This morning I started a life drawing class - on the bus. It was a challenge, because no one sat still for very long. I also noticed that if they were too close and could see what I was doing, I was even more self conscious than they were.
Still, nice way to start the work week. Nice way to start a day. Nice way to fit a little more creativity into life.
So, what small step can you take today to start a new creative practice?
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine, and journeys to the heart of creation.
Monday, June 30, 2008
You Got Rupture Before?
A few students who are going to college came for medical check-ups today. Most of the check-up forms are of standard format but one really caught my special attention. It's a session to be filled up by patient, and one of the question is:
"Have you ever sufferred rupture before?"
What kind of weird question is this?? The question itself sounds scary enough, plus never specified rupture of
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Interesting Chest Xray (2)
WTH? This was the first thing I said (silently) when I saw this Xray. I guess you'd say something like that too. Bad Xray. Massive involvement of both lungs. Can't even outline the heart border.
This is an Xray of an 11 year-old boy, who presented with 4-month history of coughing, with intermittent fever and generalized lethargy. He has been in contact with his neighbour, who's an IV drug
Friday, June 27, 2008
New Card Collection
Yay. New decks arrived!
Top (from left): Split Spades by David Blaine, blue, black and red Lion series, Bicycle Faded;
Bottom (from left): Bicycle Tragic Royalty, Split Spades, Bicycle Guardians
Split Spades are designed by David Blaine and are recognized as must-haves among card magicians. Lion series are the next generation of it, with even more excellent quality, revolutionary design and
Thursday, June 26, 2008
breaking bread and coffee
Today I got a great reminder of one of the most important things our creative souls need. Like minded creative souls. We need people who get us. Conversations that leap and run.
A quick late afternoon break with Stefan over at Day of Ideas at The Grey Dog's Coffee was just that. We talked technology (twitter, facebook and friendfeed), spirituality, practicalities (eating), presencing.
Yesterday over lunch with another dear friend, I was reminded how fragile our relationships can be. And how important it is to share our stories, to feel connected and supported whether we're up or we're down.
Tonight, as I soak up a little down time, I'm wondering how to create more time and space for these soulful conversations. And I'm thinking that sometimes a little Magic Medicine goes a real long way.
May your Magic Medicine moments be filled with compassion and joy.
A quick late afternoon break with Stefan over at Day of Ideas at The Grey Dog's Coffee was just that. We talked technology (twitter, facebook and friendfeed), spirituality, practicalities (eating), presencing.
Yesterday over lunch with another dear friend, I was reminded how fragile our relationships can be. And how important it is to share our stories, to feel connected and supported whether we're up or we're down.
Tonight, as I soak up a little down time, I'm wondering how to create more time and space for these soulful conversations. And I'm thinking that sometimes a little Magic Medicine goes a real long way.
May your Magic Medicine moments be filled with compassion and joy.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
eco inspiration
New York City is going to be bathed in waterfalls for a few weeks this summer. Be sure to read Olafur Eliasson's artist statement.
Isabella Rossellini and The Sundance Channel are using the sex life of bugs to focus on environmental issues in a series called Green Porno.
I met a woman last week at the Krishna das kirtan who takes the bus back and forth to New York from Toronto in an effort to limit her carbon footprint.
I've been really, really trying to use my water bottle instead of buying bottled water every day, and I'm definitely getting better about it. It takes about two weeks to establish a new habit. So whatever small steps you're taking, creatively and/or environmentally, give yourself a little time and it will be second nature in no time.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine and a world of eco-inspiration.
Isabella Rossellini and The Sundance Channel are using the sex life of bugs to focus on environmental issues in a series called Green Porno.
I met a woman last week at the Krishna das kirtan who takes the bus back and forth to New York from Toronto in an effort to limit her carbon footprint.
I've been really, really trying to use my water bottle instead of buying bottled water every day, and I'm definitely getting better about it. It takes about two weeks to establish a new habit. So whatever small steps you're taking, creatively and/or environmentally, give yourself a little time and it will be second nature in no time.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine and a world of eco-inspiration.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Favourite Quotes
Just to share some of my favourite quotes:* We can live with dignity, we can't die with it. --House MD* I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he would die for, he isn't fit to live. --Martin Luther King, Jr* Will you stand in shadows, or step forward and become a leader? It's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. --Anthony Robbins* Will you look back on life
how not to inspire creativity
Hmmm. Love the corporate work place for lessons in killing the human spirit. Great place to witness the opposite of inspiration.
1. Tell people they have to work harder.
2. Insist they work longer hours.
3. Use yourself as an example of how hard and long everyone else has to work.
4. Tell them they're great, just not great enough.
5. Assume everyone has the same life agenda you do. (ie. work hard, make a lot of money, have a heart attack.)
On the upside, two little gems that just might counterbalance the big bombs.
1. Let people know they can work wherever they want to and don't need to be physically present in the office.
2. Acknowledge that great strides often take baby steps. Moving things just a bit forward a little at a time.
The fact is, the best ideas come in the shower, in the hammock, and as Picasso noted, in dreams. Doing the work of course can take a little midnight oil, but once we're inspired the passion takes over and we're always willing to do what it takes, riding the waves of frustration that may or may not bombard us.
That's really all I have this morning. And the hope that you don't experience this kind of pep talk. Or, if you do, know how to use it as inspiration for how not to be in the world.
I always say, the things I hate the most are the things that change me the most. Always for the better.May Magic Medicine infuse your day with positive energy.
1. Tell people they have to work harder.
2. Insist they work longer hours.
3. Use yourself as an example of how hard and long everyone else has to work.
4. Tell them they're great, just not great enough.
5. Assume everyone has the same life agenda you do. (ie. work hard, make a lot of money, have a heart attack.)
On the upside, two little gems that just might counterbalance the big bombs.
1. Let people know they can work wherever they want to and don't need to be physically present in the office.
2. Acknowledge that great strides often take baby steps. Moving things just a bit forward a little at a time.
The fact is, the best ideas come in the shower, in the hammock, and as Picasso noted, in dreams. Doing the work of course can take a little midnight oil, but once we're inspired the passion takes over and we're always willing to do what it takes, riding the waves of frustration that may or may not bombard us.
That's really all I have this morning. And the hope that you don't experience this kind of pep talk. Or, if you do, know how to use it as inspiration for how not to be in the world.
I always say, the things I hate the most are the things that change me the most. Always for the better.May Magic Medicine infuse your day with positive energy.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Is it Grey's, House or ER?
I guess my hospital director is a magician in disguise. She does mentalism I think. She can induce palpitation or bradycardia to someone just by talking to her. I experienced that myself.If you can remember, early this month I spoke to her, and she promised me I'm going to join emergency department. I was happy, relieved, and felt thankful that I have such a considerate superior.Until I got a
Friday, June 20, 2008
Will You Study Medicine?
A new batch of fresh graduates flooded Hosp Taiping.Some came to work at 7.30am (instead of 6.30). A classic one would be, came late plus caught in the pantry relaxingly drinking his coffee, before he even started the round and blood taking. Probably he thought he's the consultant. Ya the next thing was he got the warning letter.Then early morning passover-round we'd hear some weird presentations
notice what you notice
That's an old quote I picked up in a writing seminar with Allen Ginsberg.
So what I've been noticing during this time of mega transition is that one gets a bit self conscious.
In case I haven't actually noted the details here:
1) I left a job at Aveda that I'd been at for 6 years. Was really ready to leave, but was blessed to have many beautiful relationships and an awesome physical working environment designed by Maya Lin.
2) I did my Omega residency and leaving that sweet spot is always a lesson in letting go.
3) I started a new job this week.
4) And started a creative coaching certification training.
So it's completely understandable that I might be swirling. Finding new footing. Exploring new ways of being in the world.
New office environments are interesting. Even when they are welcoming, there's the sense of a circle that isn't quite sure it wants to break open and allow something new in. It's very human. We hate change more than boredom.
Expansion can be scary, as I've definitely noticed in the Omega Art Hut where the immensity of possibility can be overwhelming.
I can't say that I have personally handled this transition very gracefully. Perhaps on the exterior it hasn't been as noticeable. But inside, I've been freaking out for about 3 weeks.
The last time I felt this way was when I went for my 1st degree black belt. The whole process took about a month, and was exciting, with a constant buzz of heightened awareness. But the night before the last day of fighting I was terrified. Seriously terrified. Afraid of breaking a bone, passing out, just not having it in me to go all the rounds. Of course the moment I was actually fighting, I was fine. Held my own. And was welcomed into the circle of black belts at our dojo with open arms.
So this week, as the fears have subsided into direct experience, I am simply struck by how our sense of self can be so easily knocked off balance.
And even more interesting, how hard we fight against that sense of loss. Although I'm not anxious to feel this way again, I hope the next time I'll have more patience to touch into it, and rather than fighting so hard against it (my martial arts push through it mentality), ease up and breathe (my yoga do less mentality).
So.... I'm still taking photos of shadows. Exploring how light casts darkness. Knowing there is not one without the other. The contrast is the balance. The balance is not always steady. Wavering is an aspect of balance. Falling is too.
What's really been a gift through these last three weeks is staying connected and commited to my practices: meditation, head stand, martial arts and making things.
May Magic Medicine be at your fingertips wherever you go.
So what I've been noticing during this time of mega transition is that one gets a bit self conscious.
In case I haven't actually noted the details here:
1) I left a job at Aveda that I'd been at for 6 years. Was really ready to leave, but was blessed to have many beautiful relationships and an awesome physical working environment designed by Maya Lin.
2) I did my Omega residency and leaving that sweet spot is always a lesson in letting go.
3) I started a new job this week.
4) And started a creative coaching certification training.
So it's completely understandable that I might be swirling. Finding new footing. Exploring new ways of being in the world.
New office environments are interesting. Even when they are welcoming, there's the sense of a circle that isn't quite sure it wants to break open and allow something new in. It's very human. We hate change more than boredom.
Expansion can be scary, as I've definitely noticed in the Omega Art Hut where the immensity of possibility can be overwhelming.
I can't say that I have personally handled this transition very gracefully. Perhaps on the exterior it hasn't been as noticeable. But inside, I've been freaking out for about 3 weeks.
The last time I felt this way was when I went for my 1st degree black belt. The whole process took about a month, and was exciting, with a constant buzz of heightened awareness. But the night before the last day of fighting I was terrified. Seriously terrified. Afraid of breaking a bone, passing out, just not having it in me to go all the rounds. Of course the moment I was actually fighting, I was fine. Held my own. And was welcomed into the circle of black belts at our dojo with open arms.
So this week, as the fears have subsided into direct experience, I am simply struck by how our sense of self can be so easily knocked off balance.
And even more interesting, how hard we fight against that sense of loss. Although I'm not anxious to feel this way again, I hope the next time I'll have more patience to touch into it, and rather than fighting so hard against it (my martial arts push through it mentality), ease up and breathe (my yoga do less mentality).
So.... I'm still taking photos of shadows. Exploring how light casts darkness. Knowing there is not one without the other. The contrast is the balance. The balance is not always steady. Wavering is an aspect of balance. Falling is too.
What's really been a gift through these last three weeks is staying connected and commited to my practices: meditation, head stand, martial arts and making things.
May Magic Medicine be at your fingertips wherever you go.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The days are just packed
I'm playing with Twitter. Facebook of course. Taking almost daily self-portraits. (Try it!) In what feels like an absense of time, digital cameras are an amazing creative tool. I'm fiddling around with more video too. Love the way tree/leaf shadows dance on the pavement. Just finding time to edit a challenge.
In the meantime, I started a new gig yesterday, so I'm a little wrapped up in that at the moment. And starting a creative life coaching certification training tonight.
I'll be in the city for two weeks straight, without my usual dip into nature, trees, bugs and dirt. But I'm heading to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens today with the Saatchi team I'm now working with. And Saturday night is Krishna Das, so I'll be swimming in the nectar of the names.
Life has been an overdose of Magic Medicine lately. And I have to say it hasn't all gone down with a spoonful of sugar (anyone remember Mary Poppins?).
So when time slows down a bit, and I can dig into the detritus I collect on all my journeys, there will be lots of rich experience to dig into and dredge up.
And I'm determined to bring more interesting content and links to this blog, so that it's more of a portal to what's out there vs. what's inside my small though ever expanding world.
For the moment I'm in the fast lane.
May Magic Medicine be with you.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Feedback from Hyphens
Received a mail from Hyphens regarding our show in O&G Congress in Genting, it's our group picture with some feedback:
"Thanks for the entertaining show which made a lot of doctors and nurses happy! If there are any future collaborations in regards to magic performances, both of you will be at the top of our lists!.." - Hyphens Pharmaceuticals
Thank you!=)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Simply the Best
I've just watched a vid by one of my good friends, Jeff Teo. I was speechless for a moment. The feeling that i've got is kinda complex. It's a feeling that i've not had for very long time..having been spending times in card magic, I thought I'm not gonna be easily amazed by a card magic anymore, until i see this again. The elegance, the beautiful music, the delicate skill, it's simply one of the
Friday, June 13, 2008
Eagle Medicine
This morning, I pulled Eagle from my Medicine Cards deck. And I was surprised. My energy has been frenetic, I'm still processing a lot from my time at Omega, and feeling a bit like I've hurled myself against a brick wall back in the city. Not so much with a SPLAT! but like a cartoon character, over and over again, peeling myself off the pavement only to run high speed into the same obstacle. Yet even as I write the word "obstacle", I realize it's not an obstacle at all. Just the sense of something I can't quite yet walk through. A membrane still impermeable.Eagle is about Spirit. The creative force of Great Spirit and connection to the divine. And the ability to remain connected to the Earth. Like the shamanic image above - an Axis Mundi self portrait from a series I'm working on. Wings skyward, roots Earthbound.
I've been playing around with this imagery for over a year somewhat unconsciously. It's moved into the conscious realm front and center now.
I'm going to be starting a new gig at an ad agency in a few days. My schedule, which has been a pretty flexible 3 day work week is likely to go into hyperdrive. I'm going to be dreaming up stuff that's much more material, commercial. And still, playing with the energies that I touch in with each year at Omega, and bring with lovingkindness into the world.
So I spread my wings and send roots deep down into the Earth - as we all do in different ways each day. Searching, thirsting for soul freedom. Grounded by the need to find our way in this physical world.
To keep the balance, I practice martial arts and yoga. Last night, going to the heavy bag with a vengence to get myself back in body - and in doing so, hurting my shoulders (upon which feel like the weight of the world, which has me thinking about the Atlas myth).
This morning, I'm not so sure where all of this leads. But I've left my left brain behind and gone with the flow of seemingly disconnected images and insights.
The thread may be my new obsession: Twitter, where collective bits and pieces create a kind of virtual mandala of human experience. It some ways it's all just a bunch of data, details, drivel, and in others a cerebral vortex of humanity reaching across the wires beyond body to instant connection and community.
I just got the image and feel of an ocean flooding into and through my body and being, knocking everything over and washing everything clean. The surf laps the sand. Seaweed dances in the foam.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine, the energy of Eagle and the power of imagination.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Body Wisdom Wednesday
Last night I was home crashing by 8pm. The extreme heat, which had me feeling slow, sexy, steamy, finally brought me to a screeching halt.
I'd started the day in new pink shoes. And ended it in a cool bath with the air conditioner blasting.
In between, I'd written poems, taken pictures, gone into Thriftzilla mode at the 8th Street Salvation Army. And put in a somewhat lazy but productive work day.
That's what my physical body was doing all day.
My consciousness was touching into breath, space and time. And resting in this lovely piece from Spirituality and Practice:
Hinduism has many beautiful traditions for family and holiday celebrations. Eknath Easwaran describes one that happened when he was visiting family in Kerala for the New Year:
"I came out of our room after meditation on Sunday morning and found our two little nieces waiting on either side of the door. I had my red knit cap on. They said, 'Close your eyes, uncle.' I closed my eyes like an obedient uncle, and they pulled the wool over them. Taking my hands, they led me into their room and had me sit down. Then they asked, 'Would you like to see the Lord?'
" 'Very much,' I replied.
" 'Then open your eyes!'
"I did, and found myself looking into a mirror all beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers. The face I saw was my own. This is the Kerala tradition, in which all members of the family are led to a mirror and reminded that the face they see there is the Lord's."
Later, should someone have an outburst of anger, s/he is reminded in a loving way that not too long ago, s/he saw the Lord in the mirror and it is time to act upon that love, kindness and compassion that all resides within us all.
"I came out of our room after meditation on Sunday morning and found our two little nieces waiting on either side of the door. I had my red knit cap on. They said, 'Close your eyes, uncle.' I closed my eyes like an obedient uncle, and they pulled the wool over them. Taking my hands, they led me into their room and had me sit down. Then they asked, 'Would you like to see the Lord?'
" 'Very much,' I replied.
" 'Then open your eyes!'
"I did, and found myself looking into a mirror all beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers. The face I saw was my own. This is the Kerala tradition, in which all members of the family are led to a mirror and reminded that the face they see there is the Lord's."
Later, should someone have an outburst of anger, s/he is reminded in a loving way that not too long ago, s/he saw the Lord in the mirror and it is time to act upon that love, kindness and compassion that all resides within us all.
So, today as our bodies bask in the heat, may our true selves melt into the Oneness.
And may every moment be Magic Medicine.
Monday, June 9, 2008
18th Malaysian Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Was invited to perform in the 18th M'sian Congress of Obs & Gyne, which took place in the Genting International Convention Centre in early June. This was my 2nd time performing in medical conference, after the Colorectal conference in Mar. I have a feeling that there will be more coming, and i hope the next one will be cardiology one! Ha. This time i partnered with my very good friend, Robin
Monday is Magic Medicine Day
Well, everyday is Magic Medicine Day, but Monday's are a good day to make sure we make something.
Making photographs is easy way to get into the habit. If you don't have a digital camera, use your phone. Take a moment today to take a self portrait or visually record an intimate moment. Don't think, just snap. Take a zillion. Don't edit. Sometimes the pictures you think are the worst, blurry, oddly cropped etc., become the most interesting.
Or shoot some video
I'm uploading to Facebook a lot these days. It's becoming a kind of obsession. You can upload to the Magic Medicine group or send me a link to your Flckr, UTube or other photo or video stream.
May your photos be filled with Magic Medicine.
Making photographs is easy way to get into the habit. If you don't have a digital camera, use your phone. Take a moment today to take a self portrait or visually record an intimate moment. Don't think, just snap. Take a zillion. Don't edit. Sometimes the pictures you think are the worst, blurry, oddly cropped etc., become the most interesting.
Or shoot some video
I'm uploading to Facebook a lot these days. It's becoming a kind of obsession. You can upload to the Magic Medicine group or send me a link to your Flckr, UTube or other photo or video stream.
May your photos be filled with Magic Medicine.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Festival of Magic 2008
Went to the Festival of Magic 08 in Subang Parade. Magicians from Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, Indonesia & Malaysia joined together and mesmerizing audience with spectacular illusions. Gosh I feel so lucky that it's held when i'm back to KL and i didn't have to miss it!
Performance by Korean magician couple: Lee Jei Min & Han Na. Using the theme of Snow White
Virtual Life Drawing
Stumped for what to write about this morning, I started surfing and found this amazing link on Danny Gregory's site.
I'm surprising myself with interest in actual technique these days.
Crazy. And fitting.
Everything changes.
NPR has JK Rowling's Harvard speech which I think is more notable for its imagination content than the fringe benefits of failure. But it's a sound bite world, and failure is meatier for a media feeding frenzy. Skip to the 2nd half of the speech for the real inspiration.
And give me imagination any day.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine.
I'm surprising myself with interest in actual technique these days.
Crazy. And fitting.
Everything changes.
NPR has JK Rowling's Harvard speech which I think is more notable for its imagination content than the fringe benefits of failure. But it's a sound bite world, and failure is meatier for a media feeding frenzy. Skip to the 2nd half of the speech for the real inspiration.
And give me imagination any day.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Metta in the Morning
This week my creative practice has been a life line. Mini watercolors quench my soul thirst. Metta meditation keeps me swimming in a bowl of love.I've created a Magic Medicine group on Facebook, so you can upload art, poetry -- whatever you're creating.
Art making can be shamanic, meditative - and sometimes anything but peaceful.
Today, make it about love.
May you touch the Magic Medicine in every moment.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
process and technique
I've always been all about process. Almost in defiance of technique. That's my way. But this morning, while doing a quick watercolor, I actually embraced the idea of learning more about using the medium in more practiced, proven ways. It's time. And all my negative associations with being shown how to do a thing "the right way" melt away. In truth, that's why I'm so devoted to process. If we allow it, openly, with little effort and lots of heart, it brings us exactly where we need to be.
So with that gentle thought in mind, I begin a day of dancing back into the office world, where paintings will be words and embraces may be headlocks and chokeholds. I hold metta in my heart and wonder like Piglet from Winnie the Pooh, what kinds of exciting things are going to happen today?
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
back to the hamster wheel
The gift of being sick was spending a few extra days at home before heading back to the city. Today I make a transition I make almost 50 times a year, and still is never easy. I love my city life, love my friends there, love karate, yoga, walking the city streets. But the trees have my heart. The pavement only the soles of my feet.
After such a rich few weeks I plan to spend more time journalling visually with watercolors, pencil and ink. This is a creative challenge for me -- I'm more drawn (no pun intended) to 3 dimensional objects and assemblage, amulets and tokens of the physical journey. Maybe I'll find a way to combine the two.
A number of years ago, I created soul collages while collecting swipe (pics from magazines) for the print ads and tv commercials I was writing. So that's another way to keep my heart in the right place.
What keeps your heart in the right place? Feeling peaceful, happy, whole?
What small step can you take today to touch that place? If only for a moment.
What are you dreaming?
I think of Rumi:
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don't open the door to the studyand begin reading.
Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine.
After such a rich few weeks I plan to spend more time journalling visually with watercolors, pencil and ink. This is a creative challenge for me -- I'm more drawn (no pun intended) to 3 dimensional objects and assemblage, amulets and tokens of the physical journey. Maybe I'll find a way to combine the two.
A number of years ago, I created soul collages while collecting swipe (pics from magazines) for the print ads and tv commercials I was writing. So that's another way to keep my heart in the right place.
What keeps your heart in the right place? Feeling peaceful, happy, whole?
What small step can you take today to touch that place? If only for a moment.
What are you dreaming?
I think of Rumi:
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don't open the door to the studyand begin reading.
Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
May your day be filled with Magic Medicine.
Emergency Medicine
Finally. I met my hospital director. I expressed my concern to her, and I got my answer. I'm going to join emergency department, while waiting for the vacancy in Internal medicine dept. This is EXACTLY what i want! As i seem to be the first on the waiting list, so i guess i won't have to wait too long, and meanwhile it's a good opportunity to learn emergency medicine, and prepare myself better
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Healing
This morning as I wake early, from a night of deep chest coughing and the worst cold I've had in what seems like years, it occurs to me that being sick is an inititation.
In shamanic cultures, the initiate is transformed by near death experiences, the tearing of flesh, fevers, physical and psychological trauma. If we can give ourselves the gift of withdrawing from the world for the few days when we too are feverish, in the grips of coughing fits and body aches, we give ourselves time to heal physical wounds as well as psychological ones. And what we've come down with may give us a link to the universe within.
It's no coincidence that I came down with this cold as I was leaving Omega - a touchstone for me each year. It gave me a chance to transition with grace. Normally I would have sped back into the city and stepped right back into the whirling dervish dance of my life there. I would have met with dear friends and celebrated my birthday with delicious food and wine. I would have woken this morning with a hangover.
Instead, I spent the day on my front porch wrapped in blankets, reading, painting and dreaming. And waking fitfully to new visions.
Each year at Omega the veil between real and imaginal life becomes filmier, more shrouded in mists. Last year I remember having trouble dropping into heightened experiences, but every moment of waking life was absolutely shamanic. This year, real life - a pending job interview, doctor's appointment, an unpaid bill - made clear counterpoints to shamanic, psychic, yogic and creative experiences. At every turn I was holding both in my hands and my heart.
I am learning to hold neither too lightly or too tightly. To slip seamlessly between the two, back and forth, back and forth again.
Robert Moss' The Three "Only" Things, Tapping the Power of Dreams, Coincidence and Imagination is a pathway.
I'm still in the throes of coughing and congestion, but the body weary weight and crying jags of a little girl who just doesn't feel well have lifted. Today I'll have the energy to unpack the car, put clothes and art supplies in their place, and make way for the days and weeks ahead.
May your life be filled with Magic Medicine.
China Girl Cursing Si Chuan Victims
I know this is not something new but when i saw this, i was profoundly shocked. Came to a state that i can't believe/ understand why there would be this kinda person, having such apathetic mind, giving such indifferent, cold-blooded remarks over grief-stricken Si Chuan victims, and got it recorded and posted to internet. What's in her mind? I'm totally clueless.Take a look at this clip (
Monday, June 2, 2008
Omega download
Last moments in the hammock by the lake
Brendan's Magic Medicine Rattle
Adrienne and Erin making their marks
Fay and Shanti with their Magic Medicine Rattles
Sacred Spirit of the CatalpaJust a few Omega images from my Omega residency. It's sooooo much to process. I wish I'd kept blogging through it, but somehow time both stands still and speeds up in the 3 weeks that I'm there.
I think this year I spent more concentrated time in the Art Hut, making more things than ever before. Although it feels that way, but there doesn't seem to be so much physical evidence of it. The first two weeks I spent working on the catalpa pods every moment. There are more of them than what I actually hung. And I remember spending one full day in the Art Hut sewing something I'd been trying to manifest for years. Over 10 years in fact. Sometimes it takes that long.
So today I am holding space only for myself, and as I notice that, I can understand why there might be a feeling of emptiness. For the last several weeks I have been creating a safe container for others to tap into and express their creativity. At the same time I've been able to dive into my own, and expand my own reaches. Today, in the throes of a chest cold back home, without the loving, supportive Omega community bustling around and inside of me - without three meals nurturing me at just the right moment - I am a little lost.
But before I jump into the whirling dervish of a life that lays at my feet when I return to New York City, I sink into the sadness and space of solitude and silence, touching each emotion as it emerges and subsides, and wondering what I can make of it.
May all your journeys be filled with Magic Medicine.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Testimonials from Induksi
After the magic performances in the Induksi, i've received some testimonials from the participants, which are very encouraging:
"Fantastic and amazing! Very impressive skill and successful performance. Your performance has uplifted the audience..and i'm very suprised that it comes from a medical doctor! Impressive!"
- Dr. Norzi, Hosp Selama
"Your magic is truly remarkable. The close-up
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