Although I am grateful for the long winter break, I’m so happy to be back on campus, especially during this cold season. I attribute my deep appreciation for winter to the slowness it exemplifies, and in a fast-paced world, I’m a strong advocate for moving slowly in balance and resting when needed. In addition to having a Monday holiday and subsequently a shorter school week, it has felt easy getting back into the swing of things. At this point, I think it’s safe to assume we aren’t looking to our calendars to direct us to class anymore.
Although the energy has been slow and easeful for the most part, I’m also experiencing a mixture of emotions as I officially enter into Phase 2 of the program. On one hand, I’m nervous as conversations of Part 1 Boards are brought up. On the other hand, I’m confident knowing that my professors have prepared me well and there is a strong system of support available to answer my questions and help me navigate Phase 2.
The Satisfaction of Earning a Dual degree
In my personal journal, I try to make space to sit with all that’s coming up for me, and in my personal reflections, I’m in awe at how far I’ve come so fast. That bittersweet feeling is the reason why I’m choosing to take things slower this trimester. I’m on track to earn a dual-degree — Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) — and particularly glad to be enrolled in more classes within my DAc program, which has added another layer of excitement to my ND studies.
Thus far, we’ve been investigating the Du channel and the Ren channel, and discovering these amazing vessels have been grounding and richly expansive. I’m thankful for my partner, who is always lending a listening ear with a willingness to practice with me as I learn new points to locate.
From my perspective, I see how the meridian network provides one of the clearest examples of what Chinese medicine believes is the body being an interconnected system, and a system in which structure, energy and function are in constant conversation. What I’m most grateful for is how seamlessly this stuff links up into the subject matter that I’m studying in naturopathic medicine. Different modalities may use different language, but they often point toward the same truths about balance, communication and vitality.
NUHS Garden Club
Outside of the coursework, it’s my goal to become more immersed in my community and network here at NUHS. Club lunch is coming up, and I’m excited to invite more members into the Garden Club.Thesoiltestingperformedlasttrimesterrevealsgreatgrowingopportunities,anditismyhope that we can grow and engage with herbs we have been learning about (at least so long as they are plantable and appropriate!) and ensure that the garden can act as a living classroom for students duringthewarmerseasons.
Until then, I hope we all make the most of this cold winter season. With that, I’d like to remind everybody to remain warm and to take care of yourself. These early weeks can be a tough adjustment period for a lot of us and small acts of comfort matter. I am beyond grateful that my fur baby is there beside me when I study, a kind of quiet companionship that makes the process of learning new and exciting material feel a little more easeful while integrating. Sending warmth to all fellow students and companions!
