The Vagina Monologues Inspire Portland

(originally posted 02/08 at wordpress)





by Blythe Pavlik

Friday night I gathered some friends and headed down to PSU for the second night’s performance of the Vagina Monologues. When we arrived on the third floor of Smith Memorial we were greeted with positive, welcoming vibes. Smiling people lined the way to the entrance creating a funnel into the ballroom where we connected with all the other vagina celebrators. Volunteers and tablers were helpful, directive and very knowledgeable. My friends and I felt well received.

Emergence

(originally posted 02/08 at wordpress)



by Blythe Pavlik

Many years ago, in the early stages of my personal self exploration, I serendipitously came across a transformative quote by Anais Nïn. She wrote, “It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before... to test your limits, to break through barriers. The day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” This quote has since remained a sacred mantra in my life. It defines the critical, painful and rarely mastered moment of labor.

The labor of self actualization... the labor of humility... the labor of change.

The Moody Hues of Winter

(originally posted 02/08 at wordpress)

by Blythe Pavlik

A few years ago I experienced my first winter with Seasonal Affective Disorder, often referred to as SAD. As November gave way to December, my mood became heavy and I was drawn to hibernate. The winter progressed and subsequently depressive feelings increased. I was withdrawn, highly emotional, and allowed negative internal dialog to deplete my sense of empowerment and wellbeing. In so many ways I was a helpless, blubbering mass of sorrow. According to Christine Louise Hohlbaum’s article, Women Suffer from SAD the Most, "75% of SAD sufferers are women!"