Tree Tattoo

I FINALLY got the tattoo I've been talking about for a year now.
For those of you who don't know, I have been seriously thinking about getting a tattoo ever since my brother-in-law, Drew, died a couple of years ago. Last year, friend Shawna, bought a gift certificate for my 40th birthday. I waited in part because I wanted to be sure that the image and design is something I would truly be happy with. As many people have told me, the thing is permanent and it will be more painful to take off. Earlier this year, I finally had a design idea that I really liked but it wasn't until today that it all came together for me.

I got a skeleton tree on my left ankle with an 'Om' symbol at the base. Why a tree? The reason I chose a tree is because I've always felt a connection to trees. To me, trees seem to have a quiet majesty about them. Big or small, they stand as sentinels looking at the movement of life, without judgement. I would really like to live my life that way. I would like to learn how to allow events of my life unfold before me without diving into judgement and drama.

Trees also help me to feel deeply connected to nature. One of routes I run in the area I live in, has a row of very tall trees. When I run by them, I can feel their benevolent and peaceful energy. Its always very comforting to me. The best is when I run at night and there is a full moon. Where the street lights don't invade, the moonlight will blanket these trees, the road and me. It makes me feel so connected to nature; not merely a traveller running through it.

On my tattoo, the tree symbolizes my life. The three main roots from the tree represent my love and relationship I have for my family, and friends, and my connection to spirit/God/the Universe. Similar to an actual tree, these things are what keeps me grounded. The twisty branches represent all the twists and turns my life has taken. Although individually they may look a little messy, taken as a whole I see it as beautiful (just like life is). The Om symbol is an ancient Hindu symbol for peace. I have also heard that Om is the sound of creation.

Shawna took a bunch of pictures and they are pretty funny. The man who did the tattoo is Dan Aguilar, a very talented artist. If anyone is interested, please let me know and I can hook you up with Dan. I have to thank Shawna. I LOVE MY TATTOO!!!!! It hurt unbelievably bad but I still love it. When Dan first started, I couldn't believe how much it hurt but by then I was locked in. I'm not at my best in these pictures. I'm sure Shawna couldn't believe what a baby I was being about it. If you have seen chest waxing scene in the 40-year-old virgin and the pain that Steve Carrel endures, well, then you kind of know what I went through. Honestly, I don't think I have ever felt that much pain for that long.....ever! Dan's original idea was to shade the tree in but the pain was too much for me. I like it as an outline and if I want to go back to get it colored in, then I'll have my anesthesiologist brother-in-law give me a few locals before I do it. :-)

If it sounds crazy to anyone, well, I can understand but I have to say that I am really glad I did it.

Sugata