There we were with thousands of our closest friends, sweltering in the heat of July, waiting for the Northside Fourth of July Parade. It was so worth it! Anyone who has a cause, a band, or would like to advertise may join the parade. We saw politicians and those who demonstrate against them. We saw marching bands and drill teams (even the men's drill team that uses power drills and does routines). There were the lawnchair ladies, unicyclists and belly dancers. The thing that really caught my attention, though, was this...
Fly your own freak flag. I remember the first time a friend said this to me. What great permission for an uptight, former naval officer, Catholic girl. I was so tightly wrapped, nothing good could get out. But I firmly believe that God gave us all gifts, we need to find ways to use them. Which meant it was time for a change. After finding reiki, the adventure began. I found my journey mirrored by some of the pictures I took yesterday.
As an energy healer in Northern Kentucky, sometimes I feel like this guy...
He is a fire eater, using his talents, even though it is very, very hot. Each baton is balanced carefully, he has all the right tools, he is focused. Everyone who sees him marvels both at his ability and at his craziness. In those times I just keep waking up, doing what I do and looking for what in me makes life so uncomfortable. For this fine fellow, I would recommend a change of clothes and a change of venue, like some air conditioning. For me it is usually something similar. I feel the emotional heat when I am trying to explain what I do to someone who has asked, but is not really interested in the answer. They are asking the question to point out how wrong I am. The best part is, a change of venue (i.e. walking away) can fix this as well.
Sometimes I feel like this guy...
Here he is, riding a unicycle and not one person is noticing him! When I feel like a performer who is ignored, it is time to look inside. Do I want privacy and rest, so no clients call? Do I have a belief in failure? Am I resisting people paying me for my services? That last one is an old foe. We have jousted many times. He grows weaker while I grow stronger.
More and more often, fortunately, I feel like these guys...
...grooving to the energy that moves through me to my clients, at one with the forces around me, making cool jazz, not noticing the people watching. Not a bad place to be. I'll leave you with one last picture to capture the feeling of letting your freak flag fly. This is my nephew, covered in sweat and dirt, sitting among the family he loves, totally engaged in the spectacle that is life.
