The Rhetorical Diarrhea Post
Sorry about the awful title for this post, but it's apropos.
Today in my Information Design class we talked about structured writing (everything from using headings to Information Mapping™ to PowerPoint). It was amazing. But this post is going to be incredibly disorganized and will not incorporate any of what I wrapped my brain around today.
Too tired.
However, I do think I’m on the way to finding balance. Little negotiations. Learning that I can’t work effectively at night. Learning to make the most of those hours just after I wake up, when my brain is most nimble and my reading goes much faster... and good lord the stuff I’m reading is dense!
Morning reading is my favorite time. I prop myself up on my couch with my heating pad behind my back and a hat on my head. I laughed last night at the thought that I have a “thinking cap,” but it’s not really a thinking cap; it does have a less metaphysical function! It shields my eyes from the glare of my less-than-ideal overhead lighting setup. Many things in my life are less than ideal for studying, but I can’t focus on that. I just do. And when I do, I feel (is this wrong?) a semblance of arousal. It’s not sexual, but it’s definitely a visceral excitement. I’m so lucky to have found something that interests me so much.
I love that I’m getting to experience what it’s like to be so present and fulfilled. I’ve worked hard for it, but still... I never thought I’d feel this, well, high.
Speaking of natural highs, I’m struggling with how I can keep yoga in my life. I was working the front desk at my yoga studio 3 hours a week in exchange for an unlimited membership, but decided that had to go. I work my last shift next Tuesday, and hopefully that additional 3 hours of study time in my week will make the difference between continuing to fall behind and staying on top of things. Since I won't be able to take classes at my studio anymore (too expensive), I signed up for a yoga class at the IMA with the idea that I might actually make it since I don’t have the commute issue to grapple with. I went to my first session last night, and it’s so... gym like. No one is doing ujayyi breath. Girls are checking themselves out in the mirror. Everyone's doing it because it's trendy, with no attention to the meditative aspects. Oh well, at least it’s something, and I think I’ve been practicing long enough that I can tune that stuff out and get everything I can out of the practice.
I’m listening to some new (well, new to me) music, sent to me by my dear friend Ellen. The National. That’s the name of the band. I’d heard Secret Meeting on KEXP a while ago and it rocked my socks. Turns out the whole album is pretty stunning.
When did I turn into such and indie-head? I think it’s environmental. Seattle does love its rock n’ roll.
To bed with me. I'm useless this time of night.
Today in my Information Design class we talked about structured writing (everything from using headings to Information Mapping™ to PowerPoint). It was amazing. But this post is going to be incredibly disorganized and will not incorporate any of what I wrapped my brain around today.
Too tired.
However, I do think I’m on the way to finding balance. Little negotiations. Learning that I can’t work effectively at night. Learning to make the most of those hours just after I wake up, when my brain is most nimble and my reading goes much faster... and good lord the stuff I’m reading is dense!
Morning reading is my favorite time. I prop myself up on my couch with my heating pad behind my back and a hat on my head. I laughed last night at the thought that I have a “thinking cap,” but it’s not really a thinking cap; it does have a less metaphysical function! It shields my eyes from the glare of my less-than-ideal overhead lighting setup. Many things in my life are less than ideal for studying, but I can’t focus on that. I just do. And when I do, I feel (is this wrong?) a semblance of arousal. It’s not sexual, but it’s definitely a visceral excitement. I’m so lucky to have found something that interests me so much.
I love that I’m getting to experience what it’s like to be so present and fulfilled. I’ve worked hard for it, but still... I never thought I’d feel this, well, high.
Speaking of natural highs, I’m struggling with how I can keep yoga in my life. I was working the front desk at my yoga studio 3 hours a week in exchange for an unlimited membership, but decided that had to go. I work my last shift next Tuesday, and hopefully that additional 3 hours of study time in my week will make the difference between continuing to fall behind and staying on top of things. Since I won't be able to take classes at my studio anymore (too expensive), I signed up for a yoga class at the IMA with the idea that I might actually make it since I don’t have the commute issue to grapple with. I went to my first session last night, and it’s so... gym like. No one is doing ujayyi breath. Girls are checking themselves out in the mirror. Everyone's doing it because it's trendy, with no attention to the meditative aspects. Oh well, at least it’s something, and I think I’ve been practicing long enough that I can tune that stuff out and get everything I can out of the practice.
I’m listening to some new (well, new to me) music, sent to me by my dear friend Ellen. The National. That’s the name of the band. I’d heard Secret Meeting on KEXP a while ago and it rocked my socks. Turns out the whole album is pretty stunning.
When did I turn into such and indie-head? I think it’s environmental. Seattle does love its rock n’ roll.
To bed with me. I'm useless this time of night.
posted by Ariel Wednesday, October 12, 2005
1 Comments:
Ah, the life of a student. How to cram 500 pages of reading in. Write 20 pages of some what meaningful written work, without too many errors. Then find time to actually take care of yourself? I don't think I manage time, I think it manages me.
I know the Gym, may not be the Dojo or studio of you r choice. However, if you have a way and chance to do something for yourself.... take it. You could take it as a way to continue your practice that asks how you can find the space, and practice you need amongst the narcissism and trend followers at the gym. Perhaps lifting you up to new level of training. Or, just ignore them and get what you can out of it and go.
Either way, something is better than nothing. May not seem like it, but take it from me, if I could find a Dojo right now that I could afford, I would be all over it. Even a non-traditional school or gym where most don't even know what a Gi is.
There is always a lesson or new opportunity for growth. It's our choice whether or not we listen. So, after I am done here I am going to go find some Q-tips and work on my own advice. For, all the 2 cents it's worth.
Cheers,
Kristopher
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