A Modern Rite of Passage II
Yesterday, in what was a stunning move for me, I went and got a new tattoo nearly 13 years after getting my last one. I was sitting, practicing guitar and having a tough time keep any sort of focus for more than two seconds, when I decided I needed to have the OM etched into my flesh so I could mediate on it any time I wanted. I spung the news on Alessandra who, even more to my surprise, told me I should do it that afternoon. So I did. Inside right wrist. We found two versions on-line and Alessandra reworked it on the light table at her office near the tattoo parlor, so I also have some of her artwork on my body.
I wondered what was going on in my subconscious that made me make that decision after so long. I had always wanted another one, but the costs, location and subject matter always eluded me. Why now, why OM? We all know tattooing has a ritual signifigance and personal meaning, and for a lot of people it's a much more regular thing.
Upon reflection I came up with several reasons (in no particular order):
1. I have been feeling stagnant lately in many areas of my life. I needed a radical shock that didn't involve ditching my life and running away somewhere new.
2. I have begun a new creative endeavor, and for some reason tattoos have something to do with it.
3. I wanted the pain because I wanted to feel something because many of my emotions are currently muted. This may be because of the Paxil, on the plus side, a most of my anxiety is gone and I can swallow, although I am still easily irritated. The pain was good. I was vibrating to the needle RPM for hours after the work, and already want another one.
4. I really do need to mediate more, and it's time I go beyond breath counting to OM. As I grokked the tatoo, I realized that the OM would help keep me present in the moment.
There you go, one more "modern" rite of passage.
Now it's off to meditate.
I wondered what was going on in my subconscious that made me make that decision after so long. I had always wanted another one, but the costs, location and subject matter always eluded me. Why now, why OM? We all know tattooing has a ritual signifigance and personal meaning, and for a lot of people it's a much more regular thing.
Upon reflection I came up with several reasons (in no particular order):
1. I have been feeling stagnant lately in many areas of my life. I needed a radical shock that didn't involve ditching my life and running away somewhere new.
2. I have begun a new creative endeavor, and for some reason tattoos have something to do with it.
3. I wanted the pain because I wanted to feel something because many of my emotions are currently muted. This may be because of the Paxil, on the plus side, a most of my anxiety is gone and I can swallow, although I am still easily irritated. The pain was good. I was vibrating to the needle RPM for hours after the work, and already want another one.
4. I really do need to mediate more, and it's time I go beyond breath counting to OM. As I grokked the tatoo, I realized that the OM would help keep me present in the moment.
There you go, one more "modern" rite of passage.
Now it's off to meditate.
<< Home