Live with a Purpose

Today I woke up, struggling to remember my dreams, wrestling with myself to get out of bed, afraid that my toes will begin to resemble popsicles in the 20 degree weather. I sat listening to my yoga station on Pandora, trying to find peace of mind but it was hiding today. Deep breaths. Mantras. I begin with yoga, and I start to feel warmer, so I switch to Qigong Sword Fingers. As my focus centers on my fingertips I begin to emit energy through my human handguns (like Clint Eastwood in 'Gran Torino', which I never would've guessed as #1 in the box office).

Following this, I received a rather profound experience at work. This probably happens to acupuncturists and healers all over the world frequently, but today was a first for me (in my own practice). The connection I had with my patient reminded me why I chose this field. I worked with her for two and a half hours, giving full body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and moxibustion for her pain. Without needling locally, we saw immediate results. She was in disbelief and her eyes were watering as she thanked me incessantly. I, in turn, thanked the medicine and everything in the universe that made it possible for me to study this and have the wisdom to help others. I listened, she listened, and the result was balance instead of a tug of war.

It made me even more enthusiastic about the possibility of studying in Hangzhou, China in mid-March. If you are a practitioner of Chinese Medicine and would like to go for one month to study at the Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, please email me!!

This Little Piggy Had None

I am currently on the quest to save as much money as I can, as I'm sure millions of others are attempting as well. There are so many important things in my life that I am not financially prepared for, and I'm not willing to risk losing them for material possessions. I live my life through the joys of experience, so I'm glad that at the age of 27 I am not attached to many things. However, my interest in the Real Simple blogs have led me to ask myself what 10 things can't I live without? I was surprised to see 'iphone' and 'tivo' in a couple entries, but that's probably because I own neither. Lately, my wardrobe has been neglected so there isn't even a piece of clothing I'd have to take with me if my house was on fire. And that's the whole point. Everything I have today will eventually be gone. I am resisting buying any big pieces like furniture or art, in the hopes that one day my life will merge with another and we will buy things we cherish and adore so neither of us will have any objects to sacrifice. But as an exercise, I will try to come up with a few things that make my life better:

1. Dove SPF15 Face Lotion-a tight face in the morning is never good
2. Yogi Tea Tension Tamer-drinking some right now
3. Glide Dental Floss-no other brand will do
4. Pen & Paper-so I can write lying down, anywhere, with a personal touch
5. Yoga Mat-every swan, cobra, dog, cat, cow, fish, camel, happy baby and child's pose I can do

I am a girl of daily simple pleasures. It took me a while to realize I don't need anything else but love from my family and friends. Buddhism classes were a large influence. Losing things I thought I couldn't live without was a big part as well. But I am alive. I will always have wants and desires. They make me get out of bed in the morning. They drive my interests. I try not to let temptation distract me, nor can I allow negative thoughts to invade my consciousness. There is always another way to look at it. In today's crossword puzzle, a clever clue was "Who to trust in spy stories"...The answer? No one. Always trust your instincts and you'll be just fine.

So how can we live without spending too much cash? A few of my tips can help the planet and/or help you save $.

• Take your own bags to Giant-you'll save 5 cents for the bags you bring. If you shop at Trader Joe's and BYOBag you can enter to win free groceries! (if you like wine, they also have a very inexpensive and tasteful collection)
  
• Always make a list before you shop, so you know exactly what you need and don't buy on impulse. This will also help you avoid going to the store more than once a week.
  
• Plan your route for errands so you can save gas and avoid backtracking or making multiple trips. Living in the 'burbs can add up! (Try taking public transportation or bike to work once a week/month/year)
• Turn off electricity and water when not in use. When boiling water, just take as much as you need. Take showers instead of baths. Turn the temperature down when you go to bed. ..Reduce is the first of the R's.
• Reuse is the second-bring your own mug to the coffee shop (or better yet brew your own for way cheaper) and they'll most likely discount or charge you for a small-& you're not wasting!

What are some tips that may help you to be conscious about spending or doing your part for our planet?

Hello 2009

Happy New Year to all! I apologize for not blogging in December but I felt the need to end 2008 with personal reflection distant from the glare of a computer screen. I hope your holidays included lots of peace and love, a few treats, and a sense of renewal. A new year can be celebrated by all, regardless of religious or political views, relationship status, or background. It recalls memories of the past and hopes for the future. 2008 will be a year that I won't forget, particularly because it is the year I took the California State Board examinations on my birthday, said goodbye to the beautiful people I met in San Francisco and picked up where I left off with my loved ones at home as I started my own practice. This has been a year of change (or challenges) and being in DC as the Obama's move into the White House is going to be sensational! I am excited for all that is to come in 2009, the year of the Ox.

I know it's difficult for me to have resolutions because I always forget about them. I do enjoy, however, seeing those around me motivated to start anew; making plans for the gym three times a week, eating healthy, setting financial goals, meditating or practicing yoga daily, or quitting smoking. It's quite alright if your resolution is the same as last year, because it takes time to change habits, maybe even years. There is always room for improvement, and I myself would like to enjoy more volunteering or creative projects. Is there anyone out there who would like to join me? Is there anyone that may need a volunteer for a good cause?

I would like to write more for my readers in the new year but I need some topic suggestions. Ask me anything and you'll hear the truth!

Health and Happiness,
Kim