Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Tuesday ponderings

Going sideways

When Melanie and I hiked to Fragrance Lake last week, we saw this interesting root system, trying to find a way towards nourishment and running instead into a smooth rock that didn't allow for any breaks into the fertile ground underneath. I wondered about that long root that went all the way across the rock and apparently felt the presence of the water from the lake below. The tree is very well established and probably didn't suffer too much from this rooty excursion. 

It does make me think about how I will sometimes set out on a journey on what seems to be certain success, only to find out how wrong I was to think that, when an immovable object blocks my path. Life is filled with these obstacles, and even the hardest of them often create lovely patterns to be admired by passersby, like me.

I just got home from a wonderful acupuncture treatment. As I drove to my apartment, where I knew my dear partner awaited my return, I felt the emergence of joy bubbling up inside my heart, and I realized that I am very fortunate to enjoy such treatments, and that I can still afford them even though everything around me is increasing in price. I just won't go as often, but I am unwilling to give up, for the time being anyway, the sense of wellbeing that I often experience after having been "needled."
The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as effective in treating mild to moderate depression. —Andrew Weil

It also helps to have positive expectations, which I do, now that I've felt myself benefit many times from the treatment. I'd go once a week if I could afford it, but once a month will have to do.

:-) 

19 comments:

  1. I remember a trail here, and the sight of roots sprawled across a large rock.

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  2. Some trees are persistent! I am glad you find relief and feel better after acupuncture:)

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  3. The roots are like seeing physically the power of the will to live. :) :)

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  4. I am so very happy for you, DJan! It's wonderful that like the tree you are able to find your way to happiness.

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  5. Those needles give you a real buzz! They keep you going.

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  6. The roots (and your acupuncture) seem to say… “finding my way”

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    1. Don’t know why it says Anonymous… Rian

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  7. I am with Rian - and am very glad that the tree and you are finding your way.

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  8. I love the root metaphor. Good thinking.

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  9. I’m with AC on the root metaphor. Great photo! It gives one pause!

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  10. I'm very glad you can afford this rare treat DJan... I have several women friends who swear by their monthly massages... and then therer's your acupuncture. You are a New Age hippy! :^)
    PS. I'm concerned about Arkansas Patti... hope she's okay.

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    1. Dug, she did say she was taking some time off at least until the end of the year... so maybe she just hasn't posted yet this week??

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    2. Thanks Rian, I hope that's it...

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  11. Nice post. I share your appreciation of a partner, access to medical care (tho' no needles for me!), and the sheer fact that we're alive and (reasonably) well!

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  12. You remind me that I have to look for joy in small things. I'm thinking they are not hard to find if I just pay more positive attention.

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  13. I've never tried acupuncture, but our insurance does allow for it. I'm assuming Medicare does not?

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  14. You are a role model for us all D J

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  15. If acupuncture benefits you, then do it. Somehow, I can't see myself being needled. Ouch!

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  16. I used to get acupuncture from a master (mastress?) healer but she moved on to higher heavens. She gave me energy boosts and a few laughs.

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