think tanks

The news headlines today said eight more councils have been "drought declared".  Ironically it was raining at the time

Here are three ideas that roll into one, quite nicely.


1. I know of thousands of square metres of vacant public "art space" in Brisbane. - water tanks.

2.Not an original idea, it is from NYC, have a look at "think Tanks" here is the link think tanks new york. Heaps of famous artists in New York have been commissioned to illustrate the water tanks of the city to draw attention to the issue of water in New York and in the world.

3. I am really proud of the way Brisbane minded it's water in the last big drought. Everyone knew how much water their household used, having that brown lawn was a badge of honour. It was the talk around the dinner party table. I think the folks of Brisbane really proved that if we all pull together we can achieve something, even if it means personal sacrifices. Remember the four minute showers, level four water restrictions.

Let's do this, there are so many great little graphic design firms and artists in Brisbane. Let's show off our water awareness through some funky art and illustration and grafitti.

Fruit and veg thoughts

Our hunter gatherer brain
  There is something about a market filled with colorful produce that puts a spring everyone's step,  it makes me feel like there is nothing to worry about, that there is plenty.

Similarly, the many fruit and nut trees on the canal bank.  One of our fellow travelers said that you get your eye in.  And sure enough, I could easily start spotting the cherries and the walnuts.  Even hazel trees though nowhere near ready could be spotted.

I love it.

Coincidentally, I have just read yet another article about the high consumption of  fruit protecting us, this time, against chronic disease.

Heading Home

On the homeward run

Many squats later, we have learnt many things,

Apartment living in looks and feels very interesting.

Getting to the last plane now,  from summer to winter.

See you very soon

Habit of the Week.

Squats

This is an important exercise,  it works the large muscle groups of the lower body, strengthens muscle and bone, this improves balance.  Squatting properly may also save the back from injury, because it allows the correct muscles , the strongest muscles to do the lifting.

I have been doing squats while I have been away, and it has been photographed.

Can't wait to show you.

Pics of bikes

Our posh boat at the Bailly Caves

Exercise Elsewhere

We had heard that tai chi happens at the lake about 5.30am  (yikes 5.30?), and that the women meet up down at the lake, then go into the markets to buy the days food, fresh every day of course.  So off we went.  Nice to stretch our legs and be able to walk more calmly without the traffic.

Not so much a trickle.......

When we rounded the corner we walked into a river of people all moving, walking, cycling, running around the wide walking paths and road that circles the lake.  When I saw all the groups doing exercise together on the foreshore, I was moved to tears seeing so many content people all together.  As well, because  there was no traffic, there were no honking horns,  the brain could relax, a little,  without the concern of some random scooter or truck coming from any crazy angle.

There were many different large groups of ladies doing "tai chi". It was more like calisthenics really.  There was a loud speaker with a scratchy sounds track, counting out the beat and one very very old lady out in front.  Another group had red fans and were preparing to start,
Yet another were a group of men, with a couple gym stations and some heavy dumbells, shoulder press, bench press, push ups off the park bench.  After a while the ladies commenced tai chi proper.  This time there was a younger man who lead them through their moves, incredibly slowly.  They all followed, but all at different speeds!  Who cares, it wasn't for show. And they were al great and some were very old.

What is lesson for us?

No one was here under sufferance. It was a joyful atmosphere.  These people all work pretty hard physically during a typical day and still find the energy to exercise in the morning.

It was the coolest part of the day.
Uncle Ho (Ho chi Minh) was in favour of tai chi and practiced daily.  So culturally, politically and personally, exercise is held in high esteem.  This is in part due to good leadership and good role models.

Why is so tricky for us in the west?

Why do we have such a love/hate relationship with exercise?  Is is because physical work was/is regarded as low status?  We know exercise is doing us good, we always feel better for having done it.  Have we evolved to look for the easy way out, i.e. to be economical with our movements.

We, in the west, definitely have something to learn here.

At the lake first thing in the morning, Hanoi

Habit of the week. - Sleep well

So many aspects of good health rely upon having a good night's sleep.

• Energy levels
• Cognitive function
• Mood
• Growth
• Kidneys, lungs

You get the picture.

What can you do to sleep better?

Let go of stress, physical and emotional. Start darkening your environment. Ensure you are well hydrated all day, so you don't need a big catch up drink at night.  Can you think of any more?

Let me know by email or click comment and start a discussion