I have been mostly absent this year from online presence, though there are those who know where I might be found lurking. Frankly, this has been a reflection of my actions in the world of the physical experiences as well. I've taken quite some time to isolate this year as I focus towards finding the best version of myself within the current defining contexts of life. I quit drinking alcohol at the beginning of the year with plans to stay sober until I can develop a healthy relationship with the compound. For now though, I move forward with grace.

There is much that has occurred since this year has begun, namely that of the change in trajectory for my educational journey. Initially, I was working towards a biochemistry major seeking to finalize with a doctorates degree. After much duress with an incapable instructor for Organic Chemistry (a keystone course for biochemistry), I have now begun the efforts to work towards receiving a doctorates in integrated health studies as a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), studying with the National University of Natural Medicines (NUNM).

Less than ten minutes ago I officially submitted my application to NUNM, including an essay of who I am and why I want to study at this institute. Over 50% of the practicing naturopathic doctors in the United States all have graduated as alumni from NUNM. The university has less than 600 students attending and only began offering a bachelors (this is where I am in my studies, graduating this term with an Associates of Science) level degree in 2016. I am beyond excited to even be a prospective student to this university.

That said, I'll be back in the next...uh... at some point... to further wrap things up with what has been going on in my life and to try and get back into communicating regularly with the community here on Steemit and in real life. Things are going much better for me, and I am feeling genuinely enthralled to be alive - I am happy to be alive for the first time I can ever remember. I will be sharing my application essay below all of this so any interested parties can read.

I look forward to reconnecting with you all in the coming days.

Blessed Be.

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Source

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The consequences of our actions are not always readily identifiable, but certainly each was sure to bring us to this very moment. My name is Ypyskypo Skwyrl, I was born in the suburbs of Washington D.C. in Virginia, I was raised on the East Coast until I joined the military at 18 years old. My family was fairly conservative in their views while growing up and I was raised relying strictly on the modalities of Western medicine. From a young age I always questioned my surroundings in great detail as I sought to reach a better and more whole understanding of myself and my environment. Philosophy and the Sciences have been the main supportive pillars of my passions since I was a child with many events giving shape to who I am.

I have always excelled in academia. In high school I was studying college level courses in a specialty science program. I was on the path to graduate with a handful of college credits to transfer to a local university and continue my education. Unfortunately, after a series of events at school, I was expelled for a minor incident and lost everything I had worked towards in a moments notice just months before graduation. However, I then attained my GED and joined the military.

I spent four years in the military as a helicopter mechanic, one of those years was spent as a crew chief in South Korea where I was a part of the flight crew for the CH-47D Chinook helicopter. I learned a lot of invaluable lessons and traveled to places I might not have seen otherwise while I was in the Army. I learned what it means to be a part of a team, and what it takes to lead. I was designated to teach the newly arriving soldiers in Korea how to perform some of the more technically advanced maintenance procedures, and how to properly manage the records for each aircraft because of my experience in the flight platoon.

In 2012, after the military, I moved to Portland, Oregon and began my life on the West Coast. Early in 2016, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This was an extremely grounding moment in which I really began to look inward and question my practices in regards to my own health. I found over the years of studies in my personal pursuits that a well-rounded and balanced approach is necessary to all things in that focus should regard the whole without giving too much attention to individual parts. I knew these things and believed them, but it wasn't until being diagnosed as such that I really began practicing my own beliefs.

When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia I took everything I had learned and began applying it in all aspects of my life. I knew that while there was no cure for what I was experiencing, that my body could still be healthy if I treat it well. I began eating a large variety of whole, organic foods. I refrained from synthetic chemicals as much as possible. I stopped drinking alcohol and began exercising regularly. I continued my studies in herbal medicines through Spagyric practices. I continued with extended periods of meditation. I did everything I could within my power to focus on bringing myself to feel whole again.

Fascinated by Alchemy, I came across several Alchemical texts in 2011. Inspired by these authors, I began to practice different spiritual techniques for several years through a series of meditations. In 2014 I stumbled across the works of Paracelsus and the realm of Spagyrics. I took quickly to the preparation of medicinal tinctures and other extracts with an Alchemical framework. By 2017 I had set up a laboratory to work on herbal extracts to prepare for myself and for friends.

In the fall of 2016, I began my educational career with PCC. Thanks to my service in the military, I am gratefully able to attend college and further my studies as I reach towards my goals. Initially, I had been intending on, and currently am, pursuing a degree as a biochemistry major at Portland State University. However, I was recently made aware of the National University of Natural Medicine. I was previously unaware of NUNM or I would have first applied to this university as it most closely aligns with my core values.

My end goal for my educational trajectory is to complete a doctorates degree, and previously intended to do so with a biochemistry major. However, this major does not give me the full rounded educational experience that I am seeking for the practice of medicine. The biochemistry major also comes from a strictly Western modality, while NUNM practices from a holistic modality which agrees significantly more with my individual principles. I wish to continue my studies beginning at NUNM because I know that I will receive an outstanding education in naturopathic medicine. Studying at NUNM would help me tremendously with continuing my personal journey towards helping others and providing holistic approaches to well-being and health.

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LOVELAUGHTER&&XHAOS

PALPABLE POPE Ypyskypo Skwyrl, the Y'sas, Cat-herder aka Chief Bigstick
High Priest, Loser of Found Souls, Temple of Appled Thought
Erisian Ataxia Troupe : Caste of the Pulleiaceus Sun