tranquility

Right now, at this moment, I feel at peace. I usually feel this way after ending a meditation, which I have just done (one for the chakras, specifically). I love the way my body feels and the way my mind can concentrate and focus during meditation, and usually subsequently after. However, I want this feeling to continue on throughout the rest of the day...

While doing my meditation, a revelation came to me -- something that I have thought of and pondered before, but it just came with such force that I thought I should share...for every breath we breathe in, that clean mix of oxygen and nitrogen, among other gases, our body knows instinctively to fuel our body and release carbon dioxide, a change of gases within our own system! Chemistry happening at its best. And while I was focusing on my breath and letting it become my area of concentration, I could feel my heart thump in my chest. I have been experiencing gas pains in my chest and stomach area since yesterday morning when I woke up, and while I meditated, they went away. I could feel my heart pumping away, giving my blood a richness with that oxygen I'm breathing in...and it just came to me. Our bodies are such awesome miracles. I have always felt this way, and I feel I've always known, at least in the core of myself, that we truly are fortunate to have these amazing, functioning external shells. I like realizing it more often though, as it makes me more appreciative of what I have. It's perplexing to me when people want to starve themselves or overeat either out of feelings or pressure. If we really stop and think about it, shouldn't we be providing this wonderful miracle the most healthy and natural foods we can? I'm not vegetarian anymore, even though I was for like 3-4 years before stopping. It's been about 10 months that I've been off the "vegetarian" wagon, but I'm starting to consider hopping back on it again. Chicken occasionally is fine by me, and fish is wonderfully delicious and healthy, but a lot of things like milk, cheese, ice cream -- they have been my downfalls, and usually the kinds of food that make me not feel so great after I eat it.

Anyhow, all this food talk is irrelevant today. I am doing a water fast until tomorrow morning, mostly because I've been in pain due to - I'm guessing - gas pains. I feel this heaviness in my chest, accompanied by some sharp pains, and I know this is TMI, but I've been burping more than I normally do, which is already a lot! Blah. I figure this fast today should maybe help even some things out and give my digestive system a little break. I did eat spicy curry chicken before all this pain began, so I would like for my body to forgive me. :)

first blog!

Wow. So, I haven't blogged in a really long time, but this is now my new tool for staying in touch with my friends I don't get to see regularly, since I will be moving to a new state in the next couple of months. That's right. I'll be moving from good 'ole Florida (which I really do love dearly, especially the weather) to the infamous Windy City, a place of culture, diversity, and the Chicago Cubs, haha. I'm so excited for my transition because not only will my best friend and lover, John, be coming with me, but I'll be embarking on the degree I've been wishing and hoping for, my doctorate in psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. It's a private, non-profit school, which makes me happy, knowing that all my loans and money will be going towards a good cause. It's also one of the only graduate schools in the country that incorporates a community service practicum into their program, where you are actually required to work for the community and for the local good of your neighbors by writing grants, getting laws or rules passed, organizing charity events, et cetera. I am so psyched that I'll be part of such a large community who all have the same beliefs and morals I do, as far as responsibility goes for the society that we live in. That's one of the attributes that drew me into this school and this program, and one of the things that sets it apart from other grad schools in the same field of study. Not to mention, they won an award from the APA for that aspect of their program.

Anyhow, other than bragging about my new school, I have a lot to say. However, at the moment I am tired and I have to be going to sleep soon, as I have work early in the morning. Luckily, I only work two days this week, as I am heading back to home (Kissimmee) on Thursday to leave to go to Key West with my mama! We are having a mother/daughter weekend in the Keys, and we plan on getting massages, watching the new S&TC movie, and doing a little kayaking also. I'm so looking forward to it! Also, my dad's birthday is next week as well, so I plan to celebrate that with them when Mom and I get back into town. Well, I will (hopefully) remember to update before then. Ta-ta for now!

Love and peace.