As we have moved down the path to integral health many revelations have occurred. Renewal of old ways, and a revisited sense of wellbeing have occurred. Through the years I have had the pleasure to learn from those with wisdom passed through generations. I have experienced the truths of holistic wellbeing. Yet, each day I marvel at the wonders that abound; the new research, new methodologies, and ending potential on the horizon. Many travel this path seeking a eutopia while others find it. This entry is to share a personal experience to hopefully encourage others not to abandon the path to wholeness, happiness, and human flourishing.
Let me begin by stating I still see myself a child in learning the ways of integral health. Throughout the years some parts of the practice have developed without knowing the guidelines. Displacing negativity and dwelling in the positive has been a lifetime in the making (thanks mom). From an early age it was instilled selfishness let to negative results. This has been a guiding light in this journey. I do not remember a time when helping was not a natural extension of self (again thanks mom). At first it was something taught, but then it became something chosen. Meditation and prayer have been staples in life much as flour and honey are pantry staples. I feel blessed that both religion and spirituality have been part of the decades. This has been a source of strength when the waters have been rough.
Nutrition and physical activity have been priorities since the teen years. Yes, I have eaten organic all my life. Although, we just referred to it as getting something from the garden. I am sure many of the readers would be appalled at the lack of processed, prepackaged, and nutrient deficit foods in my home. Eating out? Wow, that is trading the neighbors for something we don’t grow! We take time to laugh, cry and love, embracing the vitality of each day.
If you have begun this journey with the idea at the end is perfection, read on. For all that has been done right, for all the happiness and hope there is still the pitfalls of life. I believe a large part of integral health is building the foundations needed to navigate life’s obstacles. It is not a perfect world, but the principles when applied make it a much better place.
I had not planned to marry again after the loss of my spouse (death), and was quite content with life and my practice. However, things change. I have been married to a wonderful man for the last nine and a half years. We continue to live a simple lifestyle, working to serve others. We have been fortunate in having the ability to grow food to share with those in need. This sounds as though we, together and individually, have accomplished the goals of human flourishing. Perhaps to a certain degree, but there is much more to learn.
Today within this ideal world (for me anyway) a cloud entered. My husband was diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps the strangest part is not falling apart or becoming emotionally overloaded. I believe we are experiencing the fruits of working toward integral health. With clear mind, decisions are being made and plans put into action. It is an obstacle to overcome, not devastation. Perhaps this is the point of the teachings, the strength to endure and overcome dwells within.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It sounds like you have had a good upbringing. It is amazing what parents can instill in their children. It makes me think of what I have taught my children and what I still need to teach them. But like we discussed last week, we need to learn and practice things before we can teach them to others. This class has helped me learn and practice the things I need to teach my children. What I teach them is what they will teach their own children.
ReplyDeleteI am proud of how you are dealing with your husband's cancer. I have also had to do down the road of cancer with my mother. The road is long and has a lot of ups and downs. It is important to keep the ups and let the downs go by. It is important to live for the day and know that you are doing everything you can to keep on your path. My prayers are with you and your husband.
Jodi Geer
Dianne,
ReplyDeleteYour life seems to be the epitomy of health & wellbeing. It sounds that everything you all are doing is 'right' and my husband and I love our garden, it's allot of work but we do it together and it is so rewarding to eat our preserved goods during the rest of the year. We do go out and eat but not half as much as our family & friends do. It's a personal choice and besides the cost does not make it feasible.
Arkansas is a poor state and many people grow their own vegetables & raise chickens and eat fish... sad part is they sure like to deep fry things! I don't know why you and your husband are going through this trial but there is strength in numbers and since he has such a loving companion with him he has the best chance of recouperation there is...
*A study I read about has shown that if someone does not like their work their recovery rate from a debilitating disease decreases by half and it sounds like you both enjoy your work & service to the community so I expect good things will happen.
From Liz Hobby
One more thing...
ReplyDeleteContinue to dream about the future (seeing you both in the picture) and talk about it often. This sets a wonderful context for expecting a proper recovery.
My husband and I always, I mean every day, we talk about 5, 10, 20 years down the road and what we will be doing and we get as specific as possible or we say things like "well in 5 years I'll have 2-3 weeks vacation we should go to Switzerland or explore the East Coast-New England states" etc. and we will talk about what we will go see & how long we might like to stay in each state and so on... dream big. We do and it makes us more connected, close & we share the Big Dream of our life together... it'll never end! Too much to see.
Liz Hobby