30 Comments

1. 

   Julie on May 21, 2012 at 12:35 pm

   Re: Thing 7. I buy myself little travel versions of all the toiletry things I use regularly, store them in a flashy zippered bag that lives under the bathroom sink, and throw it into the suitcase as is. It’s made me so much less likely to forget important items. (Um, toothbrush. Necessary.) Also, it’s fun to buy a crazy bright zippered bag (or make one — I’ve got friends who do that) that makes me smile when I see it, which makes traveling a touch less horrible.

   Reply
2. 

   Mechaieh on May 21, 2012 at 1:04 pm

   Hello, week. Hello, all.

   Update on some past things and gwishes:

   * budget discussion went well, and so did a second one
   * no more mice making themselves known
   * didn’t get to the buttons
   * still mystified by some of the health stuff
   * parking was a mess today, but rest of timing back on track

   A Thing for This Week: to sleep well and enough.

   WTWC:
   * recognize that the sun’s fully up by 6:30 a.m. Which means, for eight hours’ worth, falling asleep by 10:30 p.m. Which means brushing my teeth etc. around 9:30 p.m. — hmmmm. No wonder my inner rock star isn’t on board with this.

   I’ll play with: negotiating with my other selves — surely one of them (chatelaine? duchess? goddess? power broker?) can see this as her time in front of the V.

   Wishing everyone support and sparkles for their asks.

   Reply
3. 

   Leni on May 21, 2012 at 1:07 pm

   RE: Thing 7. I keep the plastic zipper bags that come with comforters or sheets in them. These are perfect because they are tougher than a just a baggie and are clear, unlike many toiletry kits. I have them in sizes from Weekend-getaway to two-weeks-in-Baja. When I’m done, I rinse or wipe them out, dry nthem, and then i can put the small ones into the big ones for Easy Storage.

   Reply
4. 

   Rhiannon on May 21, 2012 at 1:28 pm

   VPAs!

   The first thing:

   I get married in a month. And there is still *so* *much* that needs to be done before then. And because of needs for rest and socialization and timeliness, most of that needs to be done this very week.

   I’d like all the errands and communicating and shopping to happen in a safe, supported manner. Easily. With connection to the final goal, which is having a good time.

   Ways This Could Work:

   Stompopolis will help. Sleep and food could take care of themselves. I could have more breakthroughs like the beauty/radiance thing.

   What I’ll Play With:

   Shiva Nata. The Floop! Interviewing Projects and letting them sit a few days if they ask for it. Investigating *all* the iguanas. The idea that Force Fields are always the answer.

   The second thing:

   I’m teaching my monthly Shiva Nata class this Saturday. And a variety of awesome people appear to be coming (yay). But some of them are brand-new beginners, and some are much, much, much more advanced Shivanauts than me.

   Add to this that I’ve jumped both feet into Level 3 and am in an awkward place with the first two levels, and there is some destuckifying that needs to take place for me to connect to the joy of it.

   But I absolutely know this class could be wonderful like (almost) all the classes I’ve ever taught have been. And that’s what I want.

   Ways It Could Work:

   I could have a super strong force field. I could be very clear on the qualities I’m trying to connect to. All the people who are 90% certain of showing up could *really* *come*. And some more people too (I could write a blog post and remind Rachel and possibly e-mail that other lady).

   What I’ll Play With:

   Using Shiva Nata (of COURSE). Getting a massage the morning of, so my shoulders are super loose. Asking for a theme. Talking to and/or coloring monsters about this. And gwishing for the right people at the right time doing the right thing.

   Reply
5. 

   Kylie on May 21, 2012 at 1:36 pm

   @Rhiannon: I get married in less than three weeks, so sending you solidarity on that one. :o)

   Hmm. What do I want for this week?

   Thing 1: Rest. Ohmygoodness do I want wonderful, beautiful, easy sleep at night. I want this deeply, and kind of desperately.

   Ways this could work: I could keep trying legs up on the wall before bed, and winding down before bed, and keeping electronics out of the bedroom. I could also experiment with some writing on the many emotions tied up in this. Maybe read some Harry Potter before bed.

   I’ll play with: Returning to the process, instead of banging my head against the wall.

   Thing 2: Things getting planned, in a fun way.

   Ways this could work: I could consider that this might actually be possible. It could just be easy and fast. There could be more time for lolling about, and less time for “Planning.”

   My commitment: To keep remembering to let go, let go, let go. The breeze will carry it.

   Sending love to everyone’s VPAs this week.

   Reply
6. 

   Deb on May 21, 2012 at 1:57 pm

   Thing 7: Sorry no link. First, I also use sample bottles (that I refill myself) for travel and the gym/pool. I keep them filled and sorted in ziploc freezer-type bags by category; shower/hair, or teeth, or what have you.

   Next, I have a small (9x6x1) zippered compartmented make-up case (when it’s closed it looks like a small book in a zippered cover with handles) that I keep band-aids, wet-wipes, emery boards, earrings/jewelry, lens towelettes (you get the idea) in; plus it has a little flip out hanger thing (can hang on the robe hook behind the bathroom door and off the counter).

   Next is the really cool part because my latest wheeled carry-on came with a snap-in zippered waterproof see-thru bag that the ziplocs and the make-up case fit in perfectly. And since it snaps into the top of the carry-on it isn’t lost on the bottom if I arrive late and cranky, and the risk of spills is minimized.

   It sounds complex but really only the original set-up of the ziplocs and the make-up case are; after that it is maintaining the habit of resetting the items in the ziplocs and the “all-trips” stuff in the make-up case after a trip so these can be grabbed, trip-specific items added, and then placed in the snap-in bag in the carry on next time.

   Happy travels.

   Reply
7. 

   Jesse on May 21, 2012 at 2:13 pm

   I am eternally in search of that very same toiletry thingy! I am currently coveting this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/95229718/makeup-bag-magenta-lace-oilcloth-small and trying to figure out if it’s actually the one I want. I am so reluctant to decide! Current qualities I have discerned for myself: no to plain cotton and envelope style, yes to waterproof and square-shaped and zipper and vegan and pretty. I will plant the link here in case it is of use to you.

   Onto my VPAs…

   1. Movement and improvement, no more waffling

   What I want: I want my marriage to change. Or possibly go away. Or get better, either by crazy-revolutionary improvement or by crazy-revolutionary decision making. Either way. I am tired of the state of floundering. It has been one SUPER DUPER LONG YEAR of this waffling.

   Ways this could work: I could suddenly become less afraid of the changes involved in no-more-waffling. The secret ingredient W (not related to waffles) could help, of course. I don’t know, I think there is mood stuff to figure out here in general. I emphatically do NOT want it to happen via a Large Obsessive Distracting Project (a.k.a. moving house or having a baby), even though they are super tempting for all the reasons that distractions tend to be.

   What I’ll play with: Getting super bold about my declarations. What is my damnit list here? Maybe I need to write one. I’ll also play with the super power of not being afraid to be bold out loud, and to try things out even when they feel weird (along the lines of “If ___________ is true, what do I feel? If it is not true, what do I feel?”). Perhaps testing some of the bold statements over on the Floop.

   .
   2. A week that glides into Stompopolis

   What I want: Sunday is my first watch. I want the week to just glide its way there, despite my current perception of this week as full of rain-sadness and cycle-sadness and other obstacles. Gliding is the quality of daily entry/progress toward the watch: it is always in sight, and entry/exit is a more conscious part of the week.

   Ways this could work: As usual, my perceptions of the obstacles could change. Perspective! Even when that seems unlikely. I could gain energy in unlikely ways. Dance party in the car! I could spend time doing the obvious thing, which is writing out the four questions and acting on the clues I find there.

   What I’ll play with: Planting it here. Giving myself time to figure out some weekend entry rituals, maybe writing about entry on the Floop. Writing the essential things in my moleskine to serve as my passport/entry guide.

   .
   3. Appointment decision

   What I want: Oy vey. Panic, ack! First, I want to exit this panic and give legitimacy to it and the fact that I successfully called silent retreat when I couldn’t decide. Yay silent retreat! But mainly, I want to (soon) make a decision.

   Ways this could work: I can give the tiny panic time to recede. I can map the driving time in case that points me in a certain direction. I can look for other clues, too.

   What I’ll play with: Breathe, breathe, breathe. Also, maybe I need to write down a list of what I need. And do phonecall entry for the call back or the referral call, because both need their own kind of forcefield. I’ll also play with knowing that this might not be necessary; I could wait until Friday and see what the Dr says and go from there.
   .

   Report on VPAs!

   I have been silent retreating my VPAs for a little while, but one was very particularly about my wardrobe for a business trip. Getting clear with its boundaries and needs, keeping a watchful eye out for bargains. And then in one fell swoop on Saturday I found everything I was looking for! Jacket shoes skirt blouse! Wow and yay.

   Kisses to all the VPA magics!

   Reply
8. 

   shadowedge on May 21, 2012 at 2:25 pm

   First VPA! Oh, the joy and terror…

   1. Want to find a way to live with my office mate that does not lead to me feeling stomped on at the end of the day.
   Ways this could happen: Work on adding to my spoon collection, so that I have energy for hard conversations. Decide what I want as an outcome.

   What I’ll play with: journalling, talking with supportive people, maybe making little webs and pictures with owls on them.

   Reply
9. 

   Hannah_Savannah on May 21, 2012 at 2:43 pm

   Hurrah VPA time!

   RE thing 7 ! – I have a sort of fold-out toiletry bag. During travels, it travels (i spend about half my month not-at-home). During home time, it hangs next to my mirror/water station.

   It came from this shop/brand in Amsterdam – http://unlike.net/amsterdam/shop/mono. The whole brand is pretty great – fair trade and trendy and practical all. Oh but now I can’t find the type I mean.

   The one I mean (which is super useful) sort of unzips. and then the flap opens and you can hang it from the flap, and all your stuff is automatically standing up straight. and there’s all kinds of little pockets for hiding little bottles in!

   Gwishes! into the pot

   * growing things (at floop)! because i am having a ball. And Jane calls ‘business plans’ ‘garden plans’ and I am working on some gardening!

   * more time working in the real garden. more gardening options everywhere.

   * A good bike. A Dutch person needs a good bike. I got a temporary one. But it’s no good and a good one is needed.

   * This is a big ask but a serious one. I want a canon 5D DSLR camera (if anyone has one in access do let me know please!)

   Reply
10. 

    Hannah_Savannah on May 21, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    * PS – adequate compensating for the camera would be available – I’d just prefer it arrives to me second-hand and through a surprise channel 😉

    Reply
11. 

    Hannah_Savannah on May 21, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    PPS
    I found a hanging toiletry bag! It is not the best but i guess it’s an illustration – here ! http://www.animalprintessentials.com/category/products/zebra-print-products/zebra-accessories

    Reply
12. 

    Sue T on May 21, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    More “personal organizer” toiletry bags from L.L. Bean–

    Large:
    http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/73883?feat=73889-ppodxs&dds=y

    Small:
    http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/73889?feat=73883-ppodxs&dds=y

    Reply
13. 

    Julie on May 21, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I have no toiletry bag suggestions. Good luck in finding one. Sounds like you have MANY options!

    VPA #1
    What I Want:
    A smooth move. I’m moving! Ack!! I want this move to go more smoothly than the last time I moved. I want to pack my own stuff and know where it ends up at the new apartment. I want to unpack it quickly and not have boxes haunting us for months after we move.

    Ways This Could Work:
    *Taking it in little projects.
    *Employing the mini-mes to move their own stuff.
    *Start early in the day before other things can get in the way.
    *Don’t quit!! 🙂

    I’m A Be:
    Just letting things happen. I’ve already made my obligatory, “I have reservations about the move in date” conversation with the necessary people. I’m going to just keep working and figure out what needs to be done when it comes.

    I will also work on a whole lot of “now is not then” remembering for good measure. Last time was quite frustrating for me. It will help to remember that now is not then.

    VPA #2
    What I Want:
    To just do the thing already.

    Ways This Could Work:
    *Do some Shiva Nata to help figure out where the stuck is.
    *Draw up some better blueprints.
    *Search for the openings.
    *Be conscious of when all things point to yes.

    I’m A Be:
    Practicing some Shiva Nata. Drawing up some new blueprints. Keeping my eyes peeled.

    Reply
14. 

    Aga on May 21, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    The key to my toiletry bag happiness is a printed checklist on which I can cross off items as I check the bag. I have one that, in theory, is always packed with travel sized items, but the reality is that stuff comes out, runs out, or gets pillaged during a shortage and the part I hate is looking at the bag and trying to see if I am forgetting something. So, one small checklist by category – eyes, teeth, hair, skin, make up, jewelry, etc… – seems to take that out of the packing experience. Good luck!

    Reply
15. 

    Amber on May 21, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    I have a big tub that I keep all my travel stuff in and an excel list that I use to make decisions about what to pack. I never know what I’m going to want to bring until I know where I’m going, so when I’m ready to pack, I put a check by everything on the spreadsheet I want to bring. Then I print it out and check off the boxes as I pack each thing.
    I don’t forget things anymore. Yay!

    I have a small plastic box that has a tight snappy lid and is just big enough to hold six small 2 oz bottles. I got it at the Container Store in NW Portland near Whole Foods. When I go on a plane, I put the snappy lid thing in my carry on and put the six bottles in a big plastic bag. After the security area, I just pop the whole bag back in the snappy box. It stands up! It doesn’t leak! I can send you a picture of the snappy box in action and a copy of the spreadsheet if you like.

    Update on my VPAs
    I have made some decisions. One decision I made is that I don’t have to know how it will all work out before I do anything. I just have to take the next step.

    So I have been taking steps, and I feel a little scared, but mostly relieved. I’ve been very very very sad for almost three years, and while taking steps doesn’t make it all go away, I have been able to tell Scared Me that not knowing how it will work doesn’t mean that it won’t.
    I mean, when I was a kid, there was no internet, so how could I know I’d be a web geek when I grew up? Things I can’t imagine right now will be happening in my future. And at least some of them could be good.

    Amber

    Reply
16. 

    VickiB on May 21, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    It seems like there are a lot of possibilities for the toiletry case. Mine is a Rubbermaid lunch box. It holds an amazing amount of stuff.

    My VPAs:

    Thing 1: Cabo Bojador (Shhh! It’s a metaphor.)

    I want the travel to Cabo Bojador to occur with ease. I want to establish the base camp and carry out the inland explorations successfully.

    What will help:

    Sleep and rest.
    Sandwich gnomes.
    Calendaring.

    Thing 2: Iguana extermination

    — and clearing out the mess they make!

    What will help:

    Sleep and rest.
    Sandwich gnomes.

    Thing 3: Sleep and rest.

    I want sleep and rest, partly for things 1 & 2, and partly for its own sake. Sleep is good, yes?

    What will help:

    Bedtime rituals.
    Stretches and yoga.
    Time with MrB.
    Lots of naps.
    The right food and drink — avoiding stimulants, things that are acidic and irritating.
    Using what I know.

    Wishing all a safe and ease-filled week with successful VPAs.

    Reply
17. 

    olga on May 21, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    @Hannah_Savannah, I might have a 5d for you, but I don’t know how to contact you – I’ve tried twitter. I hope this is appropriate comment, Havi, since it’s a response to somebody’s VPA posted here?

    Reply
18. 

    Hannah_Savannah on May 22, 2012 at 12:47 am

    @Olga that is so exciting !

    true that twitter account has changed – could send an email to my new ‘internet’ gmail address embassyofexploration (+ adgmaildotcom)

    Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
19. 

    Judy on May 22, 2012 at 4:47 am

    RE thing # 7

    I have that zebra handing toiletry bag! I love it.After having tried many different methods for touring, this one has worked the best.

    I keep it ready to go (small bottles/packets/baggies of everything I usually need), hanging in my closet when I’m not traveling, and when I have to go, I just fold it up and put it in suitcase. Easy smeesy. I also have a different one for earrings and other adornments, which I keep in the closet at all times.

    VPA – invoking amnesty (it’s Tuesday)

    1) I want to have non-exhausting fun this week.

    Ways this could work:

    Sunshine would help…
    Eat well, get enough sleep, say yes to ease. Talk with monsters that worry and tell me I’m not doing enough. Practice landing in my body again and again.

    What I’ll do:
    Practice showing up, have some monster talking time.

    2) 1 more client

    Ways this could work:

    A parent who gets my new ebooks (coming very very soon) could want to work with me.

    Someone could be recommended.

    I could consider placing an ad in the local holistic network.

    Someone could just show up 🙂

    What I’ll do:

    Stay open to more ways to connect. Explore patterns (dancing the Shiva). Remember ease.

    Reply
20. 

    Corie Weaver on May 22, 2012 at 6:19 am

    Little gwishings. Getting my toes wet again, and remembering how much I love this ritual.

    Stepping back into patterns feels wonderful. Making new plans, and evaluating plans based on “is it fun?” is fabulous. I want more fun this week.

    My major stress right now is the fundraiser. I need to find sponsors. I’m going to throw it into the pot. I can do this, and I don’t need to be completely crazy about it all the time. How this could work…. Honestly, not sure how to do it outside of any of my usual ways. So

    Tiny whisper qwish for 2 teeny steps towards Recess. Shh.

    Big non-whispery wish for being able to hula hoop and move at the same time!! I want more progress on this!

    Ooh – and to get the new orphic site launched! Even if its next week!

    And so many hugs and sparkles for everyone here. Silent Retreating on details, but its super wonderful to know that this culture is around.

    Reply
21. 

    Kylie on May 22, 2012 at 7:34 am

    Forgot to add: If I were in need of a toiletry bag, this is where I’d buy it: http://www.muji.us/store/health-and-beauty/pouches.html

    Muji also has containers to put creams and things in: http://www.muji.us/store/health-and-beauty/containers.html

    Reply
22. 

    Havi Brooks on May 22, 2012 at 11:35 am

    Yay! @Olga – absolutely!

    Reply
23. 

    Whitney on May 22, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Thing #1: Oh my God my Back What The Hell
    What I want:
    To have a healthy back. To not be constantly thinking about how much it hurts, how I really don’t want to have to bend over, how I did that thing last night that made me feel better but now I feel worse and I can barely move.

    Of course, in a way this is a proxy, because there’s a ton of stuff going on in my non-physical world that I’m ignoring, and I know that a part of this pain is because I can’t ignore physical stuff as well.

    Ways This Could Work:
    -I’m going to the chiropractor in an hour. He could fix me.
    -He can also tell me more helpful hints for things to do to reduce my pain.
    -I can Fractal Flower it by working on some of my other stucknesses, and my pain can magically reduce.
    -[Silent Retreat]

    I’ll Tinker With:
    -Looking for more padding to put on my bed.
    -More Kitty Yoga!
    -Asking for people to be nice to me, because my back hurts.

    Thing #2: My Whole Frakking Life to Not Be Shitty
    What I want:
    I’m stuck. I’m still pining for parts of my past life, even though I know that I can’t go back. I’m being faced with a million choices, a million possibilities, or at least 15. And even though that’s freeing, it’s also scary as hell. I’m afraid of choosing the wrong choice, and I don’t know what I really want. So I’m stuck in this small temporary jumping-off space, that’s not really meant for long-term use, I can’t go back, and I’m scared to leap forward.

    So that’s where I’m *at*. What I *want* is: to have the courage and the motivation to start moving. To have some sort of faith that I won’t make the wrong choice. To not beat myself up for the past or the future, both of which will never be perfect.

    Ways This Could Work:
    -Right now, I don’t really know. To be honest, my back is hurting so bad that I can’t think about this all that clearly.
    -I know that listening to everyone else’s opinion about how my life should be lived hasn’t been working. I have to connect with my own inner wisdom (excuse the hippie speak).
    -The vulnerability that I accidentally showed during my last interview could pay off, either by getting my that job, or in some other unexpected way.
    -I can get help from source X.

    Things to Tinker With:
    -Turning in the verifications so I can get help from Source X.
    -Singing. I don’t know why but I keep feeling that singing is part of the solution.
    -Finding some super seekrit way of getting stuff done.

    Thing #3: Oh Jesus. And Vishnu. And Kwan-Yin.
    What I want: Prayer. Faith. Ritual. In my own slightly wacky way.

    For me, prayer is a huge source of strength and energy. Which I need a lot of to deal with Thing #2 right now. Also, there are a lot of other people in my life who need prayer right now. I want to be able to help myself and them. But I’m having blocks about actually sitting down and *doing the thing*.

    Ways This Could Work:
    -Gold star stickers! (Not a metaphor!)
    -Coloring! (Also not a metaphor!)
    -Um, I could suddenly wake up as this person who just has a prayer ritual that works for her, that she always does, and that she’s not apologetic for?

    I’ll Tinker With:
    -Praying while waiting for the bus.
    -Singing songs that are spiritual for me.
    -Working on my presentation for my Thursday night Buddhist meeting.

    Thanks all!

    Reply
24. 

    Juliet on May 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    I do the always-packed-with-mini-things toiletry bag thing too.

    VPA 1:
    Finish the story by Sunday without stress or pressure

    How this could work: I have a timetable! Also, making sure I do think about it during odd moments (eg feeding the baby) rather than reading the internet.

    My commitment: deep breaths, remembering that I do have time, keeping an eye on the schedule, tackling bite-sized chunks.

    VPA 2: continue working out how I can manage baby + other things that are important to Mr.

    How this might work: a whole bunch of ways!

    My commitment: keep playing & experimenting. Allow myself to get it wrong – it’s all useful data

    VPA 3: working on my priorities. I want to prioitise caring for L, & writing. Other stuff tends to creep in.

    How this might work:? Need to think about that!

    My commitment: conscious entry to all the things, both writing & other stuff. Observe why I’m choosing to do what I’m choosing to do, and think.about those needs. & hoe I can meet them.

    Reply
25. 

    Laurie on May 22, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    @Havi, the age-old toiletry problem! I, too, have been faced with this. I’ve tried a ga-zillion solutions, and the best one that works for me is not very creative, but semi-fun to be around, and let’s me not have to think about this which is ultimately what I want anyway. 🙂

    I get the little bottles – I like the ones from the drugstore, in the travel-size section, but they are all over, and online too (I bet there are some bad ass ones somewhere… shaped like sea creatures or something) – and anything that’s big and universal, which for me is facewash, shampoo/conditioner, my face cream and body lotion, get miniaturized one time and put in little bottle, like I’m a mad scientist taking my act on the road, and THEN put in a (this part is very important) very pretty bag that I love to look at. Mine is pink.

    Anything else, like my special toothbrush or little things I use every day like my sunscreen, get added right before each trip. I could buy an extra, that could just live in my pretty bag of tricks, but I like to keep my toiletry count lean and mean.

    🙂

    VPA!

    Thing 1: I want to continue to work on systems that support me.

    Ways this could work: Continue studying WHY I do what I do – what needs are being met? What are other ways that I could meet these needs? and investigating what I want and how that is supported.

    My commitment: Making notes, investigating without judgement. Experimenting.

    Thing 2: I want to continue to add rituals that support consciousness, exit and entry, and focusing on my wants.

    Ways this could work: Well, it already is kind of working. I have my Wanting What I want Today ritual in the development stages, and exit and entry into the car, the work, and the working with clients.

    My commitment: Reflecting on what is working and supporting me, and what is not working for me.

    Thing 3: I want to write a book that goes into what I believe and things you can do so that it helps people and they can read it before we work together to save everyone’s time and help me from being bored off of my rocker.

    Ways this could work: Have this be part of my daily writing practice. Studying the essences that I want this to reflect (meaningful, fun, lovely) to focus the project.

    My commitment: Ruminate on this. Maybe sketch out an outline.

    Thing 4: I want to continue my daily writing practice, it’s going okay-ish but I want to produce more content!

    Ways this could work: Meeting myself where I am rather than focusing completely on results that I want. But also being creative about getting those results. Staying loose with it.

    My commitment: Reflecting on what is working and what is not working.

    Thing 5: Be doing more yoga, not just exercising.

    Ways this could work: Start small, like in my living room. Let it be an experiment. Permission slip to take time to go to a long yoga class. Incorporate it in small ways into my daily life.

    My commitment: To continue to converse about the resistance here for me, which is likely around trying to avoid my stuff.

    Thing 6: Get up earlier in the morning. Because I love mornings (but I LOVE sleeping!).

    Going to bed earlier. Which means stopping work earlier. Which means starting the day earlier. Permission slip to take a nap later in the day. Having something that I love to look forward to – like Wanting what I want, writing things I want to write about, secret love fest time with my puppy.

    REFLECTION ON LAST WEEK’S VPA:

    Good progress on creating daily systems. I think treasuring, then dissolving, then HELLO DAY is the order that feels good to me.

    That idea on work was busted. I just need to quit which I will do as soon as I’m in person with my boss.

    Daily writing practice in progress too and evolving, it’s connected with mornings somehow.

    Staying in the process of wanting…

    Reply
26. 

    Laura on May 22, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    VPAs – silent retreat

    Thing #7 – So many good toiletry ideas here.

    I have a bag that hangs and has clear compartments that can be zipped closed. Then the whole thing folds together and snaps. (I know there are more of these around, not sure where but I recommend this kind that hangs and folds out and has closed compartments…) It is nifty, and I accidentally found it at the airport coming home from a trip w/my best friend. She spotted them on display (and clearance) as we walked by the little airport gift shop on our way out. I guess it was a perfect simple solution to a problem I didn’t know I had.

    Since then, I just keep it hanging in the bathroom with many of the necessaries (like little face creams and stuff) in it. Then I have very little to add to it when I travel. Also, I always pick up a sample of lotion or shampoo or whatever when they’re out at the store. Then I just put them in there (which is easy because I know where it’s hanging) Those little samples are so great for traveling.

    Also, if I don’t need all that much, sometimes I just grab the ziplock that I use for my airport carry-on. I just try to keep it stocked always so I can grab it…it’s great for just one night somewhere.

    p.s.
    As I was walking out of Stompopolis yesterday I (very literally) thought, “Wow, Havi is so brave.”

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27. 

    Riin on May 23, 2012 at 7:07 am

    I have a clear zippered bag of what I call “bathroom stuff.” Because, you know, it’s bathroom stuff.

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28. 

    Leni on May 23, 2012 at 7:55 am

    It appears to me that VPAs I make during a waning moon dont really come to very much. This is pretty much to be expected.

    My VPa re: the End of WNB is almost funny the total FAIL it was. Not only did this not end it continued and increased. So I need to do some R&D on that. I’m letting myself off the hook too, obviously there is something deeper at play than I think.

    VPA 1: Treehouse Time. WIth my surgery moved up and feeling so very very insecure and not-sovereign, I really want to set aside good concntrated time for some process work with all the many pieces that are whirling arond: the surgery, a surgery plan, the Sweet project getting hot, so much other stuff. I need to go, sit with my art supplies and start playing, when I’m alone and have a good bit of time to spend on this.

    WTCW: I could make the commitment and devote time to it FRiday, when I have some time off. I can put it in the calendar or soemthign, or choose a time that I will go in, and I will ignore the phone.

    MC: I will do this friday, and I will gather all the papers, and other supplies ahead of time so I can gtet right to it and I will burn my nice green TReehose Candle.

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29. 

    Jule Kucera on May 25, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Late to the party but I have an excuse–was flying around in airplanes (again) this week. Let’s call that Credentials!

    #7: Depends on how much you want your fave stuff or if you’re okay using what you can find around town. I’m picky, picky, picky so I transfer my fave hairstuff and facestuff into GoToobs which are easy to refill and don’t pop open in your suitcase: http://www.amazon.com/humangear-GoToob-Silicone-Travel-Bottles/dp/B0039VM8F2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1337969559&sr=1-2

    Also, if your travels frquently take you to the same place, then keep a stash there. Whatever you need to make you feel at home, if you want it, there’s a way to have it waiting for you. (I have an electric toothbrush waiting for me in Cincinnati.)

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30. 

    Julia on May 25, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    My toiletry bag ritual is similar to others described – I keep a toiletry bag with sample and travel sized versions of my regular stuff, a travel toothbrush, tweezers, and other Necessary Implements at the ready. If I need to travel, I grab it and go. When I get home, part of the returning ritual is checking to see if I need to replace anything so it will be ready next time. I never arrive someplace without the things I need, and I never have to think about it. Perfect.

    Reply