Spirituality as a Life Path

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   "Religion is holding onto beliefs; whereas, spirituality is going beyond beliefs."
   Pema Chodron
   

   Other people have said similar things.  Brene Brown says that if someone holds rigidly to one's beliefs -- don't call that faith.  Being a spiritual seeker has always seemed the better route to me, although being part of a faith community is important for the support one can get and give.  So, what is "going beyond beliefs"?  I think it is accepting that all religions have a portion of the truth, but none - in my opinion - has the only truth.  I realize that saying that is equivalent to blasphemy to some.  I also know that it is an important part of the spiritual journey -- to recognize the oneness of us all and that there are some universal truths common to us all.  Those universal truths includes, love, compassion, freedom, respect -- and they are at the heart of all major religions.  What is universal truth to you?

   
   

Brushing One's Teeth

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   "You brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it properly? Here's how to brush: Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Or use an electric toothbrush. Either way, brush your teeth at least twice a day: in the morning and before you go to bed." Mayo Clinic It seems the older I get, the better care I need to take of my teeth.  Flossing, brushing carefully, and twice-a-year cleanings.  Here are some tips from Mayo on how to brush your teeth correctly.

   "You brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it properly? Here's how to brush: Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Or use an electric toothbrush. Either way, brush your teeth at least twice a day: in the morning and before you go to bed." Mayo Clinic
   
   It seems the older I get, the better care I need to take of my teeth.  Flossing, brushing carefully, and twice-a-year cleanings.  Here are some tips from Mayo on how to brush your teeth correctly.  

    

Honoring Our Life

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   "Everyone's life has a story." Billy Bob Thornton
   
   

   Perhaps we do not take enough time to honor the life we are living.  Buddhists remind us that to be born human is extraordinary -- so extraordinary that we should not take it for granted.  What story is your life telling?  Is it the story you want it to tell?  When I am with my loved one, I try to talk with him about the story of his life:  the great impact he made as a teacher, the children he parented, the dogs he cared for, the friends he made.  Each of our lives does tell a story.  Let's make sure that the story we are telling is the one that is true for us.  

Open Enrollment is Here

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   "The Medicare Annual Election Period that allows you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Prescription plan lasts from October 15 - December 7, 2014."  www.medicare.gov
   
   

   From  now until December 7, 2014, we have the opportunity to change our prescription drug insurance plans.  It is quite easy to do by going to the www.medicare.gov website and going to the tab that lets you compare available insurance plans in your state.  I did this the other day and saved almost $3000 next year on just my loved one's plan.  It was well worth the few minutes it took me to do it.  Since he has a long list of medications, I entered them several years ago and saved them with a password.  Now, all I have to do, is find his prescription list with his password and the website does the rest.  It compares how much it will cost us to fill his prescriptions for the year in 2015.  I encourage you to take the time to do this.  

The Spiritual or Emotional Side of Self Care

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   "Seek out a counselor or other mental health professional if you need assistance in dealing with the stress of caregiving." Hospice
   

   
   

   Caregiving is far too difficult to do without support.  Spiritual or emotional support is critical.  Some people can find the support they need in their own prayer or meditation practices, and other people need an actual person with whom to talk.  We will have many feelings in caring for our loved one as she or he dies.  We will also have many, many difficult decisions to make.  Getting the skilled and objective opinion of another person can be invaluable in helping us sort out what is right for us to do.  Let us find the support we need to do this caregiving role with graciousness.  

More on Self Care

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   "Don't try to do everything yourself." Hospice pamphlet
   
   

   That is easier said than done.  Our family is widely dispersed and/or busy so decisions and tasks are left to me. That may very well be true for you too, but if we can find someone to help us make decisions, do errands help with money, do household tasks; then that is optimal.  I consult with financial advisers, attorneys, medical personnel to help make the decisions that are necessary.  I hire a handyman to do the tasks I cannot do.  Who have you found to be helpful to you?

Taking Care of Yourself

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   "Take care of yourself.  You will be a more effective caregiver if you do." Hospice pamphlet
   
   

   There is tremendous stress for caregivers. We are handling the details of our own life, and the details of another person's life -- all while grieving the loss of the loved one as he or she is diminished day by day.  There is often financial stress, as the costs of care are very high.  One way to handle the stress is to talk about your feelings with someone you trust.  Exercise regularly and get enough sleep.  Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.  Do only what you can do; allow yourself to let some things go.