My cold from last week is persisting, and to some degree worsening. Rather than shocking my body with an overload of cold medicine, I’m riding it out for one very simple reason: the medicine didn’t work because my cold is due to stress, not that nasty little common cold virus.
Last week I had a very upsetting event happen and I literally felt the moment when my mental stress transferred to my body. My throat started to close, then a few days later a full on cold had found its way into my sinuses. My joints filled up with pain and it took a great amount of effort just to walk Phineas last weekend. My body was begging me to listen and if I wouldn’t go willingly, then it would make sure I rested by knocking me out.
There are a few amazing things at play here as I battle this cold of mine:
1.) I have actually heightened my awareness to such a level that I am fully aware of exactly when and how my mental state manifests itself into illness. This is the first time that’s ever happened.
2.) It’s become very clear to me that certain situations in which I’ve put myself and made compromises must come to an end, and quickly. Time is precious and my body and mind have had enough. It’s time to get on with happiness.
3.) This cold has given me quite a bit of time to think and evaluate how I spend my time. I notice that my symptoms wane when I’ve been doing things I truly love and want to do over the past week. My symptoms worsen when I’m doing activities that make me feel like I’m wasting my time. The difference is blatantly clear to me, mentally and physically.
And here’s the big one…
4.) If we’re wondering what to do next, there’s no need to crack out the pro / con list, the decision tree, the horoscope, the I Ching, or any other external device about decision-making. (And I’ve used them all, and frequently!) Stop, close the eye, and listen to the body. It is the ultimate prioritizer, the master of triage. Give it what it needs to be strong and healthy, and you’ll be assured of being on the right path.
The body knows the way. Listen to it.
Christa Avampato 