Hey Hotspring,

I know you were considering this point and not sure to do with it, but have you considered trying a Courtly Companion again? It to me sounds like you need a relationship with a guy which sex is not an issue, and it may really help in your spiritual search.

Good luck. I hope you find the spiritual place you are looking for.

that sex without love is such an empty experience but as empty experiences go, it is one of the best!

So yes, I can believe that all men are distractions but you gotta admit, as distractions go, we never cease to amuse, bewilder and provide pause to reflect.

I remember a previous post from you on Hydrostud and I was not feeling a peace about your relationship with him - your feelings of immense relief seem to confirm my instincts but more importantly, they point out your gift of inner guidance to journal your thoughts and feelings until you find the courage of your convictions to take action - well done! And that dream - wow! I would not attempt to interpret that for you but it is obviously rich, pregnant with meaning for your experience with him.

As for your ex-boyfriend - he can join my support group for overly-available nice guys with hearts of gold any time! Have mercy on us guys and our odors - we may not have the hygenic skills that we should and can always use some grooming tips from those we get up close and personal with, assuming our fragile egos can handle your best, tactful approach. Thanks for your candid honesty in sharing - it's refreshing and greatly appreciated.

Sounds like this really sexy man in your life has all your buttons pushed - how delicious! We all need a little boost now and then and you are astute enough to recognize it for what it is while longing to return to your spiritual core. I trust you will find that path back to your spiritual practice, giving you clarity and balance for all the delightful male distractions likely to cross your bow in the days ahead.

Best wishes for your board exams and thanks for the book reference as you have picqued our collective curiousity on Zebras and gluccocorticoids both.

I am almost 2 weeks without orgasm and your sharing is an encouragement as we all purpose to navigate these uncharted waters. One of these days, I'm gonna post about my journey - honest! I had a flood of journaling last week and then lost my focus in Spring Break madness with my 3 kids all home from college.

Thanks for the chance to post regarding your insightful sharing and I will look forward to hear how things are working out.

Richard

The following are notes from my A&P lecture

Glucocorticoids are a group of very similar steroid hormones released from the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid and the one necessary for life. Regulation of cortisol is under the control of the limbic system. Cortisol regulates many aspects of metabolism, along with resistance to stress. It's functions are immensely complex and still poorly understood in its effects.
Target: All cells
Control: HYPOTHALAMUS

EFFECTS: Necessary for life and normal cell function (need it to utilize fats and glucose) but much is to be learned
1)Raises blood levels of: Glucose, Fatty Acids, Amino Acids.
a) Helps control concentrations of blood glucose (gluco in glucocorticoid).
b) Increase conversion of amino acids and fatty acids to glucose
c) It is involved in regulating blood glucose levels in time of starvation and adjusting what our cells use for energy in times of stress.

2) Breakdown of body proteins (catabolism): so important organs have access to vital nutrients. (skeletal muscle, and all connective tissues)

3)Have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties
a) But will also inhibit tissue repair- long term!
b) May be necessary to turn off immune cells after infection is eliminated?

4)Decrease the effects of physical or emotional stress- how?
a)To increase blood levels of glucose and other nutrients (from body proteins) for vital organs?
By increasing blood pressure and blood glucose; and maybe shuttling building blocks to vital organs? Evolutionary = In starvation to keep heart, brain, liver, kidney alive and well?
b) Affect behavior- surge of energy, short term drive
c) THE UNKNOWN

5)Necessary for normal growth.

6)In addition to their physiologic importance, glucocorticoids are also among the most frequently used drugs, and often prescribed for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties (hydrocortisone, prednisone)

Long Term Stress- NEGATIVE EFFECTS Include (largely related to EXCESS cortisol over long time):
1) Lower resistance to infectious disease, autoimmune disorders, allergies
2) Decrease tissue repair (ulcers, leaky gut, arthritis, joint problems, muscle catabolism)
3) Increase Blood Pressure
4) Possible electrolyte imbalance (loss of potassium)
5) Mental changes- Depression and anxiety
6) Fat redistribution and obesity
7) Poor sleep (cortisol too high at night)
8) Promote changes in cardiovascular, neural, and gastrointestinal function
9) Osteoporosis, arthritis and other connective tissue problems
10) Note- That the levels of cortisol affect the functioning, AND the levels of other hormones, which leads to maybe just about any pathology??

High levels eventually may lead low levels of cortisol - due to adrenal exhaustion - which leads to any number of problems (fibromyalgia, CFS, IBS, depression, addiction, PTSD) including, death.

Bodywork lowers levels of cortisol- you are retraining your clients nervous and endocrine systems

Actually I love the smell of a woman's armpits- it is a real turn on. I once had a lover who was an avid runner. I really enjoyed licking her sweaty body, particularly her neck and armpits; after she came back from a hard run. Did I really need to tell y'all that??

Happy Saturday everybody!

WC

are good for the soul William. Thanks for putting a big smile on my face and thank you hotspring for embracing such honest sharing.

Male/female relations are taking great strides in this community, right before our eyes!

Richard