Reflect on the benefit of Health

I felt weak on wednesday but endured the entire day at work. Total lack of energy. I got a fever and cold, just lay flat on the couch actually four days in a row and missed the Fjellsport course which I was supposed to attend from friday to sunday. I really wanted to be well enough but it was not possible to go even though my backpack was already packed and ready for a weekend in tent. This was second part of the course and it was especially customized for us here in Lofoten. But it is not important anymore. The important thing is that I get well and strong again.

“Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” ~Buddha

Often illness brings into focus what we wish we could be doing when we feel healthy.

Take time to do little things.

Write letters, reorganize your closet, or read a book. We often take small simple tasks for granted.  Their simplicity can seem too easy for us when we are in the midst of a busy life, but when we are sick they might be at just the right pace for us.

Reflect on the frailty of life

So let's face it: We aren't going to be here forever. There is no way to avoid old age, sickness, and death. Our willingness to acknowledge impermanence can either bring anxiety or help us focus on what we want to do with our lives.

Being sick is a great time to reflect on the meaning of our lives. Sickness can be a wake up call to remind us that we aren’t made of Teflon. Alas, all sorts of stuff sticks to us in life and it’s up to us what we want to work to let go of.

What principles do you want to adhere to in life and what small things could you let slide? If you only had a year to live, what would you do with the time you have left? If someone you care about got sick, what would you want to say to that person?

Sickness reminds us of the frailty and preciousness of this life. It brings into focus that we can never know when things will change for us. We can greet this truth with fear and annoyance, or we can greet it with gratitude for the wisdom it brings us.

Reprioritize self-care
When we are not receiving help from others, being sick is a great time to learn the value of taking care of ourselves. Sometimes when I am sick, I can trace back to the imbalance that may have led to the illness. We often push ourselves very hard either out of desire or obligation.

Words from Tiny Budda