PhD Journey | Another Week...

Another week in my PhD drama has passed and no progress in the access to the resources needed for my research. Actually, I decided not to define my PhD journey a drama any longer, and try to be less emotional; I will just look at the statistics of progress/lack of progress. Numbers always bring some type of comfort, after all.
On Wednesday I had an energizing day in Melbourne, although the usual pain in the ankle made walking even short distance a challenge. The purpose was attending a workshop on data visualization, which was extremely informative and even inspiring. Going to Melbourne is always refreshing.
The positive of the past couple of days is also that the pain in my ankle/leg, although is still a constant presence, is decreasing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson  wrote “Life is a journey, not a destination.” but in my PhD case I have really to focus on the destination, as the academic journey is bring mainly frustrations. As I am in mood for quotes, J.R.R. Tolkien's “Not all those who wander are lost.” is bringing some sense of comfort and meaning.
Below are stills from the Finding the Axis Mundi ritualistic sequence: a vinyasa with modified suria namaskar (sun salutation) which includes headstand variations; I practise the sequence twice a day combined with 12 straight legs push ups and several other exercises for abdominals.

 

Thoughts | Good Days, Bad Days: Finding the Core

My PhD journey continues, after an important decision taken a couple days. Yet, every morning, a few minutes after I woke up, usually in a peaceful state, the fear of what the days will bring arise; it has been an emotional roller coaster with many lows and very few —if any— highs.
Metaphors have been provided an interpretative framework throughout this journey and am actually realizing that the all the PhD related experience itself can be considered a metaphor of a journey in life.
"Engage your core" is usually heard several times throughout a Pilates class, and that I was telling myself during my painful walk to the shuttle bus. As I have to modify my walking gait to compensate for avoidance of pain in the left lower limb, I am trying to compensate and find any walking posture which can relieve the pain. The core engagement helps at least to keep a mindful posture. And the metaphor of the "existential core" to actively engage provides motivation and inspiration.

My current working position, at the doctor's suggestion:
the leg has to be kept elevated on the desk to help with the ankle swelling,
with an ice gel pack wrapped around with a towel.
It is no comfortable and I am not sure if it really helps, but provides a good hamstring stretch.
I am also trying to engage the foot flexed upward from the ankle, and spreading the toes as in several yoga postures.

camminando | Maine Paths: York Harbor

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
 Ralph Waldo Emerson