Stewart’s

Radical Acceptance

|

I have been thinking a lot about the ammunition background checks and the new fees in New York. It upsets me and annoys me to no end, much like the burn ban and so many other things in New York State. But alas I’m powerless to change the direction of the state and while eventually I can relocate for now I’m embracing Radical Acceptance, much like the sign over Sheldon Silver’s old Capitol Office – It is What It Is.

Still it bites me to no end every day I read the news articles and the direction our state is going. But I try to avoid getting too hung up on it, and embracing Radical Acceptance and staying away from the news and social media platforms – and planning to stock up in Pennsylvania or West Virginia. Some day though I’ll move to a state that respects my freedom.

Radical acceptance is a concept often associated with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It involves fully and completely accepting reality as it is, without judgment or resistance, even if you don’t like or agree with the situation. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

  1. Accepting Reality: Radical acceptance means acknowledging the facts of a situation as they are, without trying to deny, avoid, or change them. It’s about coming to terms with the present moment, no matter how difficult or unpleasant it may be.

  2. Letting Go of Judgment: It also involves letting go of judgment and criticism towards yourself and others. Instead of labeling things as “good” or “bad,” you simply acknowledge that they are what they are.

  3. Embracing Emotional Responses: It doesn’t mean you have to like or approve of a situation, but rather that you acknowledge your emotional reactions to it. This can help you better understand your feelings and work through them constructively.

  4. Reducing Suffering: Radical acceptance is a way to reduce emotional suffering. When you stop resisting reality and accept it as it is, you can free yourself from the additional pain caused by fighting against what you cannot change.

  5. Problem-Solving from Acceptance: It’s important to note that radical acceptance doesn’t mean you should never take action to improve your situation. In fact, it can be a foundation for effective problem-solving. Once you’ve fully accepted reality, you can make clear-headed decisions about how to move forward.

  6. Mindfulness Practice: Mindfulness is often a key component of radical acceptance. By staying present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you can more easily practice radical acceptance.

Overall, radical acceptance is a valuable skill for coping with challenging situations, reducing emotional distress, and fostering personal growth and resilience. It allows you to approach life with a more balanced and open mindset, even when facing difficulties.

Onondaga Lake

|

Some views from my morning walk along Onondoga Lake on this beautiful late September morning.

Indian Summer

|

“Indian Summer” is a term used to describe a period of unseasonably warm, dry, and sunny weather that occurs in late autumn, typically during September and October in North America. During an Indian Summer, temperatures rise above the normal range for the season, and the days often feel more like summer than fall.

The origin of the term is somewhat debated, but it likely has its roots in early American settlers’ observations of Native American weather patterns. Indian Summers are characterized by clear skies, warm temperatures during the day, cool and crisp nights, and a lack of precipitation. This weather phenomenon can be quite pleasant and is often associated with a final burst of outdoor activities before the onset of colder winter weather.

How to shift better on your mountain bike 🚲

|

Shifting gears on a mountain bike is essential for maintaining a comfortable and efficient ride on varying terrains. Here are some tips for shifting on a mountain bike:

  1. Anticipate Terrain Changes: Try to anticipate changes in terrain, such as uphill climbs, downhill descents, or flat sections, in advance. This will help you prepare for the right gear changes.

  2. Use Both Shifters: Mountain bikes typically have front and rear derailleurs, each with multiple gears. Use both shifters in combination to find the right gear ratio for your current situation.

  3. Avoid Cross-Chaining: Cross-chaining occurs when you’re in a big chainring (front) and a big cog (rear) or a small chainring (front) and a small cog (rear). This can strain your drivetrain and reduce efficiency. Try to avoid extreme cross-chaining.

  4. Shift Before It’s Too Late: Shift gears before you reach a steep climb or descent. Shifting under heavy load can damage your drivetrain and make shifting less smooth.

  5. Light Pedal Pressure: Lightly pedal when shifting to ease the transition between gears. Don’t push too hard on the pedals while shifting.

  6. Listen and Feel: Pay attention to the sound and feel of your bike. When you shift, you should hear a clean and crisp transition. If it’s noisy or feels rough, consider adjusting your gears or having your bike serviced.

  7. Practice: Shifting effectively takes practice. Spend time on different trails to get a feel for how your bike behaves in various conditions.

  8. Fine-Tune Your Gears: If your bike has barrel adjusters, you can fine-tune your gears’ indexing. This can help ensure precise shifting.

  9. Maintain Your Bike: Regularly clean and lubricate your drivetrain to keep it in good working condition. Dirty or poorly maintained components can affect shifting performance.

  10. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about adjusting your bike’s gears, consider visiting a local bike shop for a professional tune-up or advice.

Remember that the right gear choice depends on the specific terrain and your personal fitness level, so experiment to find what works best for you on different trails.