Transitions

The great gift of our acupuncture endeavors is collective engagement in positive change: from pain to little or no pain; from restricted movement to freedom of movement; from disease to harmony and balance. As acupuncture physicians, we have the privilege of participating in and facilitating disease transformation.

So, imagine my surprise when I found myself balking at the changes presented by my imminent retirement from the Air Force! In October of last year, I received my retirement orders: “Congratulations! You will be relieved of duty effective 30 April 2010 after serving 29 years, 5 months and 18 days.” I read this several times and recalled many years ago when I volunteered for Army service in Vietnam. I tried to make the feelings match, but it just wasn't happening. Taking off the uniform felt so different than putting it on!

As I made this transition, I found that I must focus on my new “uniform” of civilian clothes rather than the airman battle dress I put away. Looking forward with respect for tradition and history supports our healing mission; clinging to the past does not. Acupuncture in the Air Force is a reality today because of persevering in doing the work, suiting up and showing up with whatever the uniform, and maintaining a fierce dedication to our chosen practice.

Since the release of my retirement orders, we have continued to treat, teach, and develop clinical trials. In late January, I began what the Air Force calls “terminal leave” (no, I'm not dead yet!), and returned to my practice as a civilian. Those civilian clothes are pretty comfortable! And I find that I continue to contribute to our body of work regardless of the clothes I'm wearing.

And so, it seems that the new “uniform” is working out okay … I believe in the Hippocratic Oath as much as I ever did. I believe in the practice of medicine and the possibility of healing as much as I ever did. And I am more committed to the advancement of medical acupuncture than ever before.

See you all at the AAMA Symposium in April in Florida—let me know then how you like my civilian clothes! I am finding that I thoroughly enjoy my “new” life as a civilian as I continue to make more and more changes, additions, etc., to my life.