Sunday, August 21, 2011

Soul Retrieval


One of my favorite reflection pics ever. This is the old post office building, reflected in a puddle on the sidewalk.

I'm happy. Or maybe what I should say is, I feel like myself for the first time in a few weeks. I wonder what that means, feeling like myself? How can I not feel like myself? Somehow I can, and have, in the weeks preceeding the day I moved my practice here to the chateau, and the days since. My teachers of shamanism would say when I don't feel like myself that means one of my three souls has travelled to the upper or lower worlds, looking for help or maybe just vamoosing until my unpleasant mood passes. I can't blame this soul - I know I haven't been a lot of fun lately, all worried and such. According to Chinese medicine, the spirit or shen resides in the heart. If the heart beat is not steady, the shen sometimes goes to reside in another organ - I think this is a different way to explain the same phenomena.

Yesterday I took a break from worrying. A friend and I took a long walk, checked out the Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery, had a quick lunch. I thought the Peacock Room would be the big highlight of the day - that space is SO bizarre - and though we got a kick out of it, I think the walk itself was far more enjoyable. We shared stories, stopped to take pictures, ducked inside the National Gallery when the sun came out and it was too hot.

What a perfect day. At the end of the day, I felt whole again. So maybe my soul returned. Welcome home!

Today I will see several clients in the cool, cozy, smooth energy of the Chateau Seven massage therapy studio, after which perhaps I will decide again not to worry. Why not, hey? I say hey.

Happy Sunday, y'all.


Street art. Thought of Steve in London as I took this.

13 comments:

ellen abbott said...

I really dislike how it feels when I worry. It never helps anything. It doesn't change the situation. All it does is make me feel bad. So I try not to worry. I have a few little tricks but mostly I just try to be busy. Kinda hard to worry when you are concentrating on something else.

Steve Reed said...

I do love that street art! And for the life of me, I can't remember whether I've seen the Peacock Room in person or just read about it on your blog. Did we go there when I was in DC?

I haven't been feeling myself either these last several months. Change is very disruptive to our sense of self. But I feel like I'm getting back into my groove, and I'm glad you had a chance to just go out and get your mind off things. :)

Reya Mellicker said...

Ellen I am a Mighty Worrier. I really am - a constitutional weakness, perhaps.

Steve I don't think we did. Now that I know they open the windows on Thursdays, I'm going back. To see that disturbed space with daylight ... can't wait!

Washington Cube said...

A man I've known forever has long called me "Princess in the Land of Porcelain" after the portrait over the fireplace. What the security guard told me after opening that window so long ago...the interior of the Freer has floor to ceiling windows revealing the interior atrium, but there is only one exterior (on the street) window, and that's the one in the Peacock Room.

I like to think how Whistler pissed off his patron by painting over that expensive tooled leather, and the artist's revenge with the coins in the peacock's tail. The room itself has always given off a weird energy.

My late mother used to say that worry was a sin. Her belief was that you have faith and put yourself in the care of a higher power. I'm obviously a worrier to remember how often she told me that. :)

Reya Mellicker said...

It has really disturbed energy. I had no idea there was only one outwards facing window at the Freer. How cool!

I, too, love the revenge factor involved in the making of the room. What a crazy space!

Janelle said...

stunning new blog pic and yes i DIG that reflection pic...yay you;re feelin' happier...not sure what that is...waves i guess? cycles? everything comes and goes.... xxx j

Gemel said...

I am like you when changes visit Reya, same sensitivity to imbalances within, shifts with-out. Glad to hear you are feeling more in tune with yourself once again.

Gemel said...

I am like you when changes visit Reya, same sensitivity to imbalances within, shifts with-out. Glad to hear you are feeling more in tune with yourself once again.

Reya Mellicker said...

It always comes back around, my characteristic optimism. But when I'm in a worried space or other emotional downward spiral, I can't remember this simple truth. Go figure.

Cyndy said...

Yeah, worrying sucks! I like that top picture with the millions of points of light.

I don't want to spoil the surprise, but here's a preview of the shutters being opened that you can watch if you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_W9uJg5HI0

The eerie theremin music is more compatible with the dark version of the room though, I think. I can't wait to see it in person next month!

janis said...

on the first photo...WOW. It is incredible!
As for your feeling good & happy... i can relate. I guess I am a big fat worry wart, but it makes the good times better appreciated :) I have also learned coping methods (walking is one of them). I am learning to love my life & love the skin I am in... finally. worries & all♥

Reya Mellicker said...

Janis it's never easy for high strung people like you and me. It's the price we pay for a certain facet of our fabulousness. Dang, man

Cyndy let's go together. Want to?

Cyndy said...

Reya - I definitely want to go see it with you next month. I've put it on my calendar already and I'm looking forward to it!