Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 69

“It is wonderful how quickly you get used to things, even the most astonishing.”

EDITH NESBITT

It used to be that we did pretty much what we wanted, when we wanted. Apart from family and financial responsibilities, we were able to “rip and run” as we pleased and to schedule our activities by whim.

Those days may not be gone forever, but unfortunately we haven’t experienced them in a while. Chronic illness has reined us in sharply, and on some days pain hobbles us to the point of immobility.

What we’ve learned to do, in response to chronic illness, is to listen carefully to our bodies’ signals and messages. Through meditation, body scans, stretching exercises, yoga, and similar techniques, we “check in, tune in, and listen in” and then act on what we learn.

As a primary example, we’re becoming increasingly familiar with our daily body rhythms. We’re discovering when our energy levels are generally highest and lowest, and how to plan activities accordingly.

In my own case, I now know that my best hours are from midmorning to mid-afternoon. Then I can expect a letdown, followed by a surge after dinner. So I’ve learned to make the most of the high-energy times, and to accept and respect the low-energy ones.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When I seek and follow my body’s guidance, then I am at my best.