Dear Barbara O’Neill,

Metamorphosis is a slow process.
This ends my 7th week of healthier living, or, “practice makes permanent,” and I look forward to seeing my body reactions after one year, five years and even 10 years.

I’m oblivious to the rearview mirrors. Yesterday, I had the energy to review my health lecture notes from the retreat. The lessons you taught on body physiology were indispensable. For example, I have compartmentalized every aspect of life. It was my error to think that oxygen and arterial blood gases were only vital to the respiratory system.

Everybody dive in. I have been going to the outdoor swimming pool once a week, and when I leave, I feel stronger, happier and more alive. I invested in a MOBI non-contact infrared thermometer that I use often. Agatha Thrash (Home Remedies) would say it’s “the prompt and beneficial effects of cold,” but you taught me that it could be the sun, and it could be the fresh air (more oxygen.) It could be all three! It could be all seven!

It’s a bit of a science lesson.
“The cold upgrades the brain because it’s getting this flood of chemicals every time you immerse in that cold water (9° C).
Your whole body comes alive, and then as your body adapts, it just becomes easier and easier and you start to crave the cold.”
// Craig Foster, Marine Biologist (My Octopus Teacher, documentary)

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Blackberries are coming in harvest, and Pam Allen has given me her tried and true recipe for a wonderful berry-pineapple dessert with coconut cream.

Thinking of you
as I continue
to move toward the heart
of true healing
I have rivers to raft
and mountains to climb
at the Ocoee
this 4th of July

Love,
Stacy Sweeney