Day 184: Gluten + Guilt = Tummyache!

"Research is revealing that compassion is  so much more than just a kind reaction to  others’ suffering. It’s also an essential skill, one that can be improved over time to transform your life and increase your happiness." ~Marjorie Korn, "5 Ways to Practice Compassion and Get Better at It", Yoga Journal, October 2015

Serendipity is alive and well in my life. I headed out to the gym this morning first thing. My heart was still heavy. I grabbed a magazine that had just come in the mail for me, in case there was down time waiting for the bus. There was. And lo and behold I found the above article. All about practicing compassion and actually building on your compassion for yourself and others. It's a great read!
(http://www.yogajournal.com/article/balance/importance-compassion-finding-happiness/)

I'm having a very strange but wonderful day. After my workout, I returned home for lunch. I had leftover soup from last night. Packed my dinner for the day and headed out. Monday I begin teaching in North Portland. It's a bit of a journey, but I usually read and listen to music. But today my tummy was hurting.

True confession time. Yesterday, after the gym I was famished! I had not packed a meal. And I was determined not to stop for fast food. So I stopped for Chinese. Wow, it was so good! And so much! And I ate it all! I had Kung Pao Chicken. But I'm certain the chicken was coated in flour. I also ate the egg roll. Can you say "GLUTEN?!"

I am paying for it today. I actually had to call the parents of my North Portland family. It was a big of an emergency. I was at the MAX stop near the Moda Center. And I needed a restroom pronto. I didn't think I would make it to NoPo. Good call.

I ended up going to Panera for a salad, soup and tea. Then I stopped at the Dollar Tree and purchased some Tums and some supplies for my care packets for any homeless or desparate people that I might encounter in church or on the streets of Portland.

I am currently on a computer at the library. I printed up a list of homeless shelters and free meals in Portland. I am going to put a list in a plastic baggy along with some tissues, chapstick, hand lotion and a gift card for McDonald's or Burger King.

My tummy already feels much better. Perhaps gluten and guilt are not a good combination!

Happy Monday!

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