This month has been about... finally getting broadband .... the cat that came back ... and hello possum!.... looks like we've got two new furry residents... wondering what's so secret about The Secret ... waiting for the two moons of August ... finishing my editor stint at Queensland Coach ... got another article published ... and one rudely rejected by a coach (of all people!) ... finding out What Not To Do to have a full and balanced life... a new gym program (Yay!)... re-starting my thesis ... having my own little Do Nothing Day....

Hi, my name's Trish and I'm a gym addict. Well, I was 12 months ago and now I gym in moderation. This month I was very excited to get a new gym program. What's this mean? It means my body hurts after I go to the gym (in a good way). For me, exercising isn't just about health. I actually find it a brilliant way to clear my mind. It's my very own version of a moving meditation. Breathing, counting, awareness. Clear mind. Healthy, strong body. I love it. (And this is from an avowed couch potato who said "nah, I'm not into gyms".) Caro finished her job last week so as of this month, I'm looking forward to returning to a more regular and frequent gym schedule. More peace. More energy. Aahhh.

Oh, and wanna see my new role model? 

Here's Rachel McLish who in 1984 apparently was "the world's most successful woman bodybuilder". That's what it says on her book Flex Appeal by Rachel (!) that I picked up for 40 cents from my local library sale. After a little search, I also found out that she was the first Miss Olympia (in 1980). The scary thing is that most of the exercises I currently do are in this book. Now, I'm sure I can get the muscles (check out those delts and triceps!) but will I ever be able to get hair, headband or shorts as spesh as hers? Hand me the hairspray. 

Sigh. I can but dream.

King Of the Mountain update... So did you run up the mountain? I have to report that I did not. I only got about 100m in my walk up the track before my knees began their crunching symphony. Next year it is then... Anyone want to join me in my run for fun?... Let me know... the more the merrier. (And there's nothing like accountability to make things happen!)

The Cows Say Hello BOOKS AND FILIMS

There's been much ado about a new film released in the States earlier this year called The Secret. I haven't seen it, but based on the discussions happening on blogs and forums overseas, this seems to be this year's "What the Bleep Do We Know". Instead of quantum physics (or in addition to it?), this one's about the Law of Attraction. Now, I don't see what's so secret about it: What you put out there, you get back. Interestingly when I went to download the online version, I was blocked because I'm in Australia (and they seem to be sorting out their distribution deal). Hmmm. What you put out there, you get back?

In a similar vein, I read Bruce Lipton's Biology of Belief last month and just didn't have enough space to tell you about it. I quite liked this book. It has a manic enthusiasm that gives the impression that its author is holding onto sanity by a thread. And if you are familiar with the madness/genius correlation, this can be a good thing. Only by stepping out of the realm of "what we believe" can new thought emerge... 

Dr Lipton's premise in a nutshell is this: We are influenced by our environments more than many imagine. Our genetics are a small part of the picture as to how we interpret and respond to the world. In particular we are influenced by the "energetic messages" from the environment and this has implications for our subconscious mind and our behaviour. As I said, I liked this book. It made me think (he's a biologist and it gets a little technical) and it reiterates something that we often forget: We don't really know that much about behaviour. I would have liked it even more if the "way ahead" wasn't a trademarked technique (which by the sounds of it is a mix of kinesiology and energy psychology) that can only be accessed by attending their workshops or certified practitioners. My subconscious planted the the phrase "snake oil" into my conscious mind and all Dr Lipton's great work came undone.

On a different planet, we have In Praise of Slow: How a worldwide movement is challenging the cult of speed by Carl Honore. This has to be one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time. It's not just the languorous descriptions of slow Italian meals, or examples of how speed really isn't doing us any favours in the health, longevity or happiness stakes... it's the total picture Honore paints of a lifestyle that restores the balance to our pace of life. After recently living two weeks of the "What Not To Do" lifestyle (where I could not even think straight by the end of it), I'm ready to sign on for slow. Slow is good. Yeeeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhh.

The Cows Say Hello DIY (LIFE) PROJECT OF THE MONTH

I've been pondering what to put up as the Project of the Month ... and if we were taking a linear approach to change then I'd be sharing a visioning exercise or perhaps a values exercise or ... something like that... but seeing as I'm not really a linear person, I thought I'd run with a technique that has a double edge to it for me. 

Energy psychology is an emerging field which is producing some amazing results for people with anxiety, phobias, blocks and what seems like everything else in between. I have used it and found it quite helpful in times when "nothing else works" and I really need to shift my energy (eg when I'm really anxious, upset, or super stuck). I can't explain how it works except to say that it seems to work at a physical level accessing the meridian points. (I suppose it's a form of accupressure.) And you use simple statements to "undo" limiting self beliefs. You may have heard it referred to as "tapping".

The form of this technique I've been taught and use is called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). It's been developed by a guy called Gary Craig who adapted his technique from Roger Callahan (of Thought Field Therapy fame). What I like about this technique is that:

1. It works for me (always a good sign)

2. It seems to work for many others - on a whole range of issues

3. It is open source (ie the technique is freely available, and people are very open in sharing what works and what doesn't work). 

4. The research that's starting to come in is very promising.

So, I like the transparency of it.

Got any lingering self-limiting beliefs? Feeling stuck? 
You can download the manual and find out much more at Gary Craig's website:
http://www.emofree.com/

The Cows Say Hello FOOOD

Lemon Dee-Licious Pudding

I have a confession. I had never tasted Lemon Delicious Pudding until three weeks ago. And my verdict? It's too, too good. This sensory delight was made by my big sister, Dee, for my parents 59th (!!) wedding anniversary last month. It was her second go at it, and it was spectacularly amazing. The flummery top was melt in your mouth wonderful and the lemon sauce was perhaps the sweetest thing I have tasted in a very long time. This version of the classic recipe (with my family's annotations) comes from Stephanie Alexander's Cooks Companion (first edition).

You need:
2 lemons
60g butter
1 1/2 cups castor sugar
3 eggs, separated
3 tbsp self-raising flour
1 1/2 cups milk

Preheat over to 180 degrees celsius and butter a one litre ovenproof basin or dish. Zest one lemon and juice both. Cream butter with zest and sugar (in food processor or blender) then add egg yolks. Add flour and milk alternately to make a smooth batter. Blend in lemon juice. Transfer to basin. Whisk egg whites until creamy and firm and fold gently into batter. [Mum's advice: To get the flummery texture be very gentle here. To get a spongier texture then mix in more fully.] Pour batter into the basin. Stand basin in a larger baking dish and pour hot water [into the dish] so that it comes halfway up the outside of the basin. Bake for one hour. Allow to cool a little before serving. Serve with cream...

mmmm. Dee-licious. Thanks Dee. (And Stephanie - what would we do without you? I often wonder if other households have the phrase (when referring to a recipe) "It's in Stephanie" or whose cooking conundrums are solved by asking WWSD? - What Would Stephanie Do? )

The Cows Say Hello: SENSEI

The Cows Say HOO ROO!