Buddha Tattoo - First Session

So this is going to be another non fitness blog, but I have to share this with you :-) I promise fitness blogs this weekend. So my first session was yesterday of my buddha tattoo. I decided to get a half sleeve of a buddha head on top of a lotus flower. Why this design? Thought you would never ask :)

As some of you read in my previous blog, its been quite a journey Ive been on. The growth Ive made over the last year is amazing. I wanted to get a tattoo to mark this time in my life. At first I wasnt sure if I want to do the arm tattoo or something else. Ive been researching on what I can get for quite sometime, but nothing was like I HAVE TO HAVE THAT. Until I saw a reference of a buddha head looking down at a lotus flower. The symbolization of this was right on key of what I was trying to represent. The Lotus flower really represents my journey. They are found in water. They germinate at the bottom of a pond – in the muck and mud – and grow toward the surface and the light. When they emerge at the surface, they flower. Such a good meaning for someone whose gone through and overcome a hard time. Lotus flowers also can be viewed as the perfection of beauty and a symbol of spirtual growth. The Buddha represents being awaken, enlightment, and just really living life the way "the buddha does" . Do good on to others, and others will do good on to you. And act in positive ways, and positive things will happen! Shall I say, Karama? :)

I just love the serenity of the buddha above the flower. Its like the storm is over and its centers me to where my peace is. When I went for my consultation I said maybe my arm, and as she designed it out with me, and suggested a half sleeve...I knew that was the best place. When I get down and have those bad days...I can glance at my arm and remember where Ive been, and where I want to be.

So yesterday I got to the tattoo shop around 1:30, and when she showed me the stencil I got a huge grin, and said it looks awesome. It was to big so she had to scale it down a little bit. So we started around 2. Its from my elbow to the top of my shoulder and there are a few very tender spots like in the crack of my arm where you get blood taking. And in my armpit fat. So those hurt during the outline. But the outline was nothing compared to the shading! I forgot how painful tattoos are. It has been 10 years. And my longest tattoo was only 1 hour. This may be my last :p

We went for 3 hours. She finished the outline and asked how I was feeling. I said we can try some shading..Im feeling maybe about a 5 in pain. So she did some of the black and gray shading. OMG. It felt like she was scrapping to my bone. It hurt like a bitch! But I stuck it out. I was getting antsy towards the end so she was trying to talk less and work faster. At least it felt like it. We got a good portion of the shading done. I looked in the mirror and just fell in love. It exactly what I wanted and I cant wait till its done. She thinks maybe 2 more sessions depending on how the next session goes.

She is so into this tattoo which makes it so much better. Shes taking a buddha art history class right now so she was telling me about everything she has learned. And she kept thanking me for allowing her to do this tatttoo and how its going to be a great addition to her portfolio. Shes awesome. Im glad I found her. She was even impressed with how long I lasted. I was impressed with myself to tell you the truth!

So she wants to put a light coming through the flower and shinging behind the buddha head. And than at the top of the headdress the light will turn into red like flames. Its going to be so sweet!

Heres are the pictures :)