Today I'm reflecting on being sick in a world that keeps moving and demanding. I’m in week four of a bad cold and am just starting to feel human again.
How do you care for your mind when your body is sick?
I've learned the hard way this time. Too often, I was saying things like this to myself:
“I NEED to…"
"I HAVE to…"
"I SHOULD…"
All while needing to just lie on the couch in the sun and heal.
I'm seeing with new eyes the ways we have internalized toxic, always-working culture that is so demanding, as evidenced when we are ill. Why is it so hard to rest?
I'm practicing...
Gratitude for people in my life who are patient with me when I make mistakes and cancel or reschedule meetings.
Precious daily meditation; it was too easy to skip that while sick…ironically.
Resting for a bit, just for the sake of rest, not to rest and get up and work myself into the ground.
Reading for joy and enjoyment.
Community experienced in-real-life, virtually, and even via social media. These Instagram posts encourage me. I hope they encourage you as well, even if you aren’t sick.
Body Love:
via @healthyphit
Rest is Resistance:
via @thenapministry
Truthtelling:
via @carolinejsumlin