In Sickness and In Health

Hello again!  Despite my months of neglect to this blog, here it is waiting for me to share some piece of myself.  And to the readers, thank you for being present with me once more.

The sun, nearing winter solstice, travels low across the sky in a multiple-exposure picture.

As we hurdle toward the holidays and the seasonal shift to Winter, we naturally reflect on the changes in our lives.  Our tendency to seek the comfort and security of cozy inside spaces nurtures us physically and spiritually.  Our relationships glow a little more vividly, giving warmth to ourselves and others.  Repair and regeneration of the body and mind occur when we have time to rest in quiet contemplation.  And we realize the profound importance of caring for each other.

Helping Hands by Sarah Playle

This past week my husband and I learned an intense lesson in gratitude for our health.  He was sick with food poisoning.  It was absolutely awful.  The body's way of healing itself is to eliminate the internal mayhem, leading to total energetic wipeout.  And then, slowly but surely, the gut-brain mends itself, recovering its usual role of fiery-immune-warrior.  We both recalled how happy we were eating our last meal of sushi together before the evil illness struck.  Taken for granted days before, every food item in the fridge and pantry has come under my paranoid scrutiny.  Is this good for us?  How will it affect my stomach?  Did anyone touch this with unclean hands?

I realize the exaggeration may seem a bit self-absorbed, but interpreting and sharing our life experiences can draw us closer, make us thankful for being here, and illuminate areas in need of attention.

Although Thanksgiving has passed, we should celebrate and give thanks every day for our blessings.  Let's all find some process or experience to actively give thanks through (gut-wrenching or not).  Feel free to post your story or thoughts about what you are most thankful for.

Try this mukula (beak hand) mudra for self-healing.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
Audrey Hepburn

STAY TUNED!