I don't think anyone would disagree with the sentiment that health is the most important thing, yet there is a strange relationship we have with it.
When we are ill, there is nothing more that we want, than to be healthy again. In the moment of a severe bout of sickness, there is so much that we would be willing to give or pay to get better immediately.
The minute we are better, we are so greatful, we feel so thankful to be able to function like normal, it is a wonderful feeling.
Sadly, however, this gratitude and appreciation, disappears very quickly. Beiing Healthy becomes very quickly the normal again. And luckily our brain and body quickly recover and forget the pain of the past few days. Although at the time, we felt this feeling would never be forgotten.
So why is it that we only have two views on our health : Neutral or negative.
I have tried to search the internet for insights, but have not found any. Maybe I am alone in this health ingratitude?
What about you, do you take your health for granted?
Do any of you have any rituals or ways of showing gratitude for a healthy day?
What practices work to ensure we appreciate the positive days?
Do let me know......
Health is only "the most important thing" when I don't have it. When I do have it then it tends towards the background of givens - which may also include friendship; love; support; food and oxygen etc. I recently read a proposition to; "Imagine the only things you had tomorrow were the things that you appreciate today". This did bring home to me the great value in appreciating what I have and holding it as a background to my life - but can I keep it up and not let it become another chore?
ReplyDeleteOne of the "interesting" aspects of growing older is that health is no longer a given. I notice this particularly at this time of year - when the aches and moans of the body appear to be louder and more insistent. I took my mother in law to the bingo yesterday and the conversation before kick off was permeated with health issues and grumbles. This is where we are all heading - God willing - and bringing this reality into focus helps put my current health and condition into focus - reminding me to better appreciate and preserve what I have.