Your Most Vital Commitment

Within each of there is a well of energy that must be regularly replenished. When we act as if this well is bottomless, scheduling a long list of activities that fit like puzzle pieces into every minute of every day, it becomes depleted and we feel exhausted, disconnected, and weak. Refilling this well is a matter of finding time to focus on, nurture, and care for ourselves, or "you time." Most of us are, at different times throughout the day, a spouse, a friend, a relative, an employee, a parent, or a volunteer, which means that down time, however relaxing in nature, is not necessarily "you time." Though some people will inevitably look upon "you time" as being selfish, it is actually the polar opposite of selfishness. We can only excel where our outer world affairs are concerned when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled.

Recognizing the importance of "you time" is far easier than finding a place for it in an active, multifaceted lifestyle, however. Even if you find a spot for it in your agenda, you may be dismayed to discover that your thoughts continuously stray into worldly territory. To make the most of "you time," give yourself enough time on either side of the block of time you plan to spend on yourself to ensure that you do not feel rushed. Consider how you would like to pass the time, forgetting for the moment your obligations and embracing the notion of renewal. You may discover that you are energized by creative pursuits, guided meditation, relaxing activities during which your mind can wander, or modes of expression such as writing.

Even if you have achieved a functioning work-life balance, you may still be neglecting the most important part of that equation: you. "You time" prepares you for the next round of daily life, whether you are poised to immerse yourself in a professional project or chores around the home. It also affords you a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your needs, and your tolerances in a concrete way. As unimportant as "you time" can sometimes seem, it truly is crucial to your wellbeing because it ensures that you are never left without the energy to give of yourself.

The Mind Over Body

Upon my travel through the world wide web today, I happened across an article that I felt was of great interest and does a much better job of conveying our own mind over body experience during my husband's health than I could possibly put into words...

Mind Over Genes: The New Biology

Earlier in my career as a research scientist and medical school professor, I actively supported the perspective that the human body was a "biochemical machine ‘programmed’ by its genes. We scientists believed that our strengths, such as artistic or intellectual abilities, and our weaknesses, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer or depression, represented traits that were preprogrammed into our genes. Hence I perceived life’s attributes and deficits, as well as our health and our frailties as merely a reflection of our heredity expression.

Until recently, it was thought that genes were self-actualizing…that genes could ‘turn themselves on and off.’ Such behavior is required in order for genes to control biology. Though the power of genes is still emphasized in current biology courses and textbooks, a radically new understanding has emerged at the leading edge of cell science. It is now recognized that the environment, and more specifically, our perception (interpretation)of the environment, directly controls the activity of our genes. Environment controls gene activity through a process known as epigenetic control.

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Please feel free to follow the link if it pulls you like it did me. I would love to hear some feedback on what you felt about the article so please feel free to leave a comment once you have completed your reading.

The Secret

Going through a major illness or a life saving transplant can be extremely difficult for most. They started to think about all the negative that can happen in their lives or the lives of those they love. Instead of making preparations for the "just in case", they call it "when it happens".

The problem is, I believe, that many allow their fears to invade their mind. Throughout Greg's illness and recovery, we would often say to each other "where the mind goes, the body follows". It is more true than most people understand. Without a positive attitude, without the ability to push the doubts and fears away, the body will follow down the negative and painful path. It is not only important to think positively but also to feel positive.

Sure, we hit our bad moments. However, it is was during those moments when we would turn around and say out loud that although there was nothing we could do to change what just happened, we could choose where to go from here. We needed to take we we had and use it to our advantage. This is, what I believe, to be the secret of Greg's miraculous health. He lived with a terminal illness since his birth and yet received two degrees and went onto work full time. Then he got married and it was only shortly after this that he got very sick and almost died. Why? He was depressed from being laid off of his job at that time.

The positive flow of energy and love started over in that moment and saved his life. Nine months on a ventilator and 3.5 years waiting for a double lung transplant. After all that wait, he was only in the hospital 10 after his transplant and has had not even the slightest form of rejection in the 2.5 years since his transplant. Yes, we are blessed by God and the fact that we know - where the mind goes, the body follows.

Where do you want your body to go?

Daily Wisdom

• Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
• Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed downfor generations.
• Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored bymany.
• Do not believe in anything merely on authority of your teachers andelders.
• But when, after observation and analysis, you find anything that agreeswith reason, and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept itand live up to it.

-The Buddha's Kalama Sutra