Last week my pulses were depressed, meaning low energy. Every now and again I watch too much of the national news and, without knowing it, slide into and get stuck in the concept of outer oppression. My thoughts and emotions can then spiral downward and I focus on what isn’t right and what I feel frustrated with like my loft, seemingly small life, etc. Usually at some point I catch myself, know this is momentary, and remember the book What To Say When You Talk To Your Self and my Buddhist friend’s teachings on the discipline/practice of changing mental habits for well-being. In an instant, a negative thought can be turned into a positive one and suffering is alleviated. This time, I wallowed too long in constriction. After the treatment, I felt more grounded.

Seven days later I go back on Labor Day for part 2 of the treatment. My acupuncturist asked how I was doing followed by a comment that I still seemed “flat.” I told him the song that perfectly described how I felt was “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes. To my great surprise, he jumps up, gets his I-Pad, downloads and plays the song while I’m laying on the table and proceeds to take my pulses.

Without a doubt, this was the coolest session I’ve ever had in the 20+ years he’s been treating me. To have music playing in the background in and of itself was healing, and I loved bonding through tone/melody. He loves music too so that adds to the match. He sent me on my way thrilled that my pulses were back to normal and knowing I would feel renewed. He also reminded me to paint my frustrations; hence, “Lassoed Oops.”