Today was to be a day of altered realities. Now there was a time in my life when I intentionally tried to alter reality - this took place over a fairly significant period of time; some fifteen years, all told. The thing is, to my knowledge I didn't alter reality - I suppose I only altered my perception of reality. Much then that was occurring or not occurring in my life, didn't change; but I was allowed windows of time that I could forget about it, or not care at all. I'm not now suggesting, this was a healthy means to adjust/cope with the external stimuli (and my internal translation of it);nor can I be sure, what the lasting benefits were; despite, the intermittent detriment that presented, in it's various manifestations. It most certainly lended itself, to shake up my perceptions, of what I would have thought "was carved in stone" - even, where stones themselves were concerned!
Today's variations on reality were similar, in that they were directly involving "my reality;" though the delivery mechanism was appreciably gentler (although one did still involve..... gasp... DRUGS!)
My first foray into altered reality was by nine in the morning, I was at a local green spot/playground and learning/doing some tai chi. Does tai chi "alter reality?" Well.... I have trained in martial arts in the past (quite extensively - 5+years) I have also dabbled with Qi Gong - but I have never had a tai chi practice (nor do I currently - I went today and we planned to meet again in two days); so, I won't be able to say how it alters reality over the long term, until I have spent a long term doing it.
The reality that was "altered," was that I was out there doing it. It was an incredible way to start off the day - even though it wasn't the "start of my day." I had leisure time at home to enjoy reading and contemplation; having got up shortly after 6:00 a.m. I had considered going back to bed when I had first got up to the call of nature; but once up, I was excited to commence the day. I was eagerly anticipating the tai chi - which didn't disappoint.
It was great to be outside - in a green space. moving my body, learning something new - the benefits of which were immediately realized (at least those of a shorter term variety) the connection and fellowship were also a welcome "eye-opener!" An added bonus was the fellow I met with, brought his dog along - I happen to love dogs (what's not to love?) so she provided plenty of demonstrations of the joy of movement and spontaneous play.
The second altered reality experience was brought about as the result of an eye exam. I haven't had one for quite some time and was wanting to look into getting back into some form of contact lens. The exam revealed that my eyes were in excellent health - nothing had changed with regard to my corrective lens prescription - which is all good to know. Regarding the glasses that I wear most often - I enjoy revealing that "these are not "retro-70's" glasses - they are 70's glasses! The "drugs" I mentioned earlier, are the eye drops they use to dilate the pupils; in order to see more entirely, the inside surfaces of the eye. I had fore-telling of this when I booked the appointment, so I made sure I had my clip-on sun glasses to wear afterwards. Even with the shades, it was "trippy" walking outside. First of all it was extremely bright! As well, visual perception was "altered" and some movement induced a bit of a "woozy" sensation. It has been twenty-nine (plus) years since I actively and intentionally (can't really say consciously) sought these sorts of experiences daily. It wasn't so much that it was upsetting or unpleasant - it was just really strange. I can see why they recommend you don't drive. I chose to walk/and ride the bus. I am grateful to now-a-days be content with seeking an expanded perception of reality - without so much falling down!
The same little shopping centre where the optometrist clinic is, also includes,one of the chain of grocery stores I frequent, when ever I'm in the vicinity of one of them. I particularly like their "deli." The also happened to be a "Planet Organic" market there as well. I haven't been in there for quite sometime. I decided to check out their deli and got myself a great 3 course vegetarian meal to bring home. I don't frequent that deli because I suppose, I haven't considered it "convenient." Truth is, it's probably only a 10-15 min. bus ride and certainly within cycling distance - I'll be back!
In conclusion or, to summarize the day, "altered reality" doesn't have to be centered around inebriation necessarily. It can be brought about at anytime one decides to have an altered experience of themselves in either a familiar circumstance, or in something brand new. I loved that today was comprised of not only things that "are good for me" - there are any number of things that might well be beneficial to me in the long run, but that I'm not "ga-ga" about at the time. I know unequivocally that the activities I allowed myself today were "good for me" specifically (in other words, they were in alignment with who I am and what I needed today).
The distinction for me can be made by, regardless of what I might have looked like doing the Tai chi, (clearly my technique/form is presently at a maximum potential for evolution/refinement) inside me - where the tires hit the pavement - I caught a glimpse of Nirvana! - sans Kurt Cobain.
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