Year 1: Core Energy

Excerpt on methods of self-cleansing:

"The 'Sack of Sand' method is a much longer process which requires that I be able to lie down. I learned this method in one of my advanced acting classes in college and it really stuck with me. First, I lie down on the floor face up. I spread my arms and legs slightly like I am going to make a snow angel. I close my eyes and begin to feel the weight of my body and mind. I imagine all the weight turning into dry sand. After all of the weight becomes sand I explore my outer edges for loose seams. I rip a tiny hole in the seams at my feet and the sand begins to seep from my toes. As these empty I pull the thread a bit more so that the sand can empty out further up my legs. The seam opens more to allow the sand in my lower back to drain out. Then my shoulders trickle away. My arms slowly deflate. My neck softens. The sand in my head is the last to leave. It falls from the openings in the seams of my temples and the crown of my head. After this is done I give my body a tiny shake to rid it of any gains that had yet to escape. Once I am completely empty I slowly begin to sew myself up. I imagine a small needle with silver thread moving around the edges of my body. The needle flashes in and out as the silver thread closes the openings now empty of all of their sand. When the seams are fully closed I feel flat and empty like a sack waiting to be filled. I open my mouth and drink in golden light and fresh air. Once I am full and able to stand I blow away the sand. It scatters away with the wind and I feel much lighter. I am now ready to face the world and more sand."

Friday, November 03, 2006