Although feeling healthy and eating healthily I came down with a cold and fever at the beginning of this week. I am choosing to write an article about it as it turned out to be a completely different experience from any other cold/fever I have had as an adult. Here is why:
First of all, when, as an adult, do we have time to be ill? When are we without any responsibility to anyone else but ourselves when not feeling well? I realised I was in a luxury situation. Okay, I had to care for my dog but that was easy, and a pleasure. The short walks I took him on while not feeling 100% gave me a chance to get some fresh air.
The day I woke up feeling unwell I immediately reminded myself of two important things:
1) I appreciate everything.
2) I am accepting the situation I am in. This means I am friends with this moment, I am not going to create any resistance to the moment I am in.
Reminding myself that I appreciate everything meant I could feel grateful. I looked for things to feel grateful for related to my illness. There were several: I am grateful that I am ill now instead of in a few weeks time when I am going on a weekend trip with my children. I am grateful that I have all the food and drink I need at home already. I am grateful that I don’t have to feel bad for not going to work or interact with other people when not feeling well. I am so grateful I can lie in bed all day if I want, take good care of myself and not feel bad about anything. I am grateful that the weather is not fantastic, it helps me feel more okay about staying indoors. I am grateful I like my bedroom and can look out on the sea.
The acceptance part has more to do with being with the illness and allowing its presence. I find it deeper on a mind-level. We are talking active acceptance. I decided I was not going to fall for the usual trick of the mind leading to reactivity that would only prolong my illness. I visualised my body internally. I wanted to ensure I did not create any unnecessary blockages. In fact, I wanted everything within me to have space to circulate freely. I did a lot of conscious breathing – as I always do – I know it is healing for the body in any situation! I also wanted to let the body do its thing in its natural way to sort out the imbalance within me. I have full trust in the body and know it is super intelligent. That is why I did not go to thoughts such as “it is so annoying I am ill”, “why does this happen to me”, “I hate this situation”, etc. The body hears all our thoughts. Thinking this way would only have created blockages within me and prolonged the illness.
They say, when you practice yoga you fall better. I am certain that when you practise presence you accept better. I went with a firm decision to be grateful and being in acceptance. I have no doubt it improved the situation I was in. Actually, thinking of it, it improves any situation you will ever find yourself in.
I hope this article will inspire you in case you have to deal with a cold/fever this winter, or anything else that feels challenging to you.
Wishing you well! Annette X
