True self, confidence, and attraction

Living your true self makes you more attractive.

Aside from superficial observations, confidence plays a significant part in how attractive a person is. When someone is being/doing something that they truly enjoy – whether it’s a girl playing Magic or a guy exploring the culinary arts – they are more attractive because they are letting you see the real them. And if an activity isn’t the “norm” for their gender, they may be even more confident because they know they are being genuine, despite the fact that it’s not the norm… ergo, they are more attractive.

False expressions of confidence aren't as successful because who or what is being attracted isn't a natural connection. (This doesn't mean that natural connections never fade, but in those cases, it's caused by something else.)

Being "attractive" doesn't mean being "sexually" attractive... it defines everything you attract: people, relationships, experiences, information... everything. But attracting what naturally aligns with you depends on whether you are living your true self.

Enneagram

I’ve studied the Enneagram for some time, and I’ve learned that there are many people who either aren’t interested in personality typing, don’t want to be “put in a box”, or think it’s a load of hooey. That’s fine with me. It took me a while not to get defensive, but I only wanted others to be able to see it for what it was: a tool. The Enneagram helped me greatly by helping me understand that I am a product of my experiences (I know this is a “duh” thing for many, but you have to figure it out sometime); and allowed me to let go of my… well, guilt about being the way I am. It helped me form language around the things that make me an individual, and the flaws I see that I’d like to change, or somehow “redirect”.

It also helped me understand the dynamics of my relationship with my parents. I’m a One, my Mom’s a Nine, and my Dad’s an Eight. Now I have a better understanding of why me and my Dad often butted heads, and why my Mom was always caught in the middle. Our “surface desires” seemed to match sometimes, but our motivations were different. I cannot stress enough that personality type models are tools. If you are manipulated by them, then they are not being used correctly. If you react to something about yourself that a model happens to point out, then there’s no harm in looking deeper, if you want. It’s also my understanding from books on the Enneagram that each person is a combination of all the types, which supports the idea that everyone is individual. It doesn’t put everyone into one of 9 types, rather some place on a very long spectrum. I also like how it suggests different characteristics of a person depending on their state, whether they are “moving” in a positive direction (growth), or negative (stressed).

Here are a couple websites:
http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
http://www.9types.com/

Intelligence Lost?

I usually operate under the assumption that I (or anyone) could learn just about anything, but I think that there are natural limitations for certain types of knowledge, and whether they can be overcome is often up to the person. An example that I’ll never forget is when I tried to teach my grandmother how to use a computer. She was probably about 80 at the time (she’s 94 now). I consider her pretty intelligent, but she couldn’t grasp the concept of using a mouse. Her hand was on the mouse, and I placed my hand on hers. I used my other hand to point to the screen where the pointer was, and moved both my hands in conjunction so that she could see the coordination between mouse and screen. When I let go for her to try on her own, she kept “twisting” the mouse, as if she were screwing a top on a jar. For a time, I thought it was simply an inconceivable concept for her, but maybe her desire to learn just wasn’t strong enough. I would like to have the intelligence to adapt to the changes that I can’t foresee – to solve problems that I can’t think of.

I think the influx of tech gadgets have in one way helped users' ability to think in different ways from what we're used to; but in another way, they have greatly reduced the need for users to rely on memory. If I can't remember a street name, movie title, band name, song lyric, how to spell anything, a phone number, or anything else that I've not committed to memory, all I need is one of my gadgets. And by that, I mean my laptop or my cell phone. I don't even need to remember or write down the model number of my vacuum to get correct bags - I can just take a picture of the model label with my phone and refer to it in the store.

I take some effort in practicing memory though. When I'm going to a new place, I memorize the address (even if I'm only going to end up entering it into my GPS). I have memorized my account numbers, including my primary credit card (along with date and security code). This is quite handy when ordering stuff online because I don't have to fish out my card. I play video, card, and board games that rely on memory. Even in tennis, I have to remember the score. When I read a book, I memorize the page number where I stopped instead of marking it. I also see an opportunity coming in the somewhat near future as I consider educational options.Above all, I want to be able to grasp concepts that are foreign to me, like the mouse was a foreign concept to my grandmother. She has yet to use a computer.

Love Letter to Earth

You are beautiful.

You are the air that I breathe
You are always there for me
I have been unaware of how I affect you.

You breathe the dreams of all life.

You are the ground beneath my feet
You have supported me through thick and thin
I have taken for granted your nourishment.

We are connected on the deepest level whether I choose to acknowledge it or not.

You are the water that I drink
You have never given up on me
I will be aware the little things you do, because if you stop, I will die.

You are my everything.

I am deeply sorry for what has happened in the past, so I will do what I can to learn and change what happens now. I hope it's not too late for you to heal. Most of all, I hope I can speak for all humanity.

Love,
Me

Thank you for reading.
Thanks to Blog Action Day for this opportunity to be a part of a worthwhile movement.
For more inspiration, watch Home: http://www.home-2009.com/.
Join me and many others on October 24, 2009 for 350's International Day of Climate Action.
Image of Earth: NASA/courtesy of nasaimages.org

Fire

I have tried to imagine what it would be like if I lost all of my belongings in a fire. I remember a time when I thought I would be devastated; however, recently I’ve thought that it wouldn’t be that bad, if not even positively freeing. I think a big part of change has to do with the fact that I’ve worked on not being attached to things in general, and also because I have been realizing my own, personal value that is not measured by my possessions, if any are even a reflection of my taste.

While on vacation in Bermuda earlier this month, a thought suddenly occurred to me: “what if my place is on fire?” Seeing as how there was no rational reason for this concern, nor was there anything I could do from the ocean, somewhere near the Bermuda Triangle, I let the thought pass.

The day I returned home (Sunday), I went to borrow my landlord’s lawnmower that is kept in my neighbor’s backyard shed. So that I wouldn’t alarm the tenants who were home, I spoke to them directly to let them know I what I was up to. Well, the people I met who I thought were just friends of my neighbors were actually new tenants. Anyway, we got to talking, and they explained to me that while I was away, the smoke alarms in my half of the house went off. Fortunately, my back door was unlocked so when they called the landlord, he gave them permission to go in my place and turn them off. (I don’t mind, especially since the cats were probably losing their minds!) I couldn’t help but wonder if that occurred around the same time the thought entered my head. I offered in conversation that perhaps smoke entered through open windows to set off the alarms, since there was no source in the house to set them off.

The next day, at group (Monday), the topic was attachment, and since the idea was fresh in my head, I shared how I measured my level of attachment to my things by imagining I lost everything in a fire.

Thinking that was all to the possible coincidence, the rest of the week proceeded normally.

The following Sunday evening, Brian and I dropped some stuff off at our new apartment. I returned home as dusk was turning to night, and I smelled smoke as I approached the house. I wondered where it was coming from, and was worried enough that when I opened the door in the grayish darkness before turning on a light, I thought I saw smoke filling the room. Fortunately, that thought disappeared as soon as I turned on a light and I realized that the milky darkness was playing a trick on my eyes. Walking to the back of my house, I discovered that the source of the smoke was a little backyard firepit my neighbors’ were using. Hmm…. I wonder if they used it while I was away, and that’s what triggered the alarms? Case closed.

The very next day (Monday), I finished reading the second book in the Inheritance fantasy trilogy (Eldest by Joseph Paolini), which I began on vacation. In anticipation of reading the next and final book in the series, I looked it up in the library’s online catalog. The next book is titled Brisingr… elven for “Fire”.

Walking Meditation is Awesome

I would like to report that I very much enjoyed last night’s meditation session at the Philadelphia Meditation Center in Havertown. It was the first time I did walking meditation and I had absolutely NO IDEA how it was to be done (does everyone walk around in a circle?); however, the logistics became clear rather quickly – not to mention that it felt incredibly natural. I would love to do it outside.

We also found out that Barry Kerzin, MD, a Buddhist monk, is presenting a talk tonight on “Dependent Origination” at 7pm (check out the link to his bio). I guess I can see Star Trek another night. :)

Dear Self:

I will no longer allow you to make excuses for not being physically active. Yes, you did a great job last summer to get into and stay in shape. And yes, it’s ok that you took something of a break over the winter, but the body has gained weight as a result of inactivity; and the longer you wait to do something about it, the more difficult it will be to return to the pre-winter condition.

Remember the times when you were committed to doing something active every single day? Remember that you actually enjoyed it because you were in shape, and it wasn’t a chore? Let’s get there again. Instead of choosing to relax by vegging in front of the TV, let’s explore that bike path for a half hour or so (yes, you have enough time). Let’s do some yoga (Can’t think where? How about the front porch?) Schedule some weekly tennis. Throw the Frisbee around on the weekend. Pack a bag for the car so you can go to the gym after work when weather thwarts outdoor plans. All at no extra cost. :) Don’t be overwhelmed; take one day at a time; and remember that something is better than nothing.

Avoid the traps.

• not enough time (in the time it takes to convince yourself and decide that there isn’t enough time, you could already be outside jogging around the block)
• nothing to wear (you can wear anything that is comfortable enough)
• hesitation… just do it
• negativity: “don’t feel like it”; “don’t want to”; “I’d rather do something else” (you will always feel better afterwards; but be smart – don’t overexert, and be mindful of ability. If you’re sick or too tired, you risk injury, so don’t be foolish)

Motivation.
There will likely come a time when you won’t physically be able to be active – enjoy it while you can.
Being active will support the many other areas of overall well-being: sleep quality, mental acuity, emotional steadiness, and indirectly, even spirituality.
Doing is one way of being...

• Be generous – activity is required maintenance for the body – take care of it
• Be appreciative of nature – get out there and enjoy it
• Be alive – experience is the stuff of life, from sunshine to sore muscles

Most importantly, always remember that I am here for you. I understand you better than anyone else, and I know where your weaknesses lie. But I also know what your strengths are, and I will help you leverage those to overcome the obstacles. And although I’m more than 100% confident that we can do this, I am also not afraid to get help if it turns out to be needed. Any questions?

Generosity

The most recent topic for the Power of Now Group meeting was “What is your theme for 2009?”

My theme for 2009 is Generosity. This theme incorporates multiple aspects that I’d like to focus attention on while accessing an underlying quality that has been suppressed. As a child, I was generous. Until my parents caught on, I would often give away my toys when I saw how happy they made someone. So, in a sense, I am reclaiming that genuine aspect of myself – one that was truly mine as an innocent child.

So what does generosity equate to, in my life?

Generous to myself

• My body, through fitness, nutrition, general health
• My spirit, through spiritual practice and growth, and connection to others
• My mind, through learning and playing

Generous to others

• Acceptance through patience, understanding, and compassion
• Giving time, attention, and care through being helpful and considerate during any interactions
• Creative expressions of gratitude (for example, submitting positive comment cards with an employee’s name – it may help someone get a raise!)

Generous with money

• Recognize where there is value to me
• Practice “smart generosity” – "feed" areas I want to grow

How do I see a year of generosity changing my life?

I will experience more joy. Generosity feels good as it recognizes, fosters, and celebrates the connection we have with others.

It will be easier to recognize that what I receive may be an opportunity for another to practice generosity. That will help me gladly accept favors and gifts from others without a feeling of obligation.

I will no longer see myself as someone who is struggling to get on with life after a divorce, but someone who has an enormous potential to assist humanity’s evolution toward enlightenment.

If I live with a generous heart, I am giving the universe what I would be happy to receive.

Sign Language - Update 1

It's been so long since I've written a post, I was surprised to see that the last one was about sign language, and here I am 5 weeks into an ASL course. I'm enjoying the class, the teacher has a great personality and is patient. At first, the classroom setting left a little to be desired, since there is much one-on-one that occurs, but now I appreciate that there is often clarification to be gained, and the moments that intersperse between being shown new signs helps to integrate and practice what is learned.

If you are interested in ASL, www.lifeprint.com is a great site.

Sign language

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with sign language. I never learned it because I never needed to. I find it more expressive than spoken word, like dancing... it's body language.

I knew someone who was fluent in sign language when I lived in Arizona; once we went to a club and across a huge crowd, he saw someone he knew. Because of the high volume level, he was able to have a conversation with this person by signing all the way across the dance floor easier than with me, standing right next to him. I thought that was pretty neat.

At dinner on a business trip several years ago, a conversation began comparing being deaf and being blind. One of the project team members explained a perspective that has stuck with me ever since. Although most of the people were quick to say that they would select sight over hearing if they had to choose, one man said that he would definitely choose hearing over sight. And then there was silence.

He went on to explain that he had an opportunity to experience what it was like to be newly deaf. A device was placed in each of his ears that emitted a white noise that was loud enough to drown out sound, but soft enough that after some time, his brain stopped registering the noise, and he perceived hearing nothing at all.

The thing he noticed most was how isolated he felt from other people. If he wasn't looking at a person, they had no way of getting his attention other than touching him. And people quickly got tired, if not annoyed, and eventually ignored him completely.

I would like to learn sign language. Recently, a friend asked me why, and several reasons come to mind. The concept of communicating with gestures just seems natural to me. I think it would allow for a deeper connection because the nature of signing includes more than just hands, which allows deeper expression, and that appeals to me. I suspect my attention to detail would be a strength when learning to interpret other's signs (although I don't think it will be easy to learn).

Among other things, I try not to take my hearing for granted. Beyond the reasons described above, I can't help but wonder if there is some other possible purpose for knowing sign language that I'm not aware of yet. One obvious purpose is to be an interpreter, and although I can't rule that out, I would have my work cut out for me because my memory is not very good at that kind of thing. When I've helped a friend by taking dictation, I would often have to get her to repeat things because my mental "buffer" is pretty limited. I could probably work on improving that skill if I wanted to. Or, maybe it would just be an opportunity to communicate in-person with people whom I'm not currently able. All I can say is that I have a feeling that knowing sign language would bring me joy, and I've learned enough recently that I don't need to know why or how before doing something about it.

So, what's stopping me? What's holding me back? Well, I guess on some level, I don't think I have the "right" to know sign language since I don't "need" it. I have no direct connection to the deaf community. Practically, I don't (think) I know anyone who knows sign language, so I don't a way (much less a convenient way) to practice, which is crucial to learning.

Obviously, if I have a desire to connect with people using sign language, I have the right to learn it. Whether some people think otherwise isn't my concern. Even by writing this post, I may invite opportunities to present themselves.

After I finished typing the above paragraph, I succumbed to my compelling urge to Google "learn sign language" and within seconds, I was reading "Reflections of an ASL Student". And within seconds, after reading a few of his posts, I felt so inspired and supported at the same time.

I'm interested to see where I go with this...

I know nothing

I understand.
Things change from moment to moment.
The future is not predictable.
The present isn’t always what it seems.
The past doesn’t exist.
Only our perception of it.

I try.
My intuition guides me.
I make as few assumptions as possible.
When in doubt, I do nothing.

I know nothing.
Things are not known. They just are.

(Thanks to B. for prompting me to write this post.)

Message of the Spider

Over the last couple of weeks, I have considered what the spider might symbolize to me. Wisdom of connectedness has been my prevalent thought.

At some point last week, the name Susun Weed came to mind, for the first time in about five years, while I was walking to my car. I thought of her name when I noticed clover growing through the cracks in the sidewalk along my street, and recalled times when I’ve plucked and eaten their leaves.

Friday night, at my first drum circle, I mentioned my recent spider presence. One woman said that the spider is used frequently with “grandmother”.

At a friend’s house on Sunday, three times I relocated baby spiders which were dangling from my body.

Today, I took a couple minutes to look up spider symbology on the Web. There are many references, most having to do with dream interpretation, and although they made sense, nothing seemed to be significant. Then I recalled what the woman from Friday said, and I looked up “grandmother spider”.

There was Susun Weed. I clicked her site's link first (even though it was second in the list) and found a wonderful story of how everything is connected in the Web of Life.
I clicked the link listed first and found a fable of wisdom, where Grandmother Spider is titled Firebringer.

In the past month, I have been present at a couple of fire circles. Each time, I sang a song in my head:

Rise up o flame
By thy light's glowing
Show to us beauty
Vision and joy

When I learned this song, it was sung over and over, in a round, as the campfire was being lit. I had prided myself on becoming one of the few “one-match-fire” starters. (The key was dry blueberry twigs.) This was at the summer camp I attended for 10 years… where I first enjoyed the company of wolf spiders in my tent.

Message received… loud and clear.

It's all in my head

It seems that part of each lesson I learn is finding out there's more to learn. After reflecting upon tonight's discussion of how relationships can be a spiritual practice, I realize that when it comes to "romantic" relationships, I'm simply scared. I don't want to have an "attached" kind of relationship. I think I've been successful with friendly relationships, but have not even tried it with a lover, significant other, or whatever term you want to use.

Considering everything that would need to come together for me to even consider a close relationship - that quintessential spark, a connection, mutual attraction, general alignment of timing and interest to have a relationship, and last but not least, a very compatible idea of what a loving relationship is, from both of our perspectives - it seems unlikely enough to happen. Add to that the fact that I don't have the nonattachment thing down, which, given my track record pretty much guarantees a short-lived relationship, only fueled is my fear of pain (not just mine), and you have one person scared to get close.

And yes, I recognize these things - attachment, fear, pain - as being in my head. Maybe they won't always be there, but for the current moment, they are what I have instead of a hand in mine.

Spirit of the Spider

I'm not quite sure how to describe the significance of this, but I've noticed a prevalence of spiders or representations of spiders in my life lately. Admittedly, my appreciation of insects in general has been rekindled lately by a new friend who pointed out that she has a common interest, and spiders are quite interesting to me. But until today, I didn't notice the pattern of arachno-representation that has occurred subconsciously.

Last month, near the end of my transformational Woman Within Training (I will create a post about that, but for most it will probably be repetitive), we weaved a single web to represent our connectivity to one another. (It was really cool, but I won't go into detail so I don't spoil the fun for anyone else.) Afterward, I decided that my drummer character in my Rock Band video game needed some ink. Despite many designs to choose from, I placed a spider tattoo on her arm.

Since then, I believe it was Wednesday, June 4, I walked to a local restaurant for a yummy pizza to take home, and because a new, local art studio/shop had their doors open late, I browsed while I waited for my hand-tossed goodness. There were many beautiful things in the shop from jewelry, clothes, and furniture, but one thing caught my attention. Yes, a spider.

Two days later, for the town's First Friday event, I met some friends for a bite to eat. Afterwards, I walked them to the studio and had another opportunity to see the spider. I showed it to my friends, and may have had a slight inkling of the idea that I would purchase it, but my mindset lately has been to only spend money on things that were important to me, and this was nonfunctional (even though technically, it is a box that you can put something small in), so I dismissed the thought.

To my surprise, sometime during that following week, I had a fear that someone else would buy the spider. So I decided at that point that if the spider was still in the studio the next time I visited, I would inquire about the price and seriously consider purchasing it.

Over the course of yesterday, I encountered three live spiders. And without any conscious plans to do so, I found myself in the position to visit the studio again last evening, exactly one week after my previous visit. Realizing this opportunity to buy the spider, I shared my excitement with a friend who was accompanying me, as well as my dismay when I learned that it wasn't for sale. After my friend patiently listened to a sales pitch on a piece of jewelry (and stopped listening after hearing the price), the salesperson disclosed that the shop two doors down sells the spiders.

Being late, that shop wasn't open, but after running into some friends this morning for breakfast, we all walked down to the shop and I purchased the spider. And I am happy with my decision.

Anyway, I didn't intend for this to be some boring recount of a trinket purchase - I know I can be long-winded at times. To summarize, I guess I'm just interested to find out what spirit of the spider has to say to me. :)

Symbol of Summer

There are many things people associate with the summer; the most popular is probably beach-related. Although I love the feeling of sand in my toes and being in and near water, the beach “lifestyle” isn’t really my thing. And sure, there are the sports of the season, but again, not really my thing. This excludes tennis of course, but tennis isn’t a symbol of Summer for me as much as a symbol of non-Winter. :)

When I saw my first firefly of the season yesterday, my mind was immediately filled with memories of summer dusks filled with the songs of the wilderness permeating the heavy, cooling air in that rare and magic time of transition where everything is balanced. At the height of visual contrast where light things are lighter and dark things are darker, exactly between night and day, the rhythms and cycles of life on Earth perpetuate. In honor of the beauty of this magic time, I choose the firefly as my symbol for Summer.

What is your symbol of Summer? If you want to share, feel free to leave a comment.

I'm not surprised

I'm no longer surprised by how wonderfully things work out when you just let them. Nor by the signs along the way that confirm what you experienced was not a coincidence.

Although I like the idea of listing all such examples I have experienced lately, the reason I'm no longer surprised by them is because they have occurred so frequently. Therefore I will simply share the one from today which (so far) seemed the most intricate (from my current perspective).

First, some background. So far, pottery has been the hobby of mine that has "survived" the longest - I was doing it off & on for 10 years. However, I haven't made pottery since my second miscarriage in December 2004. Even though I had my own kick wheel in my basement, I "dropped" it right between firings, so I have bisqueware that has never been glazed. I never even contacted Pauline, the artist/instructor/owner of the studio (where I had pieces fired), to say I wasn't coming back, because I didn't know I wasn't going back. Days went by, then weeks, then months. Then when I saw the new architecture firm sign on the studio storefront window, I knew the it had been sold.

After awhile, I learned of the new Art Center in town, and found out from the website that Pauline was an instructor there. I still didn't contact her as I hadn't returned to making pottery, but I was happy to know she was there. Years went by; a divorce; months went by as I adjusted to life on my own.

A couple months ago, I explained to a new friend, over coffee, that I still have a few remaining items in my ex's house, including my pottery wheel. She suggested that I look for art studios in town that might be looking for wheels to see if I could keep it there, let others use it, and perhaps be able to use the space. I gave her full credit for the idea, and immediately thought of that new art center where Pauline teaches. Yet, I never acted on it.

Since then, it has been in the back of my mind, and every once in awhile, I think of Pauline. Today was such a day when I thought of her.

On my way home from work, traffic was backed up because I left a later than usual. I wanted to pick up some books from the library, and although I had planned on driving home, and then walking to the library (with the book I wanted to return), I instead had an impulse to just stop at the library while traffic was stopped anyway, and the library was on my route. I found the two books I wanted, browsed and picked up a third, checked them out, and as I was walking toward the exit, I saw Pauline.

We talked for a good while, got caught up, and she gave me a couple of names of people whom I might contact to either share studio space or possibly buy my wheel. (I'm not sure what I want to do yet.) And because this was also not her usual library run either, we reveled in the perfection of running into each other, after 3.5 years. But I wasn't surprised. :)

Perfection

Regarding self-acceptance, I may have mentioned how truly understanding the concept of not being perfect freed me from the negativity surrounding my failure to live up to my own expectations, thus allowing myself to do what I wanted to do without fear of self-punishment.

My current perspective is quite different.

I no longer fear being alone because I am never alone. Nor is anyone.

I no longer think that I don’t deserve joy, because everyone does.

I no longer need love because I always have it. Just like everyone.

I no longer care what others think. OK, maybe I do. But not in the same way as before.

I am perfect. Everyone and everything is perfect. And as is everyone, I am free to be. Me.

My Purpose

My entire life has been preparation to receive the words I was given yesterday. Although the specifics of how are not yet clear, my purpose of being is.

It is literally the last thing I thought I would be. (I thought I had a greater likelihood of being a politician!) But in a sense, that’s what makes it perfect. Even though it makes sense on many levels, I am not ready to announce what I am for various reasons.

Practically, although there may be suitable words to describe my purpose, the limiting (labeling) nature of language and certain connotations potentially narrow or redirect what is true. Therefore, I haven't chosen the words yet. Well, there are some general words, but sharing them at this point would be like an episode of TV's Lost, where there are more questions at the end than the beginning.

Personally, I choose to be free of external approval, support (or disapproval). I have only consciously lived with this knowledge for a day so far, so I am experiencing swings between the extremes of instinctual knowing and rational doubt. Explaining things right now just wouldn't serve anyone.

Respectfully, the reason I mentioned this at all, particularly in-person to friends today, was to share something of my life. It was/is not my intent to "tease" or withhold information; the details will unfold naturally.

Trust me, I want details too... how do I? when do I? what if this? what if that?
**SCREECHING HALT!!!*** Psychological time, anyone?

Phew! yeah... in the meantime I choose to stay present and centered. :)

I appreciate your understanding and patience.

Case for Pleasure

I finally got around to reading Chapter 1 (PDF) of Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts. It's interesting, and while I totally support the case for pleasure, I do see that I am missing out in various ways. Anyway, here are a couple of tidbits that I attempt to incorporate into my life:

"...true generosity does not occur unless you give from your own surplus. In other words, until you have yours, you don't have anything to give others. Some people can experience surplus when they have a dollar in their pocket. Some feel poverty when they have a million dollars."

"A little secret I'm going to share with you here is that getting your bliss starts with finding the bliss WHERE YOU ARE."

And a relatively new adoption for me, "Don't bother to deconstruct your intuition. Asking why is like trying to figure out a very complex puzzle, and its solution, if you happen upon it, is not always very interesting."..."Most of us get really hung up on the long, crooked, ungratifying trip into Why Things Are the Way They Are. This trip is usually a big maze with no cheese at the end. The problem with looking for the why of it all is that you never really, truly find it. And if you do, it doesn't necessarily make your life any better." Who knew? ;)

"And a key step... is to party, rigorously, from where you are."

Possible BIID-related movie

About a year ago, I read a news article about a woman who wanted her legs removed from her body. It was a fascinating first-person account that was removed from the website shortly after I found it. However, I discovered that there are others like her, who have what psychiatrists call BIID (Body Integrity Identity Disorder).

Anyway, I immediately thought that it would be a great subject for a movie. Lo and behold, today I happened upon Quid Pro Quo, to be released on Friday, June 13, 2008... which is the same release date for M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening.

Official site: Quid Pro Quo
Apple trailer site: Quid Pro Quo