I’ve been listening to Pema Chodron discuss fearless non-theism over and over and over again. The words she shares are comforting and challenging all at once. In particular:

“We can drop the fundamental hope that there’s a better me who one day will emerge.”

I’ve found this has incredible personal applications – it rings true and is difficult to practice. I find many ways that I’m endeavoring to be better to avoid what I am. It’s hard to be honest and accepting, especially when embarrassment, hurt, shame, or other uncomfortable feelings arise. It’s very difficult when I’m in pain and suffering.

This has associations with shadow work – to be with the parts of ourselves that are not in the light. Mystery can be unsettling, and is full of essential treasure.

While working at Accord Acupuncture I have learned about an incredible local resource: Breast Cancer Options. I’m proud to collaborate with this organization to offer private healthcare sessions through tuiHealthcare in Kingston.

Funded by the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, it’s possible to receive five free acupuncture sessions if you are going through breast cancer treatment or experiencing treatment side effects. I’ve signed on to be one of many acupuncturists participating in this program in Ulster, Columbia, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, and Putnam counties.

To pursue support, call 845.339.4673 or email hope@breastcanceroptions.org. Find the website anytime from my ‘Links’ page or here: http://www.breastcanceroptions.org/resources_and_links0.aspx .

Photo courtesy of artist Eric Lindbloom and Storefront Gallery

“The Whole idea of Tai Ji, remember, is ‘moving meditation’ as they say. It’s not moving meditation while you’re doing it. It’s moving meditation as you bring it into your life. And that is ultimately some of the things that we want in the practice of Qi Gong, or meditation, that you could bring it into your everyday life.”

– Jeffrey C. Yuen
from “Divergent Channels” discussion

Soup season is here and there’s so many ways to make it. Some of my favorites are:
Scandanavian Apple Soup
Beet Soup
Chickpea, Potato, & Spinach Soup

And there’s always Miso, which can be a ‘kitchen sink’ approach to making your own soup of whatever you want or have. I like ‘South River’ organic miso in particular.