A funny thing happened on the way to the hospital…
Tomorrow is the big day. So, really, I haven’t gone to the hospital yet. But I’ve been thinking a lot about a comment my Mother made when I told her about my ongoing issues, post-gallbladder surgery. She said to me, “But you live so… healthy.”
This comment gave me pause. Not because I don’t think I’m healthy, because, well, I am. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs, I eat a largely vegetarian diet, focusing on whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. I avoid refined sugar and processed foods. I try and get enough sleep. I run or walk 4-5 times per week and I have a daily practice of Yoga and meditation (however brief it may be).
Is this enough to guarantee long life and perfect health? Is this why I make these choices? To ensure that I never encounter any physical suffering? Is that possible?
The resounding answer to all of these questions is, “No.” Nothing will guarantee a long, pain-free life. Nothing. I make the choices I do primarily to support my heart-felt desire to be present to my life. Growing spiritually requires us to be clear-minded, and what we put in our body and how we take care of our body, of course, impacts that.
My Mother’s comment, to me, highlights our bizzare relationship to discipline and fear. We do so many things out of a sense of fear and restriction. My sincerest wish is that we all learn to reaquaint ourselves with true kindness, which involves discipline, which leads to true freedom. If you remember my frosting breakdown late last year, it is an excellent example of what I’m describing. The truly kind thing for me to do on my own behalf was to exercise enough discipline to stop eating the frosting. By stepping away from the sugar, I am free from the pain of craving (after a few days). There is no feeling of deprivation- if there is, I’m not doing it from a place of self-love, understanding, and kindness….
But no matter what choices we make, I am certain there are no guarantees.
I am assuming that whatever is happening in my body is not terribly serious or I would feel worse, but really, I have no idea. I will know more tomorrow. I feel deeply grateful that outside of this one issue, I enjoy good health. This can only work to my advantage in the healing process. And, if it’s something more serious, I also feel deep gratitude that I have some tools to meet life’s challenges with, hopefully, some grace and ease.
January 8th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Best wishes for tomorrow, Nona. Hopefully all will go smoothly.
January 8th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow (or rather later tonight when it will be tomorrow for you!). When I told Matt about your procedure, he was even more nonchalant about it than I was.
I was always amazed when I worked in the hospital of all the 90-something year olds that smoke, survive on canned food, don’t take care of themselves, and live forever!
January 8th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Thanks Kirsten, and Kristen! I’m glad to hear that Matt is nonchalant. Really.
January 8th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Oh Nona - I had no idea…My thoughts will be with you tomorrow! I love what you said about nothing being able to guarantee a pain free life - I had an open biopsy on my hip bone when I was 21, despite living a very healthy life…Since then I have had several surgeries all of which were just part of living (they had nothing to do with my health choices)…There is no guarantee about anything in this world and all we can do is live our best moments and try to be present in our lives, like you said. Thought provoking - thanks.
January 8th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I will be thinking of you and sending lots of healing vibes.
You are right. We all want to be in control and think we can prevent things from happening to us or the ones we love. But all we can do is be present and live our lives in the most authentic way possible. And you are doing that.
January 9th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Here are warm and healing thoughts being sent your way. I’ve had more surgery than any person could wish for, and took the homeopathic substance Arnica C200 before and after surgery. It helped with the surgery and healing.
Funny that your mom thinks you live your lifestye to avoid illness and discomfort, rather than just being able to daily benefit from your healthy lifestyle and attitude.
All the best. Let us know how things went. Even if it is just a peep.
January 9th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I’ll be thinking of you!!!!
January 9th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Wow. I’ve had the same thoughts. I was so distressed last year when my son was diagnosed w/diabetes & celiac, because I buy organic!! I make my kids eat vegetables!! I don’t allow sodas!! I did my very best to keep them healthy, yet something like this happens anyway. And you are right. That’s not the point. The point is that in my family we live choose to live our lives in a non-harmful, healthy way because that’s how we take care of ourselves & the world around us. It gives us peace and clarity of mind. I do what I can to help my children be aware, caring citizens of the world. That’s what matters.
I’m sending you healing thoughts & prayers for your procedure. I hope you are feeling better soon!
January 9th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I send you so much love Nona! May you heal swiftly~ you are one of the strongest women I know.
January 9th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Nona,
We are thinking of you here in little Fort Worth, TX. Hope things went smoothly today and you are resting comfortably!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I whole-heartedly second that! Recently Bif Naked was diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s been a raw vegan for a very long time and a very vocal advocate of this diet for optimal health. A few raw foodies I know immediately leapt to judgement declaring, “Well, she’s obviously been eating cooked food.”
What I found really beautiful is the statement she released. She only said that she was happy it was her cancer and not her mothers, not her sisters, and not her friends. How amazing is that? She said she felt strong and ready for the fight and I was sooo inspired by that.
Lovely, insightful post!
xoxo Ingenue
January 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Nona, I have read your blog often, but never left a comment. Good luck with your procedure and I wish you a speedy recovery. With your positive outlook, I think you’ll do just fine!
January 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Funny story…my great uncle never spent a day of his life sober from age 16. (Okay, that is not the funny part…) He died at 86! He had never had a serious illness his entire life. They did an autopsy on him to find his liver was in perfect condition. (We decided it must have been pickled…)
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