Things feel different this semester. I’ve discussed it with a couple friends and they agree. We seem to have passed a threshold, out of the foundation building level, and into the level of application and use. This semester we’re finally getting into the details of diagnosis and treatment of diseases (we’ll be focusing on respiratory and digestive disorders), advanced needling techniques, and herbal formulas (as opposed to focusing on the individual herbs). I’m also taking an elective class on the “Huang Di Nei Jing” or the “Yellow Emperor’s Classic” which essentially the “bible” of Chinese Medicine (I’m hoping for some interesting posts to come out of that class).

This is also my last semester in New York. I’m taking the summer off and will be moving to Boulder with my now fiance then wife! I’m looking forward to being in an environment and culture that is more outdoor and nature oriented. I’m curious to see how that affects the types of pathologies that come into the clinic and I’m eager to see how a different school approaches teaching and learning Chinese Medicine. That said, moving can be a very stressful life event. It involves saying goodbye to people, a place, and things, and it requires a certain amount of courage and willingness to face the unknown. The hope is that it will be an experience that fosters growth and also allows us to more easily live a lifestyle that is in line with our values.

Speaking of value, this past week I’ve caught myself in the mindset of “making the most” of everything: of my last semester, of my last months in New York City, of the time I have with my friends. I think it’s an attitude quite prevalent in our society, especially in areas like New York, and while in many ways it can serve positive purposes, it can also be a hindrance. It’s easy to get so caught up in trying to “make the most” or “find or be the best” that it’s hard to make any decisions or to enjoy what is. And when making the most of my semester at school means taking some of the more demanding classes, but making the most of my last months in New York means taking less classes so I have more time to explore and frolic, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. So, here’s too just what is, and to remembering that “making the most” is not necessarily as much about content as it is about how we approach life.

Finally, I’d like to write a blog-post on “How to find the right Acupuncturist for you” (this comes after being asked a number of times by people for recommendations and/or advice on the topic), and I think that a fair share of people out there reading might have some good advice/stories on the topic…. so if you do… please either comment here or e-mail me.

Happy New Year!