Self discovery (Originally published on May 13, 2007)

The conventional wisdom is that your body goes through some type of metamorphosis every 7 years. Bodies do change. Whether the cycle is really 7 years or the variance that may exist from person to person I will not comment on. As I'm a fan of saying, humans see patterns whether they exist or not.

My body is changing. I can feel that. I am more attune to it than ever. It is no longer a fan of alcohol. Variations in diet or sleep patterns become apparent at the gym, some of the effects are positive, some are negative. My lifestyle has become healthier not simply by intent but because I can actually feel the effect bad habits have on me.

But, what about psyches? I have always prided myself on, well, knowledge of self. I was born introspective. I was an introvert well into my twenties. I would not consider myself extroverted, but I now seek out others. I'm still no good at interacting in groups, but I want to be rather than just avoiding it as was my wont in times of old.

Parts of my personality are being given voice. Random silliness has a siren song I was not aware of. I didn't know I was an exhibitionist until a few months ago. A few weeks ago, one of the traits I felt was core to me just seemed to melt away. I decided to move my hatha yoga practice from after work to the middle of the day. Now, when everyone goes to lunch, instead of working through as I have for over 8 years, I go home. Get undressed, do some stretching, run through about a half-hour sequence, get dressed and go back to work. Then, to top it all off, I leave work somewhere between 5:30 and 6:00. Now, yes, quitting time is actually 5:00, but since I usually left at around 7:00, this change feels monumental. I still love my job. It's a great way to spend 40 or so hours a week. But, it no longer serves as an adequate description of who I am.

I could spend some time analyzing my self. Trying to define the new patterns. But, that's something else that's changed. I'm just gonna see how it turns out.

Truth... beauty. Beauty... truth. (Originally published on May 23, 2007)

Occasionally, a sequence of events makes something terrible obvious. The events don't have to be monumental.

I was reminded tonight that it can be difficult to see the light in someone. I was reminded that petty things can annoy us and bring about feelings of dislike.

Then, as one often does, I considered my own eccentricities. Very few people are intentional inconsiderate. I may quite often say the wrong thing or not say something I should have. I'm quite difficult to offend. The same can not be said for all. If I am aware of any offense I do everything in my power to make amends, but I have found quite often that I was simply not aware of any wrongdoing. (In case you're wondering, this is meant to be abstract. I am not alluding to any specific event or person. I'm far too blunt for that.)

As if on cue, my sister reminded me just how silly it all is. When nothing is wrong, we seem to look for things. I assume that the man in the gym tonight wished me no ill. If he did, so be it. My life is peaceful and easy. I am loved and love in return. There is much joy in my life.

And so I wish everyone well. May they live their lives as they choose, considerate or not. May they have whatever they seek. As for me, I was reminded of what I seek.... Peace, love, and harmony.

If I am correct about the translation of Namaste, it is the perfect sentiment....

The light within me salutes the light within you.

First of many (Originally published on May 27, 2007)

There will probably be many blog postings about the 10th anniversary celebration. I just wanted to put into permanence the thoughts running through my head.

Old faces, new faces, friendly faces, favorite faces.
Hours and hours we danced.
Inside, outside. Stomping, grooving, transcending.
The sun rose and on we went.

It was a weekend for me full of varied experiences. I could not ask for anything more. Stories about Woodstock from the mouths of those actually there. Hippies, now retired, carving the night with banjos and guitars. Sneaking off away from the lights. Reminding the world that free spirits are born in every generation. Tie dying shirts. Visiting the proverbial "camp" I had not known as a child. Driving on empty roads. Greeting, hugs. The ache in my feet and ankles I had missed so. Driving after staying up all night. Reading.

It's a weekend I will not soon forget. To all those who were a part of it, I say thank you. To the toddler who smiled and waved, the spinners, the dancers, the friends, the lover, the hippies, the digihippies, all of the people who filled my life with positive energy.... I wish you the joy you have given me.