Happy And Peppy And Bursting With Love

Why not? It's gorgeous outside: 73 and sunny. Ohio is still doing it's Autumnal best. Some trees are done, the late runners are just starting. The hills are a mix of fire, somber brown, and greeny yellow, with dots of evergreens and firs.

I'm taking a break from studying my bum off for Monday night's exams. So far, I'm at 100% in both classes; one by dint of having gotten every answer right on every quiz and test so far, the other due to the magic of extra credit.

Beyond that, my family members are thriving, including the newest addition, my step-brother Steve's daughter Klaire, who was born a bit over a week ago.

My spiritual practice is on fire. My sister gave me the birthday gift of tapes from her place of worship in Colorado Springs. I get a new one every week. It's a great supplement to my ongoing meditation, shamanic journeying, and natural magic activities. It feels so good to have my spirituality bound into my daily life again. Over the past several years it was, in fits and starts, but I spent much of the time with that element of my humanity operating on a mostly internalized and, therefore, separate level. (This was a function of available energy primarily and environment to a lesser degree.)

I experience so many moments of joy and lightness! I feel blessed and grounded and whole--authentic. In my personal life and in my work I have a wonderful balance of listening and expressing. I am able to share my truth and be a mirror for other people who are exploring their own. By this I do not mean that I am constantly talking at people about how I understand Life to work and what I believe about the Divine. Sometimes it's as simple as bearing witness of their pain and healing, of using my hands, skill, and knowledge to help facilitate their bodies' innate abilities to move from disease toward health. Other times it's as small an action as looking someone in the eye with my own gaze clear and steady, maybe in a checkout line. Living inside my skin feels good and I'm not afraid to let that show. Hallelujah!

Even tonight, on the eve of the new year, as I survey the things I wish to leave in the past year and select the things I choose to carry into the next, I feel joy. What's to be left can be released with love and ease. Letting go has become something to which I look forward rather then with dread.

Oh, AND... I've lost nearly 100 lbs! I'll definitely make that mark by November 22, which was my goal. Arbitrary, since my restriction date is actually July 23, 2003, but still meaningful. I'm marking this accomplishment by meeting with a personal trainer next week. I'm so excited!

Have I mentioned how cute my puppy is lately? I think I've been slacking in that regard. Six-and-a-half months old and still adorable. So much personality in so small a creature! Tomorrow morning we're taking him and my folks' dogs to the forest for another run. They'll love it! And so will we.

~M

p.s. If you haven't already seen it, "Super Size Me" is well-worth renting.

Copyright 2004 Seasmoke All rights reserved