So the day before I left for New Mexico the realization hits me that I am about to, for the first time, fly to a destination, where, no one will be there to meet me...My first totally solo trip. Panic set in immediately! This combined with the fact that I was upset over a tattoo I recently acquired (which by the way, now that the repair work is healing, I am now feeling quite happy about) led to a minor "tizzy" as one of my old hairdresser co-workers would say.
I figured if I couldn't do this I might need to reconsider this whole traveling the world thing. So, that was motivation in itself. I have had some tough moments, where I have questioned my ability to do what I am doing...moments when old familiar feelings of anxiety descend upon me and I wonder why it is that I continue to face this issue. I have to approach it from every level, but for me, I am finding that breath is most important. I was talking to a good friend of mine, Eric, about this the other night. He talked about the breath being the connection between our physical selves and our Cosmic Selves. What a beautiful way to explain this! I feel that it is true for me, because it is when I am able to connect with what is real, that I am able to feel most comfortable in the relative world. Thank God for meditation! :)
So New Mexico...I have learned a lot already about traveling by myself and the things I need to create comfort and flow in my experience. I was fortunate to be here during something called "Indian Market," the largest display of American Indian Artwork that happens once a year. My first day I was fortunate to be able to explore the various booths and was so impressed by the work I saw. While I was in the town square, I also checked out the Georgia O'Keefe museum where I saw an exhibit of her work along with Ansel Adams. WOW!!! Such a moving exhibit...these artists had such a deep connection with Mother Earth and I was literally moved to tears. I found this to be true of most of the art I have seen here. People are very connected...and it makes sense, it is truly beautiful. With the mountains, the desert, rivers, forests...they've got everything but the beach!
Yesterday I decided to drive up the mountain to the ski area and hike. About halfway up I decided that wasn't such a good idea as I became more nauseated the higher I went. So I thought, its all good, I'll just go hiking on one of the lower parts of the mountain. Turns out that wasn't such a good idea either. Santa Fe is on a high elevation...they say you should wait a few days to get acclimated before doing a lot of activity. Turns out they are right. So a half hour later I was continuing my drive DOWN the mountain. I ended up getting to see the inside of some beautiful homes and talked to some really nice people who should be on commercials to sale Santa Fe as the place to be. I was also able to connect with a fellow Fairfield friend I discovered was living here for dinner which was really nice.
Today I had an apt. with an admissions counselor at Southwestern. I decided to check my calendar again before leaving for my apt...11:00...not 1:00...I called the school in a panic to find that the admissions counselor I was meeting had left because she wasn't feeling well. Lucky for me her assistant Saijon gave me the tour and sat and talked with me for a bit. As I was leaving I was introduced to the president of the university and we had a wonderful conversation. Without any prompting he began to address many concerns I had about going into "clinical" psychology. He talked about how the school allowed the students to go deeper into themselves so that they might bring this connection into their work. We talked about working with the system while bringing a more holistic and spiritual approach to the client. We talked about research, about shifts in consciousness and paradigm. I talked about my own path and my desires in this field. What was most impressive was that from the very beginning of the conversation he spoke with me on what felt like the same level, and I felt confident in what I had to offer.
The school is incredibly small with 150 students and only a few buildings. But the space is so nice, the energy feels good...and I love that they embrace all traditions. And it turns out the woman who is in charge of the program I am interested in practices TM and lived in Fairfield for many years!
So...while driving back to the airport, looking at the beautiful landscapes in every direction I thought...I could live here. So I am one for four. I will definitely be applying to Southwestern. Now on to Frisco...
love, peace, and blessings
