeper and understand what might be triggering these feelings. Just as we assess our dietary habits when faced with a stomachache, we can reflect on our lifestyle choices and daily habits that may contribute to our mental discomfort. It could be a lack of adequate sleep, a sedentary lifestyle, or the stress of juggling numerous responsibilities. And if our symptoms persist despite our self-care efforts, then we should seek support from a professional.
By viewing these symptoms as clues, I believe we can embark on a journey of mental health and wellness. I've learned this firsthand through my own experiences. When I was young, I often felt anxious, believing that something was inherently wrong with me. I felt broken. It took me years to realize that my brain was simply trying to protect me due to an overstimulated nervous system, and that there were steps I could take to care for myself and make more mindful choices. As I began to prioritize my mental well-being and adopt healthier habits, I noticed a significant improvement in my overall health. I share this personal journey with you during Mental Health Awareness Month as a reminder that healing is possible, and that there is strength in embracing our vulnerabilities and seeking support when needed.
Recipes from a Mindful Mama Bear
As the weather remains mostly cool, particularly in the early mornings, my instinct for baking all things carb-related is still going strong. In my March newsletter, I mentioned how my brother gifted me the Half Baked Harvest Super Simple cookbook, and I've been cooking my way through it ever since. One particular recipe that has become a staple in my household is the no-knead bread. I usually prepare it in the evening, letting it rise overnight, and then baking it fresh for breakfast the next morning. The only challenge I've encountered is that my boys devour the entire loaf in a single day, making it impossible to keep up with the demand! It also makes for a special gift to share with friends and family.
No-Knead Bread and Pizza Dough
3 cups AP flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt (I cut this in half from the original recipe)
1 - 12 oz beer (I used Berkshire Brewing Company Steel Rail)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Mix the flour with the yeast and salt. Add the beer and olive oil, and mix. Cover with plastic wrap and put it somewhere warm. When you’re ready to bake it, set your oven to 450 degrees. Place your dutch oven in the oven while it’s warming and leave it there for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove, line with parchment paper, and add the dough. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Let the bread rest and then slice, although we’ve been known to cut right into it. I highly suggest waiting, it’s much better warm than steaming hot. Enjoy!
Moga Offerings
And as you know, my heart is in teaching Moga to kids and teens, so if you have a young person in your life who you think could benefit from learning these practices, please email me for more information at daleymoga@gmail.com.
I’d be so appreciative if you forward this email to anyone who you think would be interested in learning more about Daley Moga.
Sending Love,
Leonor