Reflection #13 Time and My Body
The Gap Year
Reflection # 13 Time and My Body
“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of the Earth's greenings. Now, think.”―Hildegard von Bingen
Time never stops so neither can we. As time moves slowly and steadily forward, we have to keep vigilant, stay physically active, and not let ourselves age prematurely.
I’m not naïve. I know that staying active doesn’t mean I’ll never get ill or hurt. I’ve had my share of injuries, operations, and sickness. Because I’ve lived through them, I know I can make it and come out strong. Keeping active gives me a better chance of fast recovery. Being healthy, vital, and active means I can enjoy my sons and their families, travel to see friends, volunteer in my community and abroad, and visit interesting places. With each new year, I can look forward to new adventures.
Here is another reality. Nowadays I have to gauge what I can or cannot do in a day. I’ve had to accept that what hurt yesterday is going to hurt today and tomorrow. It may always hurt. The pain or discomfort may slow me down and each time I’ve had to learn to adapt and move with it.
My needed amount of body maintenance is increasing. Rarely a season goes by when I don’t have to consult with a medical person. Because my body is growing more vulnerable, I am more vigilant when driving my car and surveying the sidewalk as I take my afternoon walk. I want to avoid any injury that would take longer to heal than it once did. I’ve reconciled that I don’t have the instant unquestioning energy I once had. Instead of rebelling against days when I find myself slowing down and fatigued, I am learning to accept it without chastisement.
Talking about my aches and pains or numerous surgeries is not a conversation that cheers anyone up. Suggestions from others about what I should do are rarely helpful. When asked about my health my new response is, “Let’s talk about something more interesting.” Then I steer the conversation to hear about my granddaughter’s school or their son’s latest project.
We need to practice more patience and humor with ourselves. Be thankful for what our bodies can do and do in a day. We can allow ourselves to go with the current, to stretch out and rest. In moments of fatigue, we ask ourselves whether slowing down may be a message to be present in this moment. To taste it and see it, to embrace it. Finally, taking the time to give attention to what is here now. To sit, to quiet down and become more reflective. But… not for too long.
Now it’s your turn
Take time to reflect and if in a group, share as you feel able.
I believe:
a) I’m about as fit as I can be even with some limitations.
b) I have healthy habits but could improve.
c) I take care of myself more than most people my age.
d) I could take better care of myself.