Healing Experiment | theclothesmakethegirl

Oct 3, 2012 Posted by Mel

[n=1] = Neener, Neener

Suck it, n=1 Sometimes I feel like the blasted n=1 equation that I’m supposed to embrace as a paleo devotee is really an abbreviation for a snarky Neener, neener! from the universe. What is n=1? In scientific research, the variable n represents the size of the sample, that is, the number of people involved in a study. So the equation n=1 means it’s an experiment of one. Like me. Or you. Robb... read more

Apr 12, 2012 Posted by Mel

Dr. Sebring and Zombie Radio

Let me start by saying that whatever might be implied by the title of this post, Dr. Sebring is neither a zombie nor zombie-like. He is a lovely human: vibrant, smart, kind, and very much alive. I cannot comment on his desire to eat brains, but I suspect that if he does, they are only of the lamb or calf variety. (That’s him, fourth from the left in the photo above, looking somewhat (to my delight)... read more

Mar 28, 2012 Posted by Mel

I Love My Body

A few weeks ago, I promised you a post that would get real about where I am with my body image right now. This is that post. As I mentioned on Monday, I’m in a state of confusion about what to do regarding my somewhat uncooperative body. Over the last two years, I’ve slowly gained weight — and during the last two months, it’s accelerated to the point that I’m getting a little... read more

Mar 26, 2012 Posted by Mel

Strength Monday 03/26/12 (w/ Bonus Befuddlement)

In my quest for lean superhero-ness, I’m following the Wendler 5/3/1 strength training program. Twice a week, Dave and I are hitting the craptastic gym in our Converse to lift heavy and crank through a mini-metcon. What is happening?! I feel like I’m supposed to have answers for you guys about nutrition and training, but right now, I have only questions and frustration to share. My experience... read more

Feb 20, 2012 Posted by Mel

Taking My Own Advice

I’m well-acquainted with the things I need to do to be the Best Version of Myself. Sometimes, I get caught up life-mania and/or having fun, and I neglect to take my own good advice. That all changed with a cookup and a badass workout… The Food Side of Life I didn’t do a Weekly Cookup last week, and we felt it all week long. We ate out in restaurants more often than usual, and my... read more

Jan 18, 2012 Posted by Mel

My New Vocabulary

[photo] When I started my yoga adventures a few months ago (as part of my Healing Experiment), I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t anticipate that (1) I’d learn a whole new vocabulary, or (2) that combining movement and breath in a particular pattern would leave me simultaneously tired and refreshed – and 24 hours later, comfortably sore. It seems that Kundalini Yoga is making... read more

Jan 1, 2012 Posted by Mel

The Best Version of Us For 2012

Last year, I decided to stop setting goals and to live like the person I wanted to be. The post below was originally published last December, and it’s been updated to reflect where I am in my life, one year later. For 2012, I remain committed to the philosophy it outlines, and I’ll be taking The Healing Experiment with me into the new year. Thank you for all of your support, funny comments, and... read more

Dec 15, 2011 Posted by Mel

Let Yourself Be

That’s what Robin, our kundalini instructor, said this morning. We had just finished a meditation which we later learned was 15 minutes long. Fifteen minutes, you guys! It was weird. Like, really weird. We chanted, with no music today… just a 4-line Sanskrit chant. Three of the lines ended with a really strong huh sound that we made by squeezing our diaphragms, bellows-style. It went on and... read more

Nov 24, 2011 Posted by Mel

I Am. You Are. We Are.

I’m stepping away from the computer for the rest of today (and tomorrow) to celebrate Thanksgiving and to devote all of my attention to Dave, Smudge, and the rest of my family. But before I go: a little Thanksgiving present from me to you. At yoga last week (I know! Another yoga story! It’s what I’ve got right now.), we finished our class with a meditation, and the instructor encouraged... read more

Nov 18, 2011 Posted by Mel

The Gong Show

This week I went to two Kundalini of Sound classes, and they were completely different than any other yoga or meditation I’ve done. This is the description of the class from the nifty YogaYogabrochure: Kundalini of Sound uses mantra, movement, mediation, music and the sound of the gong to promote transformation and relaxation. Basic familiarity with Kundalini yoga is helpful, but this class is... read more

Nov 16, 2011 Posted by Mel

It’s Gold And Pink And I Got A Feather

Things are getting pretty freakin’ groovy around my house, and you know what?! I kinda love it. I have no problem holding two diametrically-opposed views at exactly the same time, so while I’m mentally mocking the notion of “connecting to the divine” and “sitting like the Buddha,” I am also simultaneously falling in love with and totally digging on those ideas. And ocean... read more

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Reading right now...

The Redbreast: A Harry Hole Novel
I'm about two-thirds of the way through this detective thriller, and I'm hooked. It's set in modern Norway with flashbacks to WWII (catnip for me!) and features a somewhat grim hero that engenders empathy. I can't help pulling for the guy as I watch him struggle with his case and his life. The cast of characters is a realistic but motley crew, and it reminds me of other favorites set in cold, snowy climes: the Millenium Trilogy and Smila's Sense of Snow.
Recently finished...

The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million
I picked up this book after reading an interview with Lee Child (author of the Jack Reacher thrillers). He referred to The Lost as "the book of the century" and since I devour as much as I can about the Holocaust to try to make sense of it all, I decided I needed to read it immediately. Part memoir, part detective tale, this book was thoroughly engrossing. It's intelligent, annoying, moving, frustrating, and ultimately, rewarding and beautifully written. It challenged me in ways I didn't expect, and I was sad when it was finished.