Detour With Benefits

At the top of my list of things to do today is a lecture entitled “Applying Traditional Eastern Medicine to Promote Health and Well-Being,” by Kaoru Yamamoto, PhD, Professor, Intercultural Consultant/Trainer, Kinetic Coach.

I left this morning with time to spare and decided to use a parking space farthest away to get some walking steps in. I got to the classroom with about five minutes to spare, found a seat, filled out a name card, and started filling out the registration form. I quickly took in the classroom and noticed many posters dealing with pain management. I also noted the people who obviously were in charge of the class did not appear to be of eastern descent mirroring anyone named Dr. Yamamoto. I decided I better verify my place and found out I was not.

There is a grouping of buildings and I am directed to go to entry door 3 of the building behind my current location. The time is tight, but I can walk fast when I have to and I am getting in my steps. I left the building, crossed a bridge spanning a small gully and took a path winding around the front of the building through a nice garden. I wanted to make the most of what is now a very tight time schedule, so I went directly to the information desk. “No ma’am, that lecture is at the building across the street,” the receptionist told me as she smiled.

Okay, so now I’m a little daunted. I hate to be late and I obviously was not going to be on time for this class. I must admit I spent a few minutes berating and reminding myself that I should have taken the time to be sure I knew exactly where the class was being held. I considered turning around and going back to my car, forgoing the class altogether. I imagined my Dad’s voice saying, “If I’m going to be late, I’d rather not go at all.” In order to get to my car from this point, I had to go right past the building where the class was in full swing. I decided to attend the class, albeit I was twenty minutes late. A few of those late minutes were because I did not hasten my pace. I enjoyed the walk back through the lovely landscaping using desert horticulture.

I’m very glad I went to the lecture and will be sharing what I learned in the coming weeks. Also, I’ve decided to try tai chi and spoke with several fellow classmates who regularly attend classes taught locally by a master of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. I’ve been curious about this form of meditation and I’m excited to reap its benefits.

Besides all that, I took some pictures of the scenery I enjoyed in my little jaunt. You see, I live in Southern Utah and this conglomeration of buildings make up our top-notch medical facilities. This day is a reminder to me to slow down and smell the cacti, I guess. Today I was given a lemon (mostly due to my own lack of proper planning) and I made a lovely glass of lemonade. It has been a very good day and the start of something new. Stay tuned to enjoy a new adventure with me.