A Long Work Week....

This past week, I worked 12 days straight. Poor, poor me; there has been no decent rest for me since we returned from Alessandria! Do I expect you to feels sorry for me? No. The Pisces in me says no, no, no.

So, what was I doing that took so many days in a row? I was teaching mostly young, bright, energetic acupuncture students about an acupuncture technique that we use in substance abuse settings. In addition to the acupuncture, the course (30 hours) has a heavy emphasis upon issues and neuro-brain chemistry related to drug abuse. I really enjoy teaching and this was a particularly good class of 15 students. So, actually, even though I was working, I really enjoyed myself.

Ear anatomy and point location.

Look at those notes my students take! It's like they are listening and find some important things to write down.

Here's the protocol. Ah, but does it CURE addiction? Nope. No one individual treatment approach cures addiction. No one stand alone treatment "cures" addiction for all people; addiction is a illness of which the phenomena of relapse is a major symptom. It takes multiple treatment options to give an individual a fighting chance--ie AA, support groups, counseling, anger management, housing, money, jobs, acupuncture.... Auricular acupuncture is a supportive, adjunct treatment that is a "slice of the pie"; it's not the whole "treatment pie". No one approach makes up the entire treatment pie.

It really doesn't hurt; it's a small pinch in the ears and usually quite tolerable for most people (except maybe my girlfriend). The treatment is very relaxing and calming.

I was tired at the end of four days. It's a challenge to talk 7 hours a day and keep one's audience interested and attentive. I need acupuncture.

So, the next day, right after the class was finished, I resumed my "new job" activities,
walking the halls of the various buildings and knocking on doors.

Stairs, stairs, stairs are everywhere...I have to say, walking these halls and stairs gave me a few anecdotal tidbits for my class...

And as my long two weeks began to wind down, I realized and saw that things could be worse.

More shoes lost....

Not much to count on when one is homeless, addicted and mentally ill. My new world where I straddle many conflicting feelings and thoughts. I'm guessing my students picked up on that.

I'm quite thankful for what I have--it's way more than I really need.
Please be well, happy, and generous.